Speech and Testimony
County Executive Leggett’s Remarks at the Leadership Development Institute Graduation Ceremony
Silver Spring Civic Building
1 Veterans Place, Ellsworth Room, Silver Spring
As prepared
Thank you. I am honored to be here this evening to celebrate your exceptional achievement.
As an elected official, I know firsthand the impact that citizens can have when they advocate for themselves and their communities and speak out on behalf of important issues.
Civic engagement is a critical component of a democratic society. We, as policy-makers, need to ensure that we are effectively hearing from – and representing – our entire constituency.
Throughout the course of the LDI program, you have learned about the importance of advocacy work, and gained skills to effectively address issues important to you.
Our County Government prides itself on being responsive to community needs. But we will not be effective if we do not hear about all the issues that are affecting residents, especially the most vulnerable residents who usually remain in the shadows.
We need to ensure that all voices are heard – not only those of the wealthiest, most powerful members of our community.
Programs like the LDI can broaden the issues we policymakers learn about by including more voices through advocacy work.
This way, policymakers can better appreciate how specific issues especially impact our county's vulnerable residents.
I am thrilled that so many County residents expressed interest in participating in the LDI, and I hope that this is the first of many LDI programs in the years to come.
Congratulations to all of you!
I hope that you will continue your advocacy efforts; and I look forward to hearing from you during the rest of my term as your County Executive.
Thank you!
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Release ID: 17-055May 10; 6:30 p.m.