Derick P. Berlage
(D-District 5)
County Councilmember
Feb. 3, 1995
Party:
Democratic
Years on Council:
1990 - present
Office Phone:
301-217-7967
Birthdate:
October 15, 1956
Residence:
Silver Spring
Education:
B.A., Princeton University; J.D. New York University
Career:
Lawyer and civic activist
Activities/Awards:
governing board member, Maryland Common Cause; legislative representative, Common Cause; executive committee, Sierra Club Rock Creek Group; chairman, Woodmoor-Pinecrest Citizens Association committee on overdevelopment near Four Corners; lawyer representing whistleblowers who exposed fraud in government defense contracts; volunteer, Washington Committee for Soviet Jewry and Montgomery County Hunger Relief Drive; lawyer representing international refugee assistance task force, the Citizens Commission on Afghan Refugees.
Term of Office:
4 years
Annual Salary:
$54,570
Question:
Why should the voters elect you? (1994)
Answer:
Our community needs effective leadership. I have delivered the resources to preserve quality neighborhoods — modernized school buildings, new parks and more police. I was chief sponsor of the Forest Conservation Act and have been endorsed by the Sierra Club.
Question:
What is the most important issue facing the county, and how would you deal with it? (1990)
Answer:
We need a county council that will listen to the people of the community, instead of big money developers. I made a commitment long ago to fight for open and responsive government. I've worked for Common Cause and as an attorney representing whistleblowers who exposed fraud in government contracts. I pledge to maintain that commitment on the council -- giving the people of our community a real voice in the government that affects their lives. We must control runaway growth and I insist that land developers pay more of the cost of new roads and schools. I've refused to accept campaign donations from county developers, and will be a strong, independent advocate for our neighborhoods and environment. That's why I've been endorsed by the Sierra Club, the Montgomery County Education Association, Clean Water Action, the Retired Teachers Association, the League of Environmental Voters and a countywide coalition of neighborhood activists.
© 1996 The Washington Post Co.
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