Leggett To Talk Nighttime Economy — County Executive Isiah Leggett on Friday morning will formally receive the recommendations of the Nighttime Economy Task Force. The group called for changes to the county’s liquor laws, operating hours for restaurants, the creation of “urban noise areas,” and other policy changes. [Montgomery County]
Councilmember Calls Out State Legislators — In a discussion Tuesday of the county’s state legislative strategy, Councilmember Valerie Ervin (D-Silver Spring) said the county’s state legislators are “different animals,” when they get to Annapolis because “the people they listen to are not us. They have other masters.” Ervin was referring to State Senate President Mike Miller and House Speaker Michael Busch, who control much of the legislative agenda during the General Assembly — some say to the detriment of Montgomery County. [Washington Post]
Gas Company Asks For Repair Surcharge — Thanks to a state law passed earlier this year, gas companies can now raise rates to pay for infrastructure upgrades before those repairs are made. Now, Washington Gas is asking for a surcharge, one that would add 29 cents monthly to the average residential customer’s heating bill. Opponents see the legislation, which Washington Gas lobbied for, as a precedent that will allow electric utilities to seek the same upfront charges. Pepco was granted a surcharge in the summer, though that ruling is under appeal. [The Gazette]
Photo by Abigail Reid
