Former Mayor Bryan Knedler endorses Jesse Christopherson for the Ward 1 city council seat

Jesse Christopherson running for open council seat in Ward 1

Jesse Christopherson and his wife live in Mount Rainier with their two sons. He is a Mount Rainier Tree Commissioner and volunteer at the Mount Rainier Nature/Recreation Center. He has lived in Mount Rainier for three years, and in Northeast Washington, D.C. for five years before that. He is a writer and editor, and has also worked as a congressional staffer and reporter.
His vision for Mount Rainier focuses on preserving the city’s character by fostering the arts and protecting our beautiful historic architecture, caring for the environment and our green spaces, and fully funding public safety.

He also intends to push for progress by increasing and diversifying budget resources, promoting community-appropriate development in our business districts, and saving money through shared resources with neighboring communities.

For more details, check out his web site, and follow his campaign on Facebook.

Historic Chillum Giant to Close in April

The Hyattsville Patch is reporting that the Giant on Queens Chapel Rd. will close next month. This store is located in a shopping center that has been in annexation discussions with Mount Rainier on and off for many years. Although Shoppers is not that much farther away, this is a blow to Mount Rainier residents, especially the elderly, who depend on this Giant location for easily accessible groceries.  

FY 2014 Budget meeting tonight

Do you have an opinion on how the city will spend money this coming year? Come to City Hall tonight (One Municipal Place) to hear City Manager Jeannelle Wallace's presentation on the FY 2014 budget and to let the mayor and council know about your priorities.

Agenda.

Jimmy Tarlau's Ward 1 Report

City Councilman Jimmy Tarlau has released a new Ward Report packed with good information.

Ward 2 Resident Announces Challenge to City Council Incumbent

Ward 2 resident Jarrett Stoltzfus announced his candidacy today for the seat currently held by City Councilwoman Ivy Thompson. Thompson has not officially announced her intentions for the upcoming election. Stoltzfus's announcement and biographical information were published on a website created especially for his campaign.

City Councilman Brent Bolin holds the other seat in Ward 2, and he is not up for reelection this year. In Ward 1, City Councilman Bill Updike has declined to defend his seat, but so far no one has publicized any intention to run.

Ward 1 City Councilman Jimmy Tarlau's seat is not on the ballot this year. However, at the City Council's special budget meeting on Tuesday, February 12, Mayor Malinda Miles said publicly that she might not run for a third term. If she declines to run the smart money says Tarlau will, potentially creating a second vacancy in Ward 1.

Candidates for mayor or city council must submit petitions with at least 20 valid resident signatures on April 1 in order to appear on the ballot. The citywide election will be held May 6. For more information, see Mount Rainier's official website.

Budget crunch details

The budget shortfall is even bigger than feared. For details, see City Councilman Brent Bolin's blog.