Younger Democrats Are Primed to Run

Mixed Message From Silverman

Council member Steven A. Silverman (D-At Large) continues to prove it's never too early to start spending campaign cash. And the candidate for county executive is blurring the distinction between official mail from his council office and campaign literature.

Silverman's campaign, which has more than $500,000 in the bank, sent out a mailer this week to 8,000 senior citizens.

One side of the mailer has a photograph of Silverman and information about who is eligible for a property tax credit. The other side includes a quote from Silverman: "Montgomery County seniors deserve a tax break. They should be able to stay in their homes and in the county they helped build."

Although he resisted efforts on the County Council this spring to substantially cut the property tax rate, Silverman was a key backer of more targeted tax relief for residents with household incomes under $55,000.

The mailer urges eligible seniors to call the State Department of Assessments and Taxation at 800-944-7403 to apply for the tax credit.

It also offers an option -- contacting Silverman directly.

Such calls would traditionally be handled by Silverman's staff in his council office because it involves help with an official matter. But the mailer directs people to the number at Silverman's campaign office or to his campaign Web site.

"This is something we felt would be a service to thousands of seniors," said Chuck Westover, Silverman's field director.