Will Jawando running for Montgomery County Executive

The 2026 Montgomery County Executive race is starting to heat up. County Councilmember Will Jawando (D - At-Large) officially entered the contest with a launch event last night in Silver Spring. Right off the bat, he has picked up the endorsement of the most-popular politician in Montgomery County, current County Executive Marc Elrich (D). Jawando joins existing Democratic candidates Evan Glass, his At-Large colleague on the Council, and medical assistant Celeste Iroha. Iroha is the only candidate who has actually filed with the Board of Elections to run.

Jawando has been a member of the Council for two terms, beginning in 2018. He is eligible to run for a third Council term, but the open executive seat is encouraging several Councilmembers to cut short their legislative careers to aim for the highest County office now. The executive position is becoming open because Elrich's opponents were successful in convincing a majority of voters to reduce the term limit for that office to two. They haven't been able to get rid of Elrich, as he plans to run for his old At-Large County Council seat next year, and he is almost certain to reclaim it.

If the Elrich endorsement wasn't clear enough, Jawando is seeking to put an early claim on the progressive lane in the executive race. Glass has slightly moved a notch towards the center in recent months. He is clearly seeking the Washington Post editorial board endorsement, which goes to the candidate who is most supportive of real estate developers, and puts on the best "pragmatic centrist" cosplay performance. Alas for Glass, that endorsement is more likely to go to his District 1 colleague on the Council, Andrew Friedson (D). Friedson is not even an official candidate yet, and he already has a million dollars in his campaign account, thanks to developers who not only write him big checks, but who even host entire fundraisers for him.

Jawando, in contrast, has accepted some money from developers in his past campaigns, but has largely been a nemesis for them on the Council. His leading role in getting a limited rent control measure passed has made him a punching bag for developers and their friends in the local press. Blogger and former Council staffer Adam Pagnucco has even blamed Jawando and his rent control-supporting colleagues for national and international residential development interests now "redlining" Montgomery County, as a result of that legislation.

Elrich's endorsement of Jawando is therefore not too surprising. But Jawando has also nabbed the backing of Prince George's County Executive candidate Aisha Braveboy, who is now the most-prominent Democrat in gorgeous Prince George's with the acension of former exec Angela Alsobrooks to the U.S. Senate. That is a solid one-two punch for Jawando in the endorsements race. Unions offer the biggest endorsement prizes, as they often come with mobilization of their members to put boots on the ground, and that is where the rubber usually meets the road in County elections. One union sure to be thrilled with Jawando's entry is the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 35, which went out of its way to endorse Jawando in 2018 and virtually no other candidate that year, an endorsement that majorly helped Jawando clinch the Democratic nomination and go on to victory.

Jawando's support of higher taxes in the FY-2026 budget will certainly be viewed favorable by union officials. Glass and Friedson have come out against Elrich's proposed property and income tax hikes this budget season, despite voting for budgets that contain tax increases in the past. Elrich's consistent support for higher taxes has never hurt him at the ballot box; will it damage Jawando in this race?

He certainly has the best claim to the Elrich lane in the race at this moment. But can he pull off an Elrich-style victory on June 23, 2026? 

That remains to be seen. Elrich was a major political figure, activist, and local elected official in Takoma Park long before he was elected to the Council in 2006. Decades of grassroots activism on hyperlocal issues allowed him to build up a huge base of support and goodwill across the county. Democrats, independents, and Republicans alike who were facing battles against development in their neighborhoods became Elrich fans, at least on growth and zoning issues. Whatever criticism there was of Elrich's views, he has been one of the few to win elected office this century in Montgomery County who was not corrupt or out to amass money and power for personal and political gain.

Jawando's activism and profile have been more national than hyperlocal. As an author, activist, alumnus of the Barack Obama White House, and even as a Councilmember, he has made infinitely more cable TV news appearances than Elrich. Even with two terms on the Council, he does not have the level of neighborhood-centric experience Elrich has parlayed into countywide success. As just one example, Jawando - like Elrich - were among the handful of elected officials who were initially willing to speak out regarding the ongoing desecration of the Moses African Cemetery in Bethesda during campaign season in 2017 and 2018. But once in office, Jawando did not spearhead any major push to investigate or stop it.

