Montgomery County Council

Stella Werner Council Office Building

100 Maryland Ave.

Rockville, MD 20850

August 28, 2026

Re: Override Veto of James Hedrick’s Reappointment to Planning Board

Dear Council President Fani-González, Vice President Balcombe, and Councilmembers:

The Action Committee for Transit (ACT) urges the County Council to schedule a vote to override the County Executive's veto of Commissioner James Hedrick's reappointment to the Planning Board as soon as possible.

Commissioner Hedrick's performance in office made it clear why he should be reappointed. He is an affordable housing professional who understands what it takes to build the housing our county needs. He understands how important it is to build housing near transit to ensure our county grows sustainably and prioritizes public transit, walking, and biking.

During his interview before the County Council, Commissioner Hedrick described his work to get a playground built away from a freeway in a proposed new development. He cares about the environmental health of Montgomery County and the health of the people who work, live, and hope in the future to live in the county.

ACT thanks the County Council for twice voting to confirm Commissioner Hedrick. The first time in 2023 also resulted in a veto that was overridden. It is a cause for dismay that time will be wasted over a second veto for an appointment that received unanimous support from this County Council. ACT urges you to override the veto for a second time at the earliest possible date.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Larkin

Vice President, Action Committee for Transit