1 00:00:46,100 --> 00:00:52,200 Welcome to the November 17, 2025 special session of the mayor and city council. 2 00:00:54,200 --> 00:01:01,340 So in order to conduct this special session, we need a motion, and I'm going to hand it over to Lisa to make this motion. 3 00:01:02,540 --> 00:01:10,440 Mr. Mayor, I move that the mayor and city council of the city of Davisburg conduct a special session on Monday, November 17, 2025. 4 00:01:10,440 --> 00:01:20,740 So I'll leave to receive the certificate certification certification of election results and to swear in the newly elected mayor and to say the council member. 5 00:01:22,280 --> 00:01:23,560 Okay, all those the favor please say aye. 6 00:01:24,040 --> 00:01:24,200 Aye. 7 00:01:24,380 --> 00:01:25,220 Opposed say nay. 8 00:01:25,500 --> 00:01:27,680 Okay, that carries five zero. 9 00:01:28,140 --> 00:01:28,620 Thank you very much. 10 00:01:28,620 --> 00:01:30,260 Now we're going to go to the pledge of allegiance. 11 00:01:30,460 --> 00:01:32,940 I'm going to invite our junior mayor, Naman. 12 00:01:33,020 --> 00:01:35,460 Ketalaya to the podium to come lead us in the pledge. 13 00:01:35,540 --> 00:01:36,740 Everyone could please rise. 14 00:01:36,740 --> 00:01:37,380 I 15 00:01:44,350 --> 00:01:57,790 pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 16 00:01:58,350 --> 00:01:58,830 Thank you, Numb. 17 00:02:01,790 --> 00:02:09,130 Next, we are going to have the Board of Supervisors of Elections present the Certified Election Results. 18 00:02:09,450 --> 00:02:14,410 And I'm going to invite from the Board, Ty Hardaway, to please do the presentation. 19 00:02:14,410 --> 00:02:15,250 Good 20 00:02:19,120 --> 00:02:19,480 evening. 21 00:02:19,980 --> 00:02:23,100 Mayor Ashman, members of the City Council and the Gators Board of Community. 22 00:02:24,000 --> 00:02:25,040 I am Ty Hardaway. 23 00:02:26,100 --> 00:02:28,920 I am the Chair of the Board of Supervisors of Elections. 24 00:02:30,060 --> 00:02:34,900 I have the pleasure of serving as the Chief Judge for the 2025 Gators Board City 25 00:02:34,900 --> 00:02:35,900 Elections. 26 00:02:36,920 --> 00:02:42,580 The Board of Supervisors of Elections has held a general election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, 27 00:02:43,180 --> 00:02:46,800 for mayor and two City Council members serving four-year terms. 28 00:02:46,800 --> 00:02:51,580 There were six candidates, two for mayor and four for city council. 29 00:02:52,940 --> 00:03:01,600 For this election, the city employed a hybrid election process to include mail-in and in-person voting, including early in-person voting. 30 00:03:03,160 --> 00:03:09,640 Paper ballots were counted using optical scanning equipment, and the board was pleased with how well everything worked. 31 00:03:10,700 --> 00:03:17,600 At the closing of the polls, the scanners were locked and sealed, preventing the units from accepting any further ballots. 32 00:03:18,500 --> 00:03:24,460 The election results report were automatically printed and results were saved to memory cards. 33 00:03:25,920 --> 00:03:32,420 The board counted and certified the mail-in ballots as well as those cast in person. 34 00:03:32,420 --> 00:03:38,880 ballots postmarked by election day and received within two business days after the election 35 00:03:38,880 --> 00:03:43,520 as well as provisional ballots that were completed during in-person voting were counted. 36 00:03:44,260 --> 00:03:49,120 And the official election results were different from the unofficial results announced 37 00:03:49,120 --> 00:03:55,840 Tuesday, November 4th, 2025, however, all outcomes remained the same. 38 00:03:57,190 --> 00:04:02,970 A grand total of 6,273 valid ballots were cast. 39 00:04:04,050 --> 00:04:06,790 The Board of Supervisors of Elections has certified 40 00:04:06,790 --> 00:04:11,990 Judge Ashman as mayor and Lisa Henderson and Jim McNulty 41 00:04:11,990 --> 00:04:16,430 as City Council members each serving four-year terms. 42 00:04:25,160 --> 00:04:28,200 On behalf of the Board of Supervisors of Elections, 43 00:04:28,300 --> 00:04:31,240 we would like to thank City staff, 44 00:04:31,240 --> 00:04:38,160 our election judges and our election judges for conducting a very thorough fair and efficient 45 00:04:38,160 --> 00:04:44,760 election. We would also like to thank our cordial and collegial candidates, many of whom 46 00:04:44,760 --> 00:04:52,980 are here today, and all of our city voters. I'm very proud of Gayther's bird. Thank you. 47 00:04:53,360 --> 00:04:54,100 Thank you. 48 00:04:59,790 --> 00:05:05,930 So next on the agenda is the oath of office. And first is mine and to administer is 49 00:05:05,930 --> 00:05:14,210 the circuit court clerk, Karen Buschill, and then I will present the oath or I will leave the 50 00:05:14,210 --> 00:05:16,250 oath for Lisa and for Jim. 51 00:05:17,590 --> 00:05:19,950 And minister, that's the first one. 52 00:05:39,080 --> 00:05:40,480 Yeah, that's the first one. 53 00:05:40,500 --> 00:05:41,460 Yeah, that's the first one. 54 00:05:41,640 --> 00:05:42,760 Yeah, that's the first one. 55 00:05:42,760 --> 00:05:44,240 Hi, Joe Dashman. 56 00:05:44,640 --> 00:05:45,060 Hi, Joe Dashman. 57 00:05:45,240 --> 00:05:46,280 Do you solve a square? 58 00:05:46,540 --> 00:05:47,660 Do you solve a week's square? 