Blog | Ryan Spiegel

Gaithersburg continues to be recognized nationally as an outstanding City.

Written on October 22, 2012 by spiegelrs in Uncategorized

In 2012, CNN/Money Magazine ranked Gaithersburg as the 23rd Best Place to Live in all of America, jumping up two slots from the City’s ranking in 2010 as the 25th best place to live in the nation.

Additionally, the City of Gaithersburg recently received the Voice of the People Award for Excellence in the area of Code Enforcement from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the National Research Center, Inc. (NRC). Gaithersburg received the award based on ratings received from a community-wide survey conducted in the fall of 2011. The survey results were compared with those for hundreds of other local governments around the nation, and Gaithersburg was among the top three cities in the category of Code Enforcement, which asked respondents for feedback on efforts to control such things as weeds, junked cars, and abandoned buildings. Gaithersburg also scored very well in a number of other categories on the national survey.

Gaithersburg continues to draw national attention as an outstanding