On the other hand, he is adopting the progressive label in the race. Montgomery County and Maryland Democratic voters have shown themselves to be extremely progressive in recent elections. Billionaire David Blair went down to defeat against Elrich twice, despite spending a literal fortune on both contests. Maryland Democrats gave the (relatively) moderate and presumed favorite Peter Franchot the boot in favor of progressive Wes Moore in the 2022 gubernatorial primary. And Moore was a newcomer who hadn't even lived in Maryland that many years in total over his lifetime, most recently as resident of New York.

Jawando may be hoping for that kind of vanguard faction to put him narrowly over the top next June, drawing in the younger Bernie/AOC/DSA crowd. He won't get the Post endorsement or the responsible-growth (YIMBYs would say NIMBY) GOP votes that helped Elrich slip past Blair twice. But unlike Glass and Friedson, he has a lane all to himself, barring the entry of an even younger and even more progressive candidate. All three are spending much of their time talking about Donald Trump - not surprising given their own legislative records of failing to attract a major corporate headquarters to the County or solve its highway gridlock or persistent crime wave, while focusing on banning gas powered leaf blowers, plastic bags, and gas stoves. To be successful next June, at some point "Hey, look over there!" will have to give way to proposals to solve actual local issues impacting County residents on a daily basis.

Photo courtesy Will Jawando for Montgomery County

Bethesda Pool opening this weekend

The public Bethesda Pool at 6300 Hillandale Road in Bethesda will open for the Summer 2025 season this weekend, May 24, at 12:00 PM. Initial operating hours of the pool from May 24 through June 13 will be 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM on weekends, and 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 3:00 - 6:00 PM on Memorial Day. From June 14 through August 15, the pool will be open 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM on weekdays, and 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM on weekends. 

Daily admission is $5 for Montgomery County residents under age 18, $7 for adults, and $6 for seniors 55 and older. A driver’s license or other proof of residency is required at the admission counter. General admission for non-residents is $20. Summer pool passes are available if you want to skip the line at the pool.

Montgomery County, Maryland leaders embrace their downscale future

The respective moribund economies of Montgomery County and Maryland have experienced the whiplash of rapid downscaling over the first quarter of this century. As Montgomery County fell behind even Prince George's and Culpeper Counties in job creation, dropped off the Forbes 10 Richest Counties list, and saw "Montgomery County's Rodeo Drive" fade into empty storefronts and smashed-out bus shelters, the same cartel candidates kept getting reelected. They've radically recalibrated their messaging for these bleak and desperate times by embracing the lowbrow lifestyles they once condemned. Last week, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore joined them by announcing the only economic development victory of his term so far: the addition of 4000 McDonald's fast food restaurant jobs.

At first, many thought Moore's press conference was a stunt by The Onion. Karine Jean-Pierre might have referred to the livestream video as a "cheapfake." But it was all humiliatingly real. There stood the governor whom the media assured us in 2022 was a Wall Street wizard, and who fundraises for his political campaigns among financial oligarchs in the Hamptons and on Martha's Vineyard, touting burger flipping jobs as if he had won Amazon's HQ2 contest.

One wonders who is advising the governor these days. The Golden Arches press event only underlined what a failure Moore has been so far in attracting high-wage jobs and major corporations to the state. Surely his Rolodex must be bursting with corporate titans. Are they that convinced that Moore is such a poor leader and salesman, that they are unwilling to invest in Maryland, even while they imagine what Moore will do for their investment portfolios and offshore accounts as President of the United States in 2029?

Public reaction to the McDonald's "partnership" was decidedly disastrous. Incredulous, mocking tweets and memes populated social media timelines. Serious observers wondered why a future President of the United States, and current executive of a state, would be holding a press event more suggestive of a small town mayor rolling out a summer jobs program for disadvantaged youth. Mayor McCheese, perhaps.