59 00:05:48,140 --> 00:05:50,920 that I will support the Constitution of the United States. 60 00:05:50,920 --> 00:05:53,100 That I will support the Constitution of the United States. 61 00:05:53,140 --> 00:05:55,340 And that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance. 62 00:05:55,420 --> 00:05:57,720 That I will be faithful and bear true allegiance. 63 00:05:57,840 --> 00:05:58,840 To the State of Maryland. 64 00:05:58,880 --> 00:05:59,640 To the State of Maryland. 65 00:05:59,880 --> 00:06:02,120 And support the Constitution and laws thereof. 66 00:06:02,160 --> 00:06:04,460 And support the Constitution and laws thereof. 67 00:06:04,500 --> 00:06:05,400 And that I will. 68 00:06:05,400 --> 00:06:06,040 And that I will. 69 00:06:06,080 --> 00:06:07,640 To the best of my skill in judgment. 70 00:06:07,720 --> 00:06:09,200 To the best of my skill in judgment. 71 00:06:09,540 --> 00:06:10,960 Diligently and faithfully. 72 00:06:11,080 --> 00:06:12,220 Diligently and faithfully. 73 00:06:12,280 --> 00:06:13,900 Without partiality or prejudice. 74 00:06:14,060 --> 00:06:15,660 Without partiality or prejudice. 75 00:06:15,660 --> 00:06:21,900 Execute the office of execute the office of mayor gaiters for mayor gaiters for a 76 00:06:21,900 --> 00:06:27,330 According to the Constitution and laws of the state according to the Constitution and laws of this state 77 00:06:27,600 --> 00:06:29,300 Congratulations, and 78 00:06:35,800 --> 00:06:42,460 I need you to sign right here. Yeah, and I need you to sign right here to 79 00:06:42,460 --> 00:06:45,540 All right, 80 00:06:50,660 --> 00:06:53,280 is there just one? Yeah 81 00:06:59,420 --> 00:07:06,600 Okay, so next we're going to do Lisa and Lisa please feel free to invite anybody you want up here with you as well. 82 00:07:10,720 --> 00:07:14,320 My family come up. I see members of them out there. 83 00:07:24,950 --> 00:07:26,190 Now they're going to act shy. 84 00:07:27,950 --> 00:07:29,010 We know the truth. 85 00:07:35,330 --> 00:07:37,310 You stay right where you are. 86 00:07:37,390 --> 00:07:43,270 You can. I want you guys in the shot so. 87 00:07:43,270 --> 00:07:43,770 right here next. 88 00:08:05,440 --> 00:08:10,160 Okay. Please raise your right hand. I and then 89 00:08:10,160 --> 00:08:14,280 state your name. I at least a Henderson. Do a firm. Do a firm that I will 90 00:08:14,280 --> 00:08:18,100 support the Constitution of the United States. That I will support the 91 00:08:18,100 --> 00:08:22,060 Constitution of the United States and that I will be faithful and that I will be 92 00:08:22,060 --> 00:08:25,900 faithful and very true allegiance and bear true allegiance to the State of 93 00:08:25,900 --> 00:08:29,620 Maryland to the State of Maryland and support the Constitution and laws 94 00:08:29,620 --> 00:08:35,420 their up in support the Constitution and laws their up and that I will and that I will to the best 95 00:08:35,420 --> 00:08:40,920 of my skill in judgment to the best of my skill in judgment diligently and faithfully diligently and faithfully 96 00:08:40,920 --> 00:08:46,780 without partiality or prejudice without partiality or prejudice execute the office of 97 00:08:46,780 --> 00:08:52,380 execute the office of city council of the city of counsel of the city of Gators Park. 98 00:08:52,620 --> 00:08:56,920 According to the Constitution according to the Constitution the laws of this state 99 00:08:56,920 --> 00:09:02,440 The laws of the state and the gaitersburg city charter and code and the gaitersburg city charter and call code 100 00:09:15,940 --> 00:09:18,980 I could promise you that we did not invent that 101 00:09:20,220 --> 00:09:24,540 That pledge that oath that is actually state laws the clunky as though 102 00:09:24,860 --> 00:09:26,400 Ever known to man, 103 00:09:30,610 --> 00:09:30,930 okay 104 00:10:08,200 --> 00:10:08,680 Okay. 105 00:10:09,680 --> 00:10:11,060 Please raise your right hand. 106 00:10:11,980 --> 00:10:12,400 I, St. 107 00:10:12,420 --> 00:10:12,900 Janane. 108 00:10:12,960 --> 00:10:14,860 I James Francis McNulty. 109 00:10:15,420 --> 00:10:15,900 Brotherutesetoafard. 110 00:10:16,180 --> 00:10:19,980 Do you affirm that I will support the Constitution of United States that I will support 111 00:10:19,980 --> 00:10:23,020 the Constitution of the United States and that will be faithful? 112 00:10:23,160 --> 00:10:27,040 And that it will be faithful in their true allegiance and their true allegiance to the 113 00:10:27,040 --> 00:10:28,620 State of Maryland to the State of Maryland. 114 00:10:29,140 --> 00:10:31,400 And support the Constitution and laws there of? 115 00:10:31,400 --> 00:10:33,860 And support the Constitution and laws there of. 116 00:10:34,220 --> 00:10:37,140 And that I will and that I will and that I will to the best of my skill and judgment 117 00:10:37,140 --> 00:10:42,480 the best of my skill in judgment, diligently and faithfully, diligently and faithfully, without 118 00:10:42,480 --> 00:10:48,140 partiality or prejudice, without partiality or prejudice, execute the office of, execute the 119 00:10:48,140 --> 00:10:53,600 office of City Council of the City Council of the City of Gathensburg, according to the 120 00:10:53,600 --> 00:10:57,740 Constitution, according to the Constitution, the laws of this state, the laws of the state, 121 00:10:57,820 --> 00:11:01,940 and the Gathensburg city, charter and code. And the Gathensburg city, charter and code. 122 00:11:02,520 --> 00:11:02,540 Congratulations. 