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[quote=Anonymous]I was googling my name and am glad I came across this site!

I am Laurie-Anne Sayles (Laurie-Anne is my first name, my middle name begins with a P), a former Gaithersburg City Councilmember, now a candidate for Montgomery County Council At-Large. During my first term serving Gaithersburg residents, I am so proud of my work while being recognized as the Environmental Champion of the Year in 2017, M.D. Daily Record Top 100 Women List in 2018, and National League of Cities Legislator of the Year and Council President in 2020.

So why did I decide to run for a countywide office vs. re-election? Let me share a bit about the timing of my decision.

The City of Gaithersburg has seen its share of challenges, including two government shutdowns, the pandemic effects on the most diverse city in the country (according to Wallethub), and a racial reckoning...while most local governments folded under pressure, we banded together to support our small businesses through grants that helped them make payroll and pay for other expenses so they could continue serving our residents and visitors. We also created after-school programs for students struggling with remote learning. We provided meals and rental assistance resources for our seniors and other safety-net services for those in need while growing the biotech corridor and maintaining a zero debt budget without raising taxes. We also passed progressive policies to modernize our police department, created a master plan for the Lakeforest mall property, and spearheaded the Racial Equity Legislation and subsequent action plan.

This wasn't the same narrative or level of progress at the county level. The county has a bad reputation in the region regarding how we support, retain, and grow our economy. Our schools and students are struggling and overcrowded, we have an affordable housing shortage, and we have a climate crisis on our hands. All, while we're in the midst of a public health crisis and not one of our Councilmembers has public health or healthcare-related experience like myself. We also have ZERO women serving at large and ZERO representation from the upcounty. I'm also the only candidate who has developed a five-point policy platform/plan to position our county's economy for future success. I am so proud to have former County Executive Leggett and Takoma Park Mayor, Kate Stewart, endorse my S.M.A.R.T. agenda for our county.

I was encouraged to run with so much uncertainty and institutional knowledge lost because of term limits and candidates seeking higher office. I am running because we need trusted, tested, and experienced leadership to oversee our $6Billion budget. I have the experience and a 15+year history of local advocacy and organizing experience that will ensure I'm ready to lead on day 1.

Please visit my website at: LaurieAnneSayles.org to learn more about my S.M.A.R.T. agenda, support our campaign, and join our #SaylesForce Team! #Sayles4MoCo
Feel free to email me as well! I love hearing from my neighbors from around the county.

Best,
Laurie-Anne
info@laurieannesayles.org
Why I'm Running commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sGQZ87hXrs[/quote]

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