Moore, who stresses his physical fitness at every Instagram opportunity, joined the Montgomery County Council in embracing a junk food future. As they have managed the decline that they themselves have brought about, the Councilmembers have done a 180 on health and fitness. A Council that once banned trans fats, forced fast food restaurants to post calorie counts, and even tried to adjudicate which products could be sold in vending machines in the county now has to promote a much different lifestyle.

Much like their flip-flop on natural gas - once calling it the clean fuel of the future, but more recently banning gas stoves and furnaces - the key for the Council is holding onto power, not ideological consistency. 

Montgomery County hasn't attracted a major corporate headquarters in over 25 years. It hasn't attracted many high-wage jobs at all, compared to Northern Virginia. Where the economic activity in Montgomery County is these days is a far cry from cutting the ribbon on Amazon HQ2 in Arlington or christening the new Northrop Grumman HQ in Falls Church. In the last few years, the Montgomery County Council has found itself holding giant pairs of shears outside of...mega gas stations and convenience stores.

Having warned voters of our leaders' incompetence for years, and now watching all of my predictions sadly come true...and being a huge fan of McDonald's...and watching the same Council that once raided a Wendy's and condemned the Baconator now spending the taxpayers' dime promoting Slurpees and Sizzli sandwiches, I have to say, "I'm lovin' it!"

A governor and County Council who should be asking questions like, "Where did we go wrong?" "Maybe we should cut taxes and spending instead of raising them?" or "Will you PLEASE move your Fortune 500 company to Montgomery County?" are instead asking, "Do you want fries with that?"

Police respond to assault at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda this past weekend. The assault was reported at the mall on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 12:41 PM. This the fifth assault to take place at the mall this year. There were 11 assaults reported at the popular retail center in 2024, 5 in 2023, and 12 in 2022.

Fairfax Kitchen and Bath expanding to Bethesda

Fairfax Kitchen and Bath is expanding to downtown Bethesda. Its first Maryland showroom is now under construction at 4710-A Bethesda Avenue, in the ground floor of The Seasons apartment tower, next to Smoothie King. Owner Sam Kazanci moved to the United States in 2010 to be Import Manager for Graniser Ceramic. In 2013, he co-founded Dulles Granite in Sterling, Virginia. Fairfax Kitchen and Bath was his next venture, and it now has showrooms in Sterling and Fairfax.

"I find immense joy in the remodeling business," Kazanci said. "Seeing the smiles on our clients’ faces as we transform their old spaces into their dream homes is priceless. My business philosophy is simple yet profound, inspired by Robert Bosch: 'I would rather lose money than trust.' This principle guides every project we undertake. We treat each home as if it were our own, working tirelessly with my team to deliver the best designs and results."

The current expansion of Fairfax Kitchen and Bath includes not only the Bethesda location, but a third Virginia showroom, this time in Gainesville. Fairfax Kitchen and Bath ensures all of the materials being used for your remodeling project are in place at their warehouse before beginning demolition of your existing kitchen or bath, unlike some companies, to ensure the project stays on-schedule. Free estimates can be booked through their website.

McDonald's Rockville Pike construction update (Photos)

Construction of the new McDonald's restaurant at 11710 Rockville Pike is nearing the finish line. The Golden Arches are now in place on the front facade of the building, as are the ordering screens in the two drive-thru lanes - which are currently blocked off with tape. Last week I broke the news that this will be only the third of the chain's "McDonald's On-the-Go" store concept to open in the U.S., with a focus on drive-thru, takeout, and delivery orders only, and no indoor dining room. That means you will be one of the first to experience the new concept outside of Los Angeles and Fort Worth, when this location opens.

Signage installed at UNIQLO at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Permanent signage for UNIQLO has been installed on its outdoor-facing storefront at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The Japanese apparel store is scheduled to open this Friday, May 23, 2025. Operating hours for UNIQLO will be 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday (including Memorial Day on May 26), and 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Sundays. When it opens, look for UNIQLO on Level 2 of the mall, in the space where Express and Express Men used to be.

Lululemon renovations continue at Bethesda Row (Photos)

Lululemon at 4838 Bethesda Avenue at Bethesda Row has been closed for renovations since March 19. Here's a sneak peek at the progress inside. Other than the front counter and drawers behind it, and some shelving at the rear, little has been installed on the sales floor yet. An inspiration wall is visible behind the counter at the front. No reopening date has been announced, but Lululemon's Montgomery Mall store is open. 