123 00:11:13,170 --> 00:11:16,010 Sidney always used to joke that we haven't signed immediately before they 124 00:11:27,100 --> 00:11:27,720 Okay, 125 00:11:47,280 --> 00:11:53,980 so I am going to give everyone here a chance to say a few words and we're going to start with newly 126 00:11:53,980 --> 00:11:56,480 real echo council member Lisa Henderson. 127 00:11:58,960 --> 00:12:00,120 Thank you Mr. Mayor. 128 00:12:04,110 --> 00:12:05,510 Good evening everyone. 129 00:12:06,550 --> 00:12:14,290 Tonight I stand before you, or sit before you actually, filled with gratitude, humility and renewed sense of purpose. 130 00:12:14,970 --> 00:12:21,350 I'm honored to have once again earn your trust and to continue serving you as your Gatorsburg City Council Member. 131 00:12:22,170 --> 00:12:23,670 First, I want to thank my family. 132 00:12:24,630 --> 00:12:34,030 Your love, patience, and constant encouragement cared me through every long night, every form, every door knocked, and every challenge along the way. 133 00:12:34,030 --> 00:12:37,910 I cannot do this without your unwavering support. 134 00:12:39,290 --> 00:12:41,930 Tonight I also am thinking about my father. 135 00:12:42,470 --> 00:12:43,910 He used to tell us all. 136 00:12:44,390 --> 00:12:46,050 Go out and learn something today. 137 00:12:46,610 --> 00:12:50,170 Those words shaped who I am as a daughter, as a public servant, 138 00:12:50,610 --> 00:12:54,250 and as someone who believes deeply in listening, growing, 139 00:12:54,730 --> 00:12:56,270 and learning from people I serve. 140 00:12:57,150 --> 00:13:00,150 His spirit and that lesson stay with me every single day. 141 00:13:00,150 --> 00:13:06,690 I want to recognize my mother, Reverend Theresa Henderson. She prayed for us throughout this entire 142 00:13:06,690 --> 00:13:11,870 campaign and continues to pray for this mayor and council daily. Her faith, her strength, 143 00:13:12,130 --> 00:13:18,370 and her guidance have been a blessing to me and to this community. To my friends and volunteers, 144 00:13:19,230 --> 00:13:27,670 thank you. You showed up in the heat, in the rain, after work, on weekends, and whenever 145 00:13:27,670 --> 00:13:32,990 our community needed to hear your message. You share your time, your energy, and your hearts. 146 00:13:33,410 --> 00:13:38,270 This victory belongs to you as much as it belongs to me. And to the elected officials, 147 00:13:38,770 --> 00:13:43,670 your support has meant the world, whether you offered your guidance, attended events, 148 00:13:44,350 --> 00:13:51,190 shared encouragement, or simply checked in. You reminded me that public service is built on relationships 149 00:13:51,190 --> 00:13:58,390 and community. I also want to congratulate the Mayor, Judd Ashman, and Council Member 150 00:13:58,390 --> 00:14:03,790 Jim McNulty. We were friends long before we started this campaign together. But by 151 00:14:03,790 --> 00:14:08,490 knocking on doors together, meeting neighbors, listening on front porches, sharing 152 00:14:08,490 --> 00:14:14,570 our stories, brought us even closer. I am grateful for those partnerships, their 153 00:14:14,570 --> 00:14:20,030 partnership, their leadership, and the teamwork that made this campaign so meaningful. 154 00:14:21,190 --> 00:14:28,290 I look forward to continuing and to collaborate with you as we serve Gatorsburg side by side. 155 00:14:29,150 --> 00:14:33,910 I also want to acknowledge everyone who stepped forward to participate in this election. 156 00:14:34,370 --> 00:14:43,010 Offer in your time, ideas, and perspective takes commitment, and our community grows stronger when people engage in the democratic process. 157 00:14:43,970 --> 00:14:50,610 And I also want to recognize my fellow council members, Nill Harris, Rob Wu, and Jamil Hernandez. 158 00:14:51,310 --> 00:14:54,670 With all of us returning, the band is back together. 159 00:14:56,290 --> 00:14:59,150 And I'm excited to continue the great work we have been. 160 00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:09,500 Doing as one team for Gavispart. Enter the residents of Gavispart, thank you for believing in the vision of an inclusive forward-thinking city. 161 00:15:10,140 --> 00:15:22,520 A city where every neighborhood matters, every voice is heard, every generation is valued. Your support is not just a vote, it is a commitment to continuing the progress we have made together. 162 00:15:22,520 --> 00:15:28,360 This campaign was rooted in one simple idea, encouraged by community. 163 00:15:29,500 --> 00:15:33,760 And tonight you prove once again how powerful that idea truly is. 164 00:15:34,320 --> 00:15:40,100 As we head into this next term, I remain focused on the issues that matter, housing 165 00:15:40,100 --> 00:15:46,060 affordability, smart development, support for seniors and families, economic growth, public 166 00:15:46,060 --> 00:15:51,420 safety, and ensuring Gatorsburg remains a welcoming place to live. 167 00:15:51,420 --> 00:15:57,560 We have important work ahead of us, but we will do it together, listening, learning and 168 00:15:57,560 --> 00:15:58,920 lifting one another up. 169 00:15:59,520 --> 00:16:04,220 Thank you for your trust, thank you for your partnership, and thank you for the privilege 170 00:16:04,220 --> 00:16:06,000 of serving this incredible city. 171 00:16:06,540 --> 00:16:11,200 I am honored, I am inspired, and I am ready for what comes next. 172 00:16:11,540 --> 00:16:14,840 Thank you, and let's keep moving forward, Gators, where let's do it together. 