For Immediate Release: Wednesday, November 20, 2019
NewDEAL’s 2019 New Ideas Challenge recognizes Councilmember
Jawando for his efforts to increase transparency and community
trust in policing
ROCKVILLE, Md., Nov. 20, 2019—Councilmember Will Jawando has been named a finalist in NewDEAL’s 2019 New Ideas Challenge for spearheading the Law Enforcement Trust and Transparency (LETT) Act, which ensures an independent, impartial and transparent investigation in any case where a police officer is involved in the death of an individual. The LETT Act eliminates potential conflicts of interest and helps improve the public’s trust in law enforcement. The New Ideas Challenge recognizes rising, innovative state and local policymakers whose legislative proposals improve economic wellbeing and overall quality of life for their constituents.
“The 2019 New Ideas Challenge spotlights the efforts of policymakers who are finding innovative solutions that create opportunities for all of our residents and stakeholders,” said Councilmember Jawando, who serves on the Council’s Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee and on the Education and Culture Committee as Lead for Libraries. “The LETT Act was my first piece of legislation to be enacted at the Montgomery County Council, and it is especially important for me because I have seen the adverse effects a lack of public confidence in community policing can have. I am committed to improving that fundamental relationship that is at the core of public safety and our residents’ quality of life. This is an issue of particular importance for people of color.”
NewDEAL (Developing Exceptional American Leaders) is an organization that supports state and local pro-growth progressive elected officials through the exchange of ideas and engagement with other top public, private and non-profit sector officials. Fifteen finalists were chosen from across the U.S. in five distinct policy areas: adapting to the future of work, expanding access to education, securing our communities and our planet, empowering disadvantaged populations and rebuilding community. The five winners of NewDEAL’s New Ideas Challenge will be announced on Thursday, Nov. 21 at the ninth annual NewDEAL Leaders Conference in Washington D.C.
“In a world being rapidly transformed by the forces of globalization and technological innovation, and where Americans have lost faith in national government and other institutions to solve pressing issues, the New Ideas Challenge shows how a group of innovative state and local officials are rising to the challenge of finding solutions,” said NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan. “Councilmember Jawando and his fellow finalists have made proposals that, together, set an important governing agenda for the country to follow and for making the economy and government work better for the American people.”
# # #
Release ID: 19-365