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Vote Lorig Charkoudian
for Ward 2 City Council Representative
On November 8, 2011
I am running for City Council because I am committed to public service and I love Takoma Park. I love that our town celebrates diversity, promotes social justice, and supports sustainability. I love that we have access to locally grown food and cuisines from around the world. Every time I run along Sligo Creek, walk to a hometown business, or take my children to a park, I realize how fortunate I am.
In the first month of this campaign, I have been fortunate to be able to meet many of you as I have gone door to door and I look forward to meeting many more of you. In this time, I have heard about how much Ward 2 residents love Takoma Park, their neighbors, and this community. I have also heard concerns about public safety, traffic, business development, taxes, and the environment. Residents have highlighted how important it is to have a councilmember who will advocate for your needs, communicate pro-actively, and respond to requests in a timely way. I am up to the task!
My first priority as a Councilmember will be to quickly and effectively address the concerns of Ward 2 residents. I will proactively share information and return emails and phone calls within 48 hours. I will listen to all perspectives and work to find solutions that meet your needs.
I have several ideas to make Takoma Park even better. Below are a few.
Safer Streets for Pedestrians and Cyclists with Less Cut-Through Traffic
- Create a coordinated plan for traffic flow, to improve on current block-by-block approach.
- Fix Takoma Junction, starting with optimal light timing and safer pedestrian walkways.
- Solve the bottleneck at Sycamore, Carroll & Ethan Allen by removing a curb that juts out and prevents a passing lane.
- Enforce lower speed limits for improved safety.
New Leadership for a Healthier Environment
- New curbside pickup of household organic waste (food scraps) and cost-effective recycling of other disposable products.
- Expand renewable energy and assist residents to make their homes more energy efficient.
- Take steps to improve water quality in Sligo Creek and other waterways through smarter management of stormwater.
More Vibrant Local Economy & Job Creation
- Take the initiative to recruit locally owned restaurants and shops that residents want in Takoma Junction and the New Hampshire/Ethan Allen Gateway.
- Help new entrepreneurs find private financing and navigate red tape.
- Establish commercial kitchens where residents can prepare food for sale locally.
More Efficient, Transparent Spending of Your Tax Dollars
- Adopt a year-round budget process, coordinated with a new committee of residents, using data to measure how effective government spending is.
- Identify inefficiencies or duplications and present a clear view of spending.
- Utilize local talent for volunteers, and put State Agencies on City’s speed dial to tap into resources at no extra cost.
- Advocate for more reimbursements from the County and State.
Reduce Burglaries, Auto Thefts, Street Crimes
- Boost crime prevention through environmental and urban design, beginning with an assessment of neighborhood vulnerabilities.
- Support signage, landscaping, and other low-cost changes that discourage criminal behavior.
- Set priorities for the police department, with the help of a committee of residents, and use data to monitor crime-fighting.
Who am I?
My husband, Matt, and I live with our two children, Aline and Raffi, at 425 Ethan Allen Ave. I am currently active with the Takoma Junction Task Force and the South of Sligo Citizens Association, and I have served as president of the Board of the TPSS Co-op. I am currently working with several local non-profits to develop a commercial kitchen in Takoma Park to be used for micro-enterprise development.
In my professional life, I develop and support community-based conflict resolution programs throughout Maryland, which includes working closely with public agencies, the judiciary, and law enforcement. I currently serve as Executive Director of Community Mediation Maryland, where I have succeeded in expanding services and increasing funding even amid the challenging economic climate of the last few years. I have a PhD in economics and extensive experience with budgeting, data analysis and research to evaluate programs and measure impacts.
I want to hear from you:
What concerns do you have about the quality of life in Ward 2? What is your vision for the City? Please contact me and share your thoughts. I can be reached by phone at 301-920-1995 and e-mail at lorig.charkoudian@gmail.com