173 00:16:15,560 --> 00:16:15,940 Thank you. 174 00:16:21,650 --> 00:16:22,430 Thank you, Lisa. 175 00:16:22,530 --> 00:16:23,150 We'll go to Jim. 176 00:16:23,410 --> 00:16:26,490 Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and I want to give my congratulations to you. 177 00:16:26,490 --> 00:16:30,150 to you and to our good friend, Councilmember Lisa Henderson as well. 178 00:16:31,170 --> 00:16:34,970 I want to start by thanking both of you for your friendship and your support these last 179 00:16:34,970 --> 00:16:36,750 four years and these last four months. 180 00:16:37,270 --> 00:16:43,190 It was an honor to run with you and I'm so glad that we actually got our moment this time. 181 00:16:43,570 --> 00:16:46,710 You know, four years ago, it was the middle of the night when we found out that we had one, 182 00:16:47,010 --> 00:16:48,250 so we didn't get to celebrate. 183 00:16:49,170 --> 00:16:53,150 So being able to celebrate with the two of you was really special and I'm grateful for 184 00:16:53,150 --> 00:16:55,850 the opportunity to run it back with the two of you. 185 00:16:55,850 --> 00:17:01,610 I also want to thank my council colleagues who could have simply watched from the sidelines, 186 00:17:02,030 --> 00:17:06,850 but were active in helping get us reelected, so to council members, Neil Harris, and Rob 187 00:17:06,850 --> 00:17:09,010 Wu, and our vice president, Jimmy Hernandez. 188 00:17:09,690 --> 00:17:14,510 I look forward to continuing to share the day us with you and to doing the good work together 189 00:17:14,510 --> 00:17:15,590 for our residents. 190 00:17:16,890 --> 00:17:22,110 I want to congratulate the Board of Supervisors of Elections, our city staff, especially our city manager, 191 00:17:22,110 --> 00:17:29,370 to Nisha Briley and our city clerk Leah Jones and all of the staff who worked on the 192 00:17:29,370 --> 00:17:35,330 election on managing such a robust turnout. It's still not where we'd like it to be, but we are 193 00:17:35,330 --> 00:17:40,290 trending in the right direction and this gives us momentum to build on in the next two years. 194 00:17:41,570 --> 00:17:47,330 Before I get into thanking my team, I want to acknowledge Tiffany Kelly and Chris Tom's 195 00:17:47,330 --> 00:17:49,950 and homo Williams for putting themselves out there 196 00:17:49,950 --> 00:17:52,130 and wanting to make a difference for our community. 197 00:17:52,970 --> 00:17:54,590 And Chris and Tiffany are here tonight. 198 00:17:55,090 --> 00:17:57,910 And I have sat in that seat and watched someone else 199 00:17:57,910 --> 00:17:59,910 get sworn in and it is not easy. 200 00:18:00,770 --> 00:18:03,050 We are a character count city and being here tonight 201 00:18:03,050 --> 00:18:06,090 and supporting us shows that you truly embodied. 202 00:18:06,230 --> 00:18:07,710 That's so thank you for being here tonight. 203 00:18:09,410 --> 00:18:12,150 There are so many people that I need to thank, 204 00:18:13,890 --> 00:18:14,750 starting with my family. 205 00:18:17,450 --> 00:18:19,150 This has been a really challenging year 206 00:18:19,150 --> 00:18:25,170 many, many levels. And I could not have survived it without them. My wife Amy, my children, 207 00:18:25,650 --> 00:18:31,810 CJ and Sean. CJ just got home from college today. So four hours home and she gets to come to 208 00:18:31,810 --> 00:18:38,550 that's getting sworn in. Both of my children got to vote in the selection and my son got to cast 209 00:18:38,550 --> 00:18:39,870 his first ever vote for him. 210 00:18:43,600 --> 00:18:48,360 That's really cool. I'm just so blessed. I love you guys so much. My 211 00:18:48,360 --> 00:18:52,720 Parents, Kathy, Frank, Bonnie, we're all here on election day. 212 00:18:52,800 --> 00:18:55,080 Along with my brother, Chris, actually this weekend, 213 00:18:55,240 --> 00:18:57,620 we just celebrated my dad's 75th birthday up in Philly. 214 00:18:58,220 --> 00:19:00,720 So I know they're watching, so happy birthday again, dad. 215 00:19:01,860 --> 00:19:04,420 It was a really special moment on election day. 216 00:19:04,520 --> 00:19:08,080 We got to get a great picture with my parents and Lisa's mom, 217 00:19:08,540 --> 00:19:09,780 having all the parents there together. 218 00:19:09,780 --> 00:19:11,160 It was a really great moment. 219 00:19:12,340 --> 00:19:14,940 My in-laws, Sharon and Kathy, as well as Uncle Tommy, 220 00:19:15,460 --> 00:19:16,600 who was incredibly generous. 221 00:19:17,120 --> 00:19:19,280 And then, of course, my team. 222 00:19:19,580 --> 00:19:23,780 Eight years ago, I learned that it's not enough that you want to run for office. 223 00:19:24,260 --> 00:19:27,940 You have to have a village that wants you in that office, too. 224 00:19:28,840 --> 00:19:35,520 And along the way, I have been blessed to meet so many kind and generous people who have given 225 00:19:35,520 --> 00:19:39,520 their time, their talent, and their treasure to help get me elected. 