Westbard shooting suspect(s) remain at large 7 weeks later

The search for answers in the March 29, 2025 shooting on Westbard Avenue is entering its eighth week. Whoever fired a barrage of shots outside the Bethesda Bowlero bowling alley at 12:13 AM that morning continues to live their best life in sweet freedom, unencumbered by the scales of justice and the long arm of the law. In Montgomery County, that's the remaining arm of the law that isn't tied behind the back by our pro-criminal elected officials. Two people were wounded in the shooting, and only luck prevented there from being more victims. The Montgomery County Council and County police remained silent on the shocking gunplay in a quiet residential area for a seventh week.

ICE MS-13 arrest exposes Montgomery County's soft-on-crime leadership

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 26-year-old Salvadoran national Nelson Vladimir Amaya-Benitez in Gaithersburg on May 12, 2025, the agency announced yesterday. ICE described Amaya-Benitez as "a validated MS-13 gang member." ICE Baltimore acting Field Officer Director Nikita Baker blasted Montgomery County officials for not honoring four detainers it placed on Amaya-Benitez at times he was in custody since 2017. But what's equally-astonishing, is the list of crimes he committed in Montgomery County between 2017 and 2024, and the favorable treatment he received from Montgomery County judges and elected officials, who allowed him to continue preying on the community until his arrest by ICE on Monday.

Amaya-Benitez already had a criminal record in Texas, before he even arrived in Montgomery County in 2017. Yet, knowing this, and that Amaya-Benitez was in the country illegally, MoCo judges gave him incredibly light sentences. In 2017, he was convicted of armed robbery in Montgomery County, but received a sentence of only 18 months. In 2023, he was convicted of theft in Montgomery County. Despite his criminal record now including the previous armed robbery, a Montgomery County judge suspended his entire sentence(!!). Less than a month later, Amaya-Benitez was convicted of motor vehicle theft, and rogue and vagabond (the act of breaking into - or testing door handles of - cars with the intent to steal items inside). He then received a jail sentence of only 18 months.

Three days later, Amaya-Benitez was convicted of 2nd-degree malicious burning in Montgomery County. The judge in that case also sentenced him to 18 months. ICE lodged a detainer on him with the Montgomery County Detention Center on October 11, 2023, which was not honored by Montgomery County. The agency reported yesterday that Montgomery County not only prevented ICE from deporting Amaya-Benitez, but released him as a free man "on an unknown date."

With Montgomery County sending a clear message of minimal consequences for criminal activity, and protection from deportation, Amaya-Benitez was arrested and charged with attempted motor vehicle theft in Montgomery County on September 29, 2024. He was convicted of that crime on April 4 of this year. What was his sentence from the Montgomery County judge, with the above rap sheet in front of the court? Hold on to your seat, folks: 7 months and 19 days.

If your mind isn't blown yet, Amaya-Benitez never even served that light sentence. According to ICE, Montgomery County released him into the community again on April 18, 2025, only 14 days after his conviction. 

Montgomery County officials were clearly delighted to host Amaya-Benitez, and to allow him to prey on the residents who pay their salaries. His case underscores yet again their soft-on-crime, anti-police, pro-criminal policies, which have helped sustain a violent crime wave since 2020. On this matter alone, no Montgomery County elected official should be returned to office in 2026. 

After eight years of committing crimes against Montgomery County residents with the help of Montgomery County officials, Amaya-Benitez is now in ICE custody. Perhaps this "Maryland Man" will receive a last-minute assist to remain in the country from Senator Chris Van Hollen or a federal judge, to ensure he can once again return to Montgomery County and continue his good work.

While ICE official Baker did not comment on the ridiculously-light sentences Amaya-Benitez received from Montgomery County judges, Baker did slam County officials for repeatedly refusing to honor the agency's detainers on him. "ICE lodged five detainers — four of which were not honored — allowing him to return to the streets and reoffend time and time again," Baker said in a statement Thursday. "This pattern is unacceptable. We strongly encourage our local law enforcement partners to honor our detainers to ensure that dangerous individuals like this are held accountable and removed from our communities to protect the law-abiding residents we serve."

