Rockville Councilmember Barry Jackson

  Statement from Barry Jackson, Rockville City Councilmember Following Testimony in Front of the MCPS Board of Education Regarding Wootton High School  I have heard from various people about the Montgomery County Public Schools hearing where Wootton High School parents, students and others interested parties testified before the Board of Education. Several things stand out to me. 1) Yes, it was probably wrong for someone to say “over my dead body” in testimony to the Board. BUT - I don’t think that should negate what everyone else said or the main points of the argument. 2) I have heard that “they did not propose a solution. Nothing makes me madder than to hear this sorry excuse from an elected official. It isn’t their job to propose a solution - it is yours. You were elected or hired to make decisions and study the options. Not people affected by potential decisions who are giving feedback in the impact of these potential decisions. 3) Some people on the Board of ...

I am so excited to kick off this new City of Rockville Government series in the new year! January 20th at 8pm! I sit down w Police Chief West of the Rockville City Police Department and Fire Chief Lazar of Rockville Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. . Should be fun! January 20 at 8pm, only on Rockville 11.

Last night, the Mayor and Council voted unanimously – 7-0 - for Rockville’s King Farm Farmstead Master Plan. I am beyond thrilled to vote for a plan to start utilizing the buildings of the Farmstead for childcare, meetings, events, City programs and more while also protecting the historic aspect of the space as well as the Community Garden and the site’s green space. For nearly 30 years, Rockville’s residents and various Mayors and Council’s have grappled with how to use this site. No longer. I am proud to be on this Council that passed this historic plan that marries Rockville’s future with Rockville’s past and will be enjoyed for generations to come. I want to say a few words of thanks to everyone who helped get this plan over the finish line. To everyone who came out to Listening Sessions or Filtering Sessions in King Farm, Twinbrook, at Glenview Mansion and at sessions. To everyone who called, met with your representatives, emailed or otherwise made your voices heard and had ...

I don’t know the thoughts around individual’s votes on RedGate Park and taking a $1.5 million grant that also preserves and protects the park for generations to come.  I can only speak for myself and say - I voted primarily to keep the land a green space for the enjoyment of the people of Rockville . The money in the grant was secondary.  Some might disagree with my position and this is okay. I suspect most support keeping the park untouched.  I will let other members of the Mayor and Council speak for themselves. Here below is a joint statement from myself, Mayor Monique Ashton and Councilmember Marissa Valeri . 

National Night Out was a great night! Watch the video and see all the celebrations all over the city!   Our city staff, our police, our firefighters and all of our first responders do a great job of getting out, connecting and making residents feel safe, informed and empowered. Rockville's Civic Associations, neighborhoods, HOAs and just plain block parties help this night happen successfully.  I regret one thing and that is that I couldn't get to every one of the celebrations. But that my friends is a good problem to have!