226 00:19:39,520 --> 00:19:47,920 In particular, I want to thank Andy, and Isaac, and Matt, and Jason, and Oscar, and Ari 227 00:19:47,920 --> 00:19:53,080 and Demetria, and Pete, and Lee, and George, and that, and David, and June, and Ken and 228 00:19:53,080 --> 00:19:59,860 Rebecca, and Rich, and Sean, and Tony, and too many people to name everybody, but we 229 00:19:59,860 --> 00:20:04,660 had over 90 different donations from people, and I'm humbled by your generosity. 230 00:20:06,080 --> 00:20:11,060 to the dozens of my colleagues at various levels of government who gave their endorsements 231 00:20:11,060 --> 00:20:17,460 from my friends in Rockville to our state delegations from D17 and 39 to our county council 232 00:20:17,460 --> 00:20:23,140 colleagues in elsewhere. I appreciate each and every one of you. I appreciate our partnership 233 00:20:23,140 --> 00:20:29,920 and I look forward to working together towards our common goals. And of course, I must thank 234 00:20:29,920 --> 00:20:37,520 the voters of KTHersburg. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so very much for sending back to work 235 00:20:37,520 --> 00:20:44,300 with these excellent public servants. I cannot tell you how much it means to me to have so many 236 00:20:44,300 --> 00:20:49,940 of you come up on Election Day and whisper in my ear, I just voted for you. Where to be told when I was 237 00:20:49,940 --> 00:20:54,920 door knocking, I already sent my ballot in for you. This is one of the best things about municipal 238 00:20:54,920 --> 00:20:59,620 government, these one-on-one interactions that happen with the community throughout the 239 00:20:59,620 --> 00:21:00,180 year. 240 00:21:00,340 --> 00:21:03,720 And that's a benefit of being the level of government that's closest to the people. 241 00:21:04,700 --> 00:21:08,200 Throughout our campaign, I would hear over and over all the great things that the city 242 00:21:08,200 --> 00:21:12,880 is doing with very specific praise for members of the city staff that they've connected with 243 00:21:12,880 --> 00:21:14,140 in their daily lives. 244 00:21:14,480 --> 00:21:18,640 I can't tell you how often I heard the city is great, everyone else is a mess. 245 00:21:19,640 --> 00:21:24,300 But that is a testament to our incredible city staff who make us look good on the daily 246 00:21:25,260 --> 00:21:31,560 And while we're not immune to the mess that is happening all around us, it really is refreshing to receive that kind of feedback. 247 00:21:32,420 --> 00:21:36,980 You know, we all are in this to try to make our little corner of the world better place. 248 00:21:37,780 --> 00:21:40,720 But of course there is much work that still needs to be done. 249 00:21:41,240 --> 00:21:49,980 We heard loud and clear that affordability and pedestrian safety and growth are top of mind in our community as they should be. 250 00:21:50,240 --> 00:21:51,760 And that work begins straight away. 251 00:21:52,400 --> 00:21:58,720 And while we may not always agree on the how, I'm confident that by working together, leveraging 252 00:21:58,720 --> 00:22:03,840 our talents and our passions, and by truly listening to the needs of our community, 253 00:22:04,420 --> 00:22:09,120 K-thersburg will continue to be the best city in the world, and I, for one, are ready 254 00:22:09,120 --> 00:22:10,260 to get back to work. 255 00:22:11,200 --> 00:22:16,220 So thank you, God bless you, and to steal the mayor's line, let's do great things, 256 00:22:16,380 --> 00:22:16,680 K-thersburg. 257 00:22:23,240 --> 00:22:26,100 You're going to hear that line more than or less than I am just a spoiler. 258 00:22:26,960 --> 00:22:27,340 Jamil? 259 00:22:29,540 --> 00:22:31,520 Not much to be added there. 260 00:22:31,520 --> 00:22:35,560 I was reflecting on something Council Member McNulty said during the campaign in 261 00:22:35,560 --> 00:22:37,920 election night about the Gatorsburg way. 262 00:22:38,560 --> 00:22:43,280 And the Gatorsburg way is something very special to me and it's you know how we treat each other 263 00:22:43,280 --> 00:22:49,240 with civility and collegiality and we try to give voters reasons to vote for us, not against 264 00:22:49,240 --> 00:22:50,180 our opponents. 265 00:22:50,180 --> 00:22:52,380 And you saw that happen in this election. 266 00:22:52,580 --> 00:22:54,480 I'm really proud of that. 267 00:22:54,960 --> 00:22:57,440 And I look forward to continuing to work with everybody. 268 00:22:57,940 --> 00:22:58,600 I'm getting this pump. 269 00:22:59,720 --> 00:23:03,480 And wishing you great things and also do great things 270 00:23:03,480 --> 00:23:04,740 would give this work together. 271 00:23:05,500 --> 00:23:05,560 Right. 272 00:23:10,090 --> 00:23:11,090 Let's go to Neil. 273 00:23:12,530 --> 00:23:17,870 OK, so I'm just very proud, not only of my colleagues 274 00:23:17,870 --> 00:23:21,450 for running great campaigns, but for the entire election process, 275 00:23:21,450 --> 00:23:26,130 where it was very civil, it wasn't personal, 276 00:23:26,330 --> 00:23:28,690 it was focused on the issues and the needs. 277 00:23:29,210 --> 00:23:30,950 And there was a debate, there was disagreement, 278 00:23:31,170 --> 00:23:33,830 but it was all handled in the Gaythusburg way 279 00:23:33,830 --> 00:23:38,270 where we had civil discussions and let the voters decide. 