For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 2, 2006
“Derick Berlage is an outstanding public servant and the residents of Montgomery County owe him thanks for his tireless efforts, first, as a member of the County Council for twelve years, and, since 2002, as chair of Montgomery’s Planning Board. Mr. Berlage cares deeply about this County and its future and will, I am sure, continue to contribute to the public discourse. We wish him well. He has a bright future.
“Among his achievements are the acquisition of 1,600 acres of new parkland in the last four years; reduction in the maintenance backlog by 80 percent; approval for master plans for Shady Grove, the Woodmont Triangle, Olney, Upper Rock Creek and Damascus – some of the most transformational master plans in county history; leadership in protecting the Agricultural Reserve, and more emphasis on affordable housing in master plans.
“I want to reiterate that our deadline for applications for Planning Board chair is May 31. Anyone who is interested is strongly encouraged to apply. This process is wide open. This decision will be made in public.
“Personally, I will make no commitment to any candidate for Planning Board chair until the close of the application deadline to ensure that, at least by me, all candidates are fully and fairly considered."
Release ID: 06-050