Photo courtesy ICE

Sala Thai reopens in Bethesda

Sala Thai has reopened at 4828 Cordell Avenue in Bethesda, after temporarily closing for a week due to a plumbing emergency. The restaurant closed last Thursday, citing the emergency. On Monday, a new sign in the window stated that it was still closed, now due to renovations. That appears to refer to the flood damage restoration company trucks that were parked outside the restaurant since the emergency. Sala Thai reopened for normal business hours yesterday.

Peeping Tom at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police were called to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda after someone reported a Peeping Tom incident there on Tuesday afternoon, May 13, 2025. The voyeur was reported at the mall at 4:10 PM Tuesday. No further information is available at this time.

Westbard Square site plan changes before Planning Board today

Revised site plan with remaining retail space
shown in red

UPDATE - May 16, 2025, 7:32 AM: A correction has been made to the article regarding the number of parking spaces proposed in the amendment; while the number of residential parking spaces would be unchanged, the number of retail parking spaces for public use is being reduced.

Several significant changes proposed by the developer of a future apartment building at Westbard Square in Bethesda will be reviewed by the Montgomery County Planning Board this afternoon, May 15, 2025. Applicant Greystar Development East, LLC is seeking to delete nearly 20,000-square-feet of previously-approved retail space from the ground floor of the building, and to drop plans for an underground parking garage in favor of an above-grade parking garage that it promises will be hidden by the apartments around it. The jettisoned retail space, should the Board approve that change, will be replaced by street level townhome-style apartments.

Many questioned the level of demand for retail at this location during the 2016 Westbard sector plan process. They have been vindicated by the proposed elimination of almost 20,000 SF of retail from the development. In fact, representatives for Greystar at a community meeting last year predicted that the Westbard Avenue storefronts it seeks to axe would be "vacant" if the Board were to force the company to retain them in the plan.

The amount of residential parking spaces - 261 - will not be changed if the new garage proposal is accepted by the Board. That garage will be accessible to the public, with spaces designated for retail customers, and others for residents of the building. However, the number of those retail parking spaces for the public would be reduced by 30, in relation to the reduction in retail space.

Other changes proposed would modify building elevations, and changes to the locations of electrical transformers, loading dock access, and garage access. You can read the staff report regarding all of the proposed changes here. Planning staff are recommending approval of the site plan amendment.

Maryland credit rating downgraded by Moody's, losing coveted AAA rating

Maryland's cost to borrow money will soar after credit agency Moody's downgraded the state's credit rating from the coveted AAA to Aa1 today. Moody's ratings system charitably denotes Aa1 as being a "high quality" investment, as opposed to AAA's recognition of a "highest-quality" investment. In practice, however, the lower grade means you - the taxpayer - will pay a higher rate of interest when Maryland issues bonds to pay for infrastructure projects, for example.

The rating downgrade was first reported by Maryland Matters, which noted that today's change ends a remarkable streak of the state holding a AAA rating from Moody's since 1973. That success was sustained under Democratic and Republican governors alike. Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D) attempted to deflect blame to Donald Trump in a rant on X this afternoon, despite frittering away a $5.5 billion budget surplus left to him by previous governor Larry Hogan (R). 

Maryland has been hamstrung by the fiscally-deadly combination of out-of-control spending, the flight of the rich and retirees to lower-tax states, and a failure to lure any major corporate headquarters to the state this century. Yet, Moore and the Maryland General Assembly have continued to support the controversial Blueprint for Education, a state teacher's union-driven boondoggle every rational budget expert warned could lead to fiscal disaster down the road.

Our state is now closer to that disastrous destination with today's credit downgrade. Maryland was already barely able to close a budget deficit this year. What will it do next year, now that borrowing money will cost significantly more, and its economy remains moribund?

