A Page From Glendening's Book

By Nancy Trejos and Tim Craig
Washington Post Staff Writers
Thursday, May 11, 2006

Five years ago, Gov. Parris N. Glendening (D) ignited a controversy when he proposed spending part of the tobacco litigation settlement money to help private and parochial schools buy textbooks.

It divided state legislators, invoked the wrath of the state teachers union and even got the attention of the American Civil Liberties Union. The state eventually cut funding for the program because of budget constraints.

The debate was reignited Monday night at a forum between the two Democrats running for Montgomery County executive. The Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington, which represents 36 schools in the county, sponsored the event.

When asked if he would support public funding for private school textbooks, former council member Isiah Leggett said that he would, as long as the action did not violate the separation of church and state or interfere with public school funding. "I supported that years ago," he said in an interview, referring to Glendening's proposal.

Council member Steven A. Silverman (D-At Large) said he was adamantly opposed to it. "We should keep public money in the public school system," he said. "Funding private school textbooks undermines public education."

Leggett also said he would be open to allowing private schools use public school buses. His willingness to help private schools does not undermine his commitment to public schools, he said. "I've been a very strong supporter of public education," he said.

Bonnie Cullison , president of the Montgomery County Education Association, said she was not at the forum to hear the candidates' answers but would discuss the issue with them.

The education association, she said, is opposed to the use of public money for private schools.

"We feel we need the money here in the public schools to address the complex needs of our students," she said. "I honestly believe the caliber of our academic program in the public schools would match any private school, but in order to maintain that level we've got to keep those resources."

Subin to Run Again

Five-term council member Michael L. Subin announced Tuesday that he will seek to hold on to his at-large seat in September's Democratic primary.

"More than anybody else, I have spent more time working in this building," he said on the steps of the County Office Building in Rockville.

Subin, 56, was first elected in 1986. He now serves as chairman of the education committee. During his term as chairman, he said, the council has expanded all-day kindergarten and reduced class sizes. He is also overseeing the panel at a time of discord between the school board and the council. The two bodies have been at odds over whether to build a new Seven Locks Elementary School in Bethesda on a parcel of land at Kendale Road or to replace the existing one on its current site.

"Voters want elected officials who are willing to take the risks and make the tough decisions," he said. "I do and I will."

Subin poked fun at his reputation as an aggressive leader. "There will not be a kinder, gentler Mike Subin out there," he joked.

In the audience for his announcement were council members Michael Knapp (D-Upcounty), Nancy Floreen (D-At Large) and Silverman.

Trachtenberg Tackles Developers

Duchy Trachtenberg , a Democratic candidate for an at-large seat on the County Council, is positioning herself as the candidate who will reduce developers' influence in county government.

Trachtenberg, the president of the National Organization for Women, used some stern language to describe her thoughts on the issue when she formally announced her candidacy Monday night.

"The people's concerns over perceived corruption must be dealt with immediately. The scandal of Clarksburg is a confirmation of everything that has been wrong in our county government, and it must come to a screeching halt," said Trachtenberg, who doesn't accept contributions from developers. "This election is the time to restore confidence in public service and to put an end to a 'pay to play' culture that threatens our political process here in Montgomery County."

The phrase "pay to play" has historically meant that businesses and wealthy individuals believed they needed to donate money to politicians to ensure their issues or concerns would be addressed by elected officials.

Council President George L. Leventhal (D-At Large) attended Trachtenberg's announcement. In an interview, Leventhal said he wasn't sure what she meant by "pay to play" but is confident there is "clean government" in Montgomery.

"I am confident council members make decisions based on what we believe to be in the public interest," Leventhal said.

Trachtenberg, however, thinks she has a winning issue. She is preparing a series of public forums in the coming weeks. The first one, not coincidently, will be held in Clarksburg, where developers have been accused of misconduct.

Realtors Endorse Silverman

The Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors has endorsed council member Steven A. Silverman (D) in the race for the Democratic nomination for county executive.

In a statement, the organization praised Silverman for his efforts to reduce congestion, improve education and increase the supply of affordable and workforce housing.

Silverman is running against former council member Isiah Leggett in the Democratic primary.

Candidates Forums

· Candidates for Montgomery County executive will discuss environmental issues at a forum beginning at 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the County Council Building, 100 Maryland Ave., Rockville. It is sponsored by the Montgomery Green Democrats.

· Montgomery County Council candidates for at-large and district seats will participate in a forum from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday in the Haas Humanities Building/Figge Theater at Georgetown Preparatory School, 10900 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda. The event is sponsored by the Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington, which includes 36 schools in Montgomery.

· The Greater Olney Civic Association and the Olney Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring a forum on May 18 for candidates seeking the council's District 4 seat, currently held by Marilyn Praisner. It begins at 8 p.m. at the Sandy Spring Museum, 17901 Bentley Road in Sandy Spring.

Send information on upcoming candidate forums to mocoextra@washpost.com. Include a contact name and daytime phone number.