280 00:23:38,930 --> 00:23:42,730 I'm very proud of the fact that we had the biggest turnout 281 00:23:42,730 --> 00:23:46,850 we've ever had in election, as it was said, 282 00:23:47,110 --> 00:23:48,490 we would like it to be even higher, 283 00:23:48,490 --> 00:23:53,610 but we beat the previous total by more than 1,000 votes 284 00:23:53,610 --> 00:23:57,090 until I think probably 1,500, which is good, 285 00:23:57,190 --> 00:23:59,070 and hopefully we'll do even better next time, 286 00:23:59,930 --> 00:24:05,210 but very happy to be serving with these fine people once again. 287 00:24:05,630 --> 00:24:07,810 And we're going to do great things for you 288 00:24:07,810 --> 00:24:11,350 and let us know what you need and we'll keep trying to help. 289 00:24:11,450 --> 00:24:12,250 Thank you. 290 00:24:18,360 --> 00:24:20,960 I would just say, did I, but I guess I have a little bit more 291 00:24:20,960 --> 00:24:23,700 to say, because of the momentous night. 292 00:24:23,700 --> 00:24:27,580 So Mayor Judd, Jim Lisa, congratulations. 293 00:24:28,720 --> 00:24:31,680 It's as it should be, and I look forward to working with you 294 00:24:31,680 --> 00:24:34,640 for at least a little time more. 295 00:24:34,960 --> 00:24:38,960 I will acknowledge the record turnout and the fact 296 00:24:38,960 --> 00:24:43,380 that up until this certification, I was the most popular 297 00:24:43,380 --> 00:24:48,800 in council, but now both Lisa and Jim have surpassed me 298 00:24:48,800 --> 00:24:50,760 and so congratulations on that. 299 00:24:50,760 --> 00:25:08,640 Of course, to the Board of Supervisors elections and staff, it was flawless this time, which is, it's very good every other time, but this time it just, it just seemed flawless and it's just a testament to the amount of hard work that bows and staff put into this. 300 00:25:09,280 --> 00:25:18,820 And I understand we have a new person at the helm of the ship as far as this election is concerned and so congratulations to Leah on running this. 301 00:25:24,360 --> 00:25:30,860 Of course, it goes without saying, we want to have a robust election and we've been thinking 302 00:25:30,860 --> 00:25:36,000 of ways every year, and we're going to call upon Bose again, to think about how we can 303 00:25:36,000 --> 00:25:42,040 make our democracy more perfect, but I think that it starts with great candidates, so I do 304 00:25:42,040 --> 00:25:48,880 want to acknowledge and congratulate Tiffany Omo and Chris for just making it so energetic and 305 00:25:48,880 --> 00:25:53,000 making our democracy work and we hope it works in the future. 306 00:25:53,820 --> 00:25:54,860 So just congratulations. 307 00:25:55,200 --> 00:25:58,140 I did want to note that when I, in 2023, 308 00:25:58,620 --> 00:26:02,560 when I was sworn in, my wife and kids did not attend. 309 00:26:02,680 --> 00:26:03,900 They were on vacation somewhere. 310 00:26:04,240 --> 00:26:08,340 But this time they're actually here to congratulate the three of you. 311 00:26:08,680 --> 00:26:09,320 So yes. 312 00:26:10,580 --> 00:26:11,340 Thank you, Rob. 313 00:26:11,660 --> 00:26:12,800 Let's give Rob a round of applause. 314 00:26:16,170 --> 00:26:19,710 So I do want to, before I launch into some remarks, 315 00:26:19,710 --> 00:26:22,430 I do want to acknowledge some people in the audience. 316 00:26:23,550 --> 00:26:26,510 Tiffany Kelly, let's give Tiffany a round of applause. 317 00:26:30,360 --> 00:26:32,880 Chris Tom's, let's give Chris a round of applause. 318 00:26:36,330 --> 00:26:38,870 And almost not here, but I think he deserves a round of applause. 319 00:26:42,530 --> 00:26:46,910 I also want to acknowledge some elected officials in the audience tonight. 320 00:26:46,910 --> 00:26:48,830 I'm going to start with our former mayor, 321 00:26:49,150 --> 00:26:51,070 and current county council member Sydney A. Katz. 322 00:26:55,720 --> 00:26:58,860 We had Senator Nancy King, but she had to run, 323 00:26:59,100 --> 00:27:00,680 because they're doing a joint priority here. 324 00:27:00,680 --> 00:27:03,420 I don't know how Ryan's still here, but we'll get to Ryan a second. 325 00:27:04,300 --> 00:27:09,620 But we also have our delegate from District 17, former City Council member Ryan Spiegel, 326 00:27:13,680 --> 00:27:17,880 and we have two former City Council members in the room, Mike Sessma, 327 00:27:21,460 --> 00:27:22,820 way in the back of Ed Monroe. 328 00:27:27,410 --> 00:27:32,930 So, people often ask me, what's it like being mayor, do you enjoy it? 329 00:27:33,190 --> 00:27:38,930 And right now, the refrain that keeps popping into my head is that famous line from 330 00:27:38,930 --> 00:27:45,390 Elizabeth there at Browning Palm. How do I love the? Let me count the ways. I'm not gonna try to count 331 00:27:45,390 --> 00:27:51,290 all the ways that I love being mayor because it would take hours, but I want to share just one 332 00:27:51,290 --> 00:27:58,870 example. A few weeks ago, Jessa, one of our nonprofit partners invited me to the parent resource center 333 00:27:58,870 --> 00:28:05,230 over at Gathersburg Elementary School. And I walked into classroom where there were a couple 334 00:28:05,230 --> 00:28:12,390 doesn't people. All Hispanic, they were learning English as their kids went to school at the school, 335 