Craig Rice - A Strong Candidate for Council District 2

By Marilyn Balcombe.

Craig Rice is an ideal choice for District 2 Councilmember. He is smart, savvy, and he knows the Upcounty. As a State Delegate in District 15 he has a firm understanding of Germantown, Poolesville, Darnsetown and the Ag Reserve. Working closely with his colleagues in the other Upcounty Districts he also knows Montomgery Village, Damascus, and Olney.

Craig Rice also brings with him his significant State experience. This is a crucial time for Rockville and Annapolis to be working together. The County needs someone on the County Council who knows how to work with our State Legislators.

But most importantly for me, Craig Rice will be able to strongly represent District 2 on the Council. I am well known for having a chip on my shoulder about the Upcounty being the poor step-child with ONE representative north of Rockville. With only one of nine council members living and breathing our schools, roads, parks, neighborhoods, we have to fight for our fair share - even though we are half the geographic county and in the Census 2010 I'm sure we end up with much more than 1/5 of the population. We are unique in that the demographics of D2 match the demographics of the County. We are a richly diverse district with multiple strengths and many challenges.

Craig understands that. He sees it every day at his children's school, in his neighborhood, and at the local shopping centers. With his work as a State Delegate he has met with many of the residents in District 2. Craig Rice has been a legislator and a loyal public servant, and will hit the ground running.

District 2 needs someone with clout and someone who can work closely with the other 8 council members in a sane, peaceful way. We need to get beyond the bickering and do what is right for this County. Craig Rice will be an important part of the team.

Marilyn Balcombe is the Executive Director of the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce.