Cathy Drzyzgula, my friend and colleague on the Gaithersburg City Council sent this letter to the Gazette and they chose not to publish it in the last edition before the election. She has posted it on her Facebook page and shared it with the Olde Towne listserv. I’ve copied it here so you can see why she supports my re-election and also that of Sidney Katz as Mayor. Thank you Cathy.
October 26, 2009
Dear Editor,
In the past few weeks I have been asked many times “Who do you support in the Gaithersburg City election?” I have been happy to answer “Sidney Katz and Mike Sesma”. I also explain why I support these two men. I look for three things in a candidate:
- A record of representing people and interests in addition to their own. This is shown in leadership of community or civic groups, and by participation of a broad group of people in their campaign, as volunteers and/or donors.
- A willingness to discuss their ideas and concerns and to look into the details of how policies or programs could be implemented. A leader should propose solutions, find the information necessary to implement them, and engage in a dialogue that will lead to the three votes needed to actually make something happen.
- An understanding of the opportunities and limits in city government. We need to address issues both inside and outside the city, on our own and in partnership with other governments and community groups.
I came to this election with an open mind, and have had numerous discussions with all the candidates. I made my choice, and I have been happy to give my time and money to the two men who demonstrate all three characteristics I value. I support Sidney Katz for Mayor, and Mike Sesma for City Council.
Cathy Drzyzgula