UNIQLO sets opening date at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

UNIQLO has stayed on-schedule with the interior fit-out of its newest store at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, and as a result, will meet the promised "Spring 2025" opening timeframe. The Japanese casual apparel boutique will open on Friday, May 23, 2025, the chain announced on Instagram yesterday. UNIQLO has two existing locations in Montgomery County, at Pike & Rose in Rockville, and in downtown Silver Spring. The company's origin in Japan was initially inspired by The GAP's business model, but UNIQLO evolved into its own original concept, best known for its partnerships with high-profile brands and designers while keeping prices reasonable.

Nighttime work ahead for Purple Line in Bethesda, Chevy Chase

Additional overnight work hours may be needed this summer for the Purple Line light rail project between Bethesda and New Carrollton. The Maryland Transit Administration advises that some work may need to take place between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM, or during the overnight hours. Areas impacted within Montgomery County include Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Lyttonsville, Silver Spring, and Long Branch. Concrete pours in particular may need to occur in the cooler hours after dark. "Hot weather can cause issues while placing concrete due to rapid curing that can occur at higher ambient temperatures," the MTA said in a statement. "Crews will prioritize the noisiest work to the daytime shifts."

Thieves strike in Bethesda parking garage again

A crime wave of thefts from autos parked in the same commercial garage in the Westbard area of Bethesda continues. Montgomery County police responded to a report of a theft from a vehicle inside the Westbard Square parking garage in the 5300 block of Zenith Overlook on Sunday afternoon, May 11, 2025 at 3:05 PM. This was the 13th theft reported in the garage since February, and once again, it was a daytime crime.

No surveillance camera footage of the crimes, nor any suspect descriptions, have been released by police in these cases. Therefore, we don't have any clue as to who these thieves are, or where they are coming from. A shooting that wounded two people across the street from the garage over six weeks ago also remains unsolved. This previously low-crime area is going to acquire a bad reputation, if property owner Regency Centers and Montgomery County officials fail to nip this crime spike in the bud pretty soon.

Bethesda Harris Teeter to close 1 hour early on May 15

The Harris Teeter grocery store at 4805 Battery Lane in downtown Bethesda will close one hour earlier this Thursday night, May 15, 2025. A "specialized floor service" will be performed "to provide you a clean shopping environment!!" As a result, the store will close at 10:00 PM Thursday, so the work can be completed by the time it reopens at 6:00 AM on Friday.

McDonald's opening prototype store design in White Flint (Photos)

The new McDonald's at 11710 Rockville Pike in White Flint will be the third of the company's prototype store design that focuses entirely on drive-thru and takeout orders, and entirely dispenses with indoor dining. Two previous variations on the "On-the-Go" store model have opened in Forth Worth, Texas in 2022, and in Los Angeles in 2024. The Rockville store will have two drive-thru lanes outside. But inside, there is only a small lobby with touchscreen kiosks for ordering purposes. Orders are placed via the kiosks, or in advance using the McDonald's app. Instead of a wide counter with multiple cashier stations, there is only a small window cut out of the kitchen wall, where a crew member will hand out your order when it is ready, using the pickup number you received when placing the order.

This new store model solves many problems at once. It streamlines ordering, and gets pickup and delivery orders out faster. Fewer employees are needed to operate the restaurant. And the issue of loitering is virtually eliminated, since there is no place to "hang out" inside the building. While bulletproof glass would be necessary to fully "crime-proof" the restaurant, it would be more difficult for robbers and other criminals to gain direct access to the employees than at a traditional McDonald's store.

The new McDonald's was already expected to be an improvement over the nearby location that closed last year, simply because this one will have drive-thru service. But the opening will be even more exciting now that the interior construction reveals that this is a rare and new McDonald's store design that few around the country have experienced yet, and the performance of which will influence future McDonald's store designs around the country.

The DRIPBaR "opening soon" in Bethesda

A week ago, I reported that The DRIPBaR would soon be joining the list of ground floor tenants at the Gallery Bethesda II apartment tower at 4850 Rugby Avenue. Now there is signage posted at their future storefront. It promises the IV bar will be "opening soon," and lists some of the treatments that will be offered. According to one of the signs, if you sign up early, you will get 50% off and a free B12 shot.