00:28:12,390 --> 00:28:19,010 at the school of Gator's Brigham entry. They seemed friendly, but you could feel a little bit 336 00:28:19,010 --> 00:28:25,070 of wearing this, a little guardedness. So I introduced myself. I said, I am Judge Ashman, 337 00:28:25,250 --> 00:28:31,090 Mayor of Gator'sburg, and before I tell you about how the city works as I was prompted to do. 338 00:28:31,090 --> 00:28:37,550 I want to say on behalf of our City Council and our staff that we welcome you and we're glad 339 00:28:37,550 --> 00:28:42,710 that you're here and we're proud of this program and we're proud of you and we want 340 00:28:42,710 --> 00:28:50,390 you to be part of our community and as the staff translated my words, I watched their faces 341 00:28:50,390 --> 00:28:55,830 and you could actually see the tension ease, the shoulders dropped the eyes soften because 342 00:28:55,830 --> 00:29:02,490 frankly, this isn't the message that many immigrants have been hearing from people in government, 343 00:29:03,230 --> 00:29:08,330 from people who look like me in recent months and what they heard in that moment was the opposite. 344 00:29:08,990 --> 00:29:13,950 And from there it turned into a very delightful conversation. We ended up taking pictures 345 00:29:13,950 --> 00:29:18,910 and sharing stories and a young man there actually asked me for several autographs, which is completely 346 00:29:18,910 --> 00:29:26,890 but very flattering and I left feeling like we'd made a real connection and as I was 347 00:29:26,890 --> 00:29:33,050 leaving it struck me how lucky that I am at such a fraught time in our national 348 00:29:33,050 --> 00:29:39,090 politics that this community would give me the opportunity to extend a hand and 349 00:29:39,090 --> 00:29:46,850 offer a warm embrace on its behalf. After all these years you still get a 350 00:29:47,450 --> 00:29:53,390 of imposter syndrome, that I feel like that's how you know you're still in it for the right reasons. What a blessing. 351 00:29:54,890 --> 00:29:59,970 And as a post script, so I had invited all of these people to come. 352 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:07,440 For you, if you want, and they had actually on Friday, I got a request for an interpreter for this meeting. 353 00:30:08,520 --> 00:30:20,620 Now, so we have, we're ready in the back room to interpret. However, I think when they found out that it was just to swear us in, and we weren't actually conducting real visits there like I don't want to see. 354 00:30:20,740 --> 00:30:27,860 We'll come to the next meeting. I don't know. But hopefully we'll get a chance to all say hello to them and give them the warm welcome. 355 00:30:27,860 --> 00:30:35,160 This was my seventh city election campaign and to put that in perspective and sound really old. 356 00:30:35,560 --> 00:30:40,280 The first year I want to see it on the council, Apple had just launched the first iPhone. 357 00:30:40,820 --> 00:30:42,500 George W. Bush was the president. 358 00:30:43,140 --> 00:30:45,320 My hair had color in it. 359 00:30:45,920 --> 00:30:49,740 And since then, I've been through the great recession here. 360 00:30:50,220 --> 00:30:52,780 A multiple government shutdowns and the pandemic. 361 00:30:52,780 --> 00:30:56,820 But through it all, Gator's bird has been constant. 362 00:30:59,060 --> 00:31:01,180 The greatest of places to be. 363 00:31:01,700 --> 00:31:03,060 What makes it so great? 364 00:31:03,320 --> 00:31:04,620 Well, Shakespeare said it best. 365 00:31:04,800 --> 00:31:06,700 What is the city, but the people? 366 00:31:07,560 --> 00:31:10,260 From the first day here to this day, 367 00:31:10,420 --> 00:31:13,620 I have found the people of Gator's bird to be absolutely wonderful. 368 00:31:14,240 --> 00:31:18,940 That's not to say that we live in some sort of impenetrable bubble. 369 00:31:18,940 --> 00:31:27,240 Campaigns give you a view of a city that's both telescopic and microscopic. People are generally good and often awesome 370 00:31:27,240 --> 00:31:29,960 I have made some terrific new friends this year 371 00:31:29,960 --> 00:31:31,560 But I think 372 00:31:31,560 --> 00:31:38,080 Lisa and Jim would agree that the courseness and toxicity of national politics has unfortunately 373 00:31:38,080 --> 00:31:44,660 Seat into our city in some ways and I would just remind everyone. It's never healthy when we talk past each other 374 00:31:44,660 --> 00:31:51,400 make assumptions based on labels or appearances or forget to actually listen because every time 375 00:31:51,400 --> 00:31:57,700 I knock on doors, I'm reminded. The world is more nuanced than that. People are more nuanced than 376 00:31:57,700 --> 00:32:03,680 that. The stories that have brought our neighbors to this place together with us are incredible. 377 00:32:04,280 --> 00:32:08,680 They're worth hearing and we need to put down our phones sometimes and get out of our silos and 378 00:32:08,680 --> 00:32:17,360 space to hear them. How do I love our staff? Let me count the ways. I'm the trail this year. 379 00:32:17,640 --> 00:32:22,960 A lot of folks told me, you're doing a great job. Gator's burgers so well run. And that's 380 00:32:22,960 --> 00:32:28,880 very gratifying to hear, but I know it's not what they really mean, because it's not like most 381 00:32:28,880 --> 00:32:34,800 people are watching our meetings and astonished by how well I run them. It's really not. I can 382 00:32:34,800 --> 00:32:39,180 acknowledge that, or that they're fully aware of the decisions that the council and I are making all the 383 00:32:39,180 --> 00:32:45,000 time, maybe a few of them. But what they're really talking about is this. When they call for a new 384 00:32:45,000 --> 00:32:51,680 recycle bin, our public work staff get it to the next day. Maybe even that day, when they take a cooking 385 00:32:51,680 --> 00:32:57,280 class at KC, they walk away with techniques that they'll use for life. When they submit a permit for a new 386 00:32:57,280 --> 00:33:02,440 deck, our planning and coaching helps them get through it quickly and respectfully. What they're 387 00:33:02,440 --> 00:33:05,040 feeling is the excellence of our staff. 388 00:33:06,000 --> 00:33:08,860 If I can take credit for anything, it's this. 389 00:33:09,180 --> 00:33:12,120 Over the 18 years I've been in office here, I've learned, 390 00:33:12,540 --> 00:33:15,800 and it times I have preached that the well-being and morale 391 00:33:15,800 --> 00:33:18,800 of our staff is something we must always protect. 392 00:33:19,260 --> 00:33:21,020 Because when our staff feel supported, 393 00:33:21,380 --> 00:33:23,760 they serve with professionalism and a smile, 394 00:33:23,920 --> 00:33:25,660 and that's what makes this community shine. 395 00:33:26,780 --> 00:33:28,240 This was a hard-fought election. 396 00:33:28,920 --> 00:33:30,800 Everyone got out there to meet the voters 397 00:33:30,800 --> 00:33:31,780 and make their cases. 398 00:33:32,340 --> 00:33:35,040 And I salute all of the candidates, Tiffany Kelly, 399 00:33:35,420 --> 00:33:37,920 Oma Demola, Williams, and Chris Tombs. 400 00:33:38,080 --> 00:33:40,660 They put themselves out there, worked hard 401 00:33:40,660 --> 00:33:42,200 and gave the voters a real choice. 402 00:33:42,500 --> 00:33:46,380 They made us all better candidates, and that was good 403 00:33:46,380 --> 00:33:48,640 for Gator's Bird and for Democracy. 404 00:33:51,320 --> 00:33:54,560 I'm thrilled for both Lisa and Jim, 405 00:33:55,220 --> 00:33:58,360 both very good friends, terrific public servants, 406 00:33:58,700 --> 00:34:00,540 huge congratulations to both of them. 407 00:34:00,540 --> 00:34:06,040 their teams and their families. And how do I love our team? Let me count the ways. 408 00:34:06,260 --> 00:34:09,460 I've argued through this campaign. We'll continue to that we have the most 409 00:34:09,460 --> 00:34:13,160 efficient responses local government in Maryland. The people at this 410 00:34:13,160 --> 00:34:18,720 dies offer a diversity of professional skills, life experience and leadership 411 00:34:18,720 --> 00:34:22,140 approaches, but one thing that all of us have in common is that we're all 412 00:34:22,140 --> 00:34:27,640 invested in a proud culture of civility, working to do good by Gator's 413 00:34:27,640 --> 00:34:35,540 to the voters, supporters, volunteers, friends, and anyone who offered encouragement along the way I thank you 414 00:34:35,540 --> 00:34:43,760 profoundly. And my final thank you is to my family, including my wife Lee, my kids, Jeff, Brittany, and Jenna, our grandchildren, 415 00:34:44,340 --> 00:34:51,620 Willow and Wesley, and all of the relevant dogs and cats in our lives. The only job I have that's better than being 416 00:34:51,620 --> 00:34:58,520 judge as being Papa Judd. And the fact that you all let me do both is something I'll always be grateful for. 417 00:34:58,860 --> 00:35:04,420 Also for the day-to-day support and the wise advice in for helping this color challenge the guy matches outfits. 418 00:35:05,940 --> 00:35:10,160 But now, as my colleagues have said, it's time to move forward. The people have spoken, 419 00:35:10,420 --> 00:35:15,840 they've passed us the baton once again and asked us to lead this city towards its potential. 420 00:35:15,840 --> 00:35:22,700 I believe, as strong as ever, that Gatarsburg can be the very best of America, and as we pursue 421 00:35:22,700 --> 00:35:28,980 that vision, may we remember that our greatest successes are collective, not individual. 422 00:35:29,540 --> 00:35:34,120 May we protect the traditions of civility and good governance that have defined us, may 423 00:35:34,120 --> 00:35:40,140 we treasure them around well-being of our staff, and may we always keep in mind who we serve, 424 00:35:40,400 --> 00:35:44,820 and why we serve for that's our reason for being, let's do great things Gatarsburg. 425 00:35:53,140 --> 00:36:06,220 And with that, I will invite every we're going to join this meeting in a second, but I will invite everybody we have some food set up in the community room next door and we hope you all join us and enjoy that. 426 00:36:06,600 --> 00:36:15,980 We have a work session next Monday night November 24th to discuss the status report for the safe streets and roads for all safety action plan. 427 00:36:15,980 --> 00:36:19,580 We hope you'll join us then, and then the next regular meeting of the Marin Council will 428 00:36:19,580 --> 00:36:22,940 be on Monday, December 1st, until next time again. 429 00:36:23,100 --> 00:36:23,480 Let's be great. 430 00:36:23,700 --> 00:36:24,280 Thanks, Gatorsburg. 431 00:36:24,320 --> 00:36:25,180 We are adjourned.