Slow-Growth Advocates Building a Case

In an interview, Leggett said he expects to hold a number of discussions on a variety of topics between now and next year's Democratic primary. He said it is more than just a coincidence that the first forum, which runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m., concerns women.

"We wanted to do something different and unique," Leggett said. "Women play a big role in all elections, and we have a fairly big contingent of women representing us in the state House delegation and on the County Council."

Not to be outdone, Leggett's opponent for the Democratic nomination, council member Steven A. Silverman (D-At Large), announced this week that he will hold a "women's fundraiser" this fall.

Silverman's fundraiser will be held Sept. 30 at the home of Rachel Simmons , author of "Odd Girl Speaks Out" and director of the Girls Leadership Institute.

Student Joins School Board

Sebastian Johnson , a senior at Montgomery Blair High School, has added another entry to his already stellar résumé: He was officially sworn in during a special ceremony Tuesday night as the 28th student member on the Board of Education.

Johnson succeeds Sagar Sanghvi, who made history as the first student board representative to serve two terms.

Johnson, 16, already has had a taste of board meetings, having sat in on a few marathon sessions last month that included discussions about the hotly debated health education curriculum.

Sebastian began his career in politics as the student government association president at Takoma Park Middle School, where he also worked as a tutor for the campus Homework Club. During the 2004-2005 school year, he was student government association president at Blair. And just to show that he hasn't bought into the pageantry and power that comes with higher office, he was founder and co-chair of Students for Sensible Government at Blair.