Takoma Park Mayor's Race

This is why I'm voting for Seth Grimes

It's time for a change in leadership in Takoma Park. Our city is a wonderful place to live, but we currently face numerous challenges to the character of our community. Budgetary lean times, rapidly increasing traffic, and an unprecedented number of development projects in and around our city will require a high level of effective administration and a steadfast dedication to an open, democratic process.

Takoma Park has excellent representatives on our city council who work tirelessly for our community. Our new city manager is making great strides in improving city administration. With new leadership on the council, we can do even better.

We need a mayor who is approachable and open to community members' ideas.

We need a mayor who is fiscally responsible so that we are able to afford the things we really want for our community.

We need a mayor who is not afraid to admit mistakes and fix problems.

We need a mayor who responds to community needs and residents' concerns.

We need a mayor who makes the work of the council transparent.

Seth is about open, responsive government and common-sense changes to improve the quality of life in Takoma Park. From working to jumpstart the city's examination of tax duplication issues to co-founding the Old Town Residents' Association to serving on theCity Manager Selection Committee to addressing crime and traffic issues in Old Town, Seth has worked energetically to make our city a better place. With attention to detail and his heart in the right place, he is exactly the type of leader Takoma Park needs right now. We will be lucky to have him as mayor.

-- Nancy Martin

I have volunteered for the City of  Takoma Park since 1992. I have had the pleasure to work with Seth on several efforts in the past few years, including the City Manager Selection Committee and Sustainable Takoma. I have been impressed with Seth's dedication to the values this city holds dear and to a vision of helping the city run better. Seth brings strong ideas forward for discussion and helps unify different viewpoints. Seth volunteers for jobs--both tough and routine--all strategically designed to enhance discussions and to present open and honest communication to the public in as timely a fashion as possible. He is a pleasure to work with.

I am supporting Seth also because I believe in the power of democracy. I believe in the power that comes from incorporating a diversity of views, opinions, and expertise to inform the city's decision-making. I want this city to be a leader in environmental issues--not just espousing progressive issues, but implementing them in city operations. I love that there are individuals in Takoma Park who are willing to volunteer, to work for what they believe in, and to partner with the city to make their dreams a reality. I love that folks with expertise on different topics are willing share the load.

I know the only way we can fulfill our city's potential is by working together. I want to be sure we make the best use of the intellectual, spiritual, and technical powers of our citizens. I want to bring back the welcome mat for people who want to make a real difference in the way we live, in the impact Takoma Park can have, in the leadership we show the world.

Seth Grimes is dedicated to these same goals. Seth got involved in city issues precisely because he felt we were falling far short of our potential; that we were wasting time and huge amounts of money because of short-sighted, small group decision-making. I share those concerns. I have supported Kathy Porter for mayor in the past. I admire her dedication and hard work. I consider her a friend. Yet I feel she has missed the boat on some key issues in the past four years and failed to hear voices that raised issues, brought new vision, and worked to improve city policies and operations. Takoma Park needs new vision and new leadership.

I have been impressed at how Seth has investigated issues, learning about procedures and ways to improve conditions. I've been impressed with his energy and with his dedication to true, inclusive democracy. Seth is not afraid to listen. He seeks out a broad range of views. He knows that it is the strength of different views, the strength of a broad range of expertise, and the strength of working to build real community that will put this great City back on track.

I am proud to support Seth Grimes for mayor, and I hope every other citizen who believes in Takoma Park will also support him.

-- Catherine Tunis

Seth is a friend. I've known him for several years. We've worked together on city issues, small business projects, and a fun project, too: the Viking ship float in the last Fourth of July parade.

One sign on the side of our ship read, "We're mad and we're sailing to Rockville to get our taxes back." There's a story behind this: Seth and I were among the co-founders of Sustainable Takoma, and sat together on the City Manager Selection committee and the Tax and Service Duplication committee (TASDI). These efforts contributed to a more informed citizenry and a more effective city government.

Sustainable Takoma started asking tough questions about our relationship with Montgomery County and the functioning of our city before the election in 2003. These questions brought a focus to the issues of city operations and finances. Our core mission has been to establish transparency in government.

The questions asked were not always easy to answer, and not always received with open arms, but it turns out they were the right questions, and the answers led to a much broader and deeper understanding of our situation.

Seth continues to ask good questions. He also works to find the answers, and he brings people together to work on solutions. The way he has organized his mayoral campaign is a good example. It is a mix of clear directives, openness to good ideas, and consistent hard work. I can easily envision him leading our city council.

Seth is committed to finding the bestuse of our resources, while being mindful of our City's independence and our valued and dedicated city staff. He is progressive in the best sense--a balance of principle and pragmatism. He is fresh, eager, enthused, and able.

Seth can unlock doors through measured change and a new approach. The appropriate path to a seat on our council is through engaging and participating in city business as a citizen, and Seth has proven himself admirably in this. I hope you will join me in voting for Seth Grimes for Mayor of Takoma Park.

-- Dan Robinson