Abrams Finds Opening to Run for Council

The path has been cleared for Montgomery school board member Stephen N. Abrams , a Republican, to run for one of four at-large County Council seats in the November general election.

Adol T. Owen-Williams II , a North Potomac financial adviser and a Republican, has decided to drop out of the at-large race.

"I gave it some thought and I decided that I would be more effective as far as representing Montgomery County and the state of Maryland by pursuing another position shortly after the election," he said.

He declined to identify that position and stopped short of saying his decision had anything to do with Abrams.

"I made the decision based on a litany of factors," he said. "Again, I looked at where can I be most effective as far as promoting the Republican message."

Tom Reinheimer , the chairman of the Montgomery County Republican Central Committee and one of the four Republican nominees in the at-large race, called it a "tough decision."

"Nobody was thrilled about having to have him drop out," said Reinheimer.

But, he added: "He's a team player. He saw the bigger picture and wants us to win in November."

Republicans consider Abrams the party's best hope for taking an at-large seat in the overwhelmingly Democratic county.

Abrams has 10 years on the school board and nine on the Rockville City Council. He also made an unsuccessful bid this month for state comptroller.

Reinheimer said the central committee could meet this week to officially nominate Abrams to fill the vacancy.

Silverman Seeks a Job

Now that he is giving up his seat, County Council member Steven A. Silverman (D-At Large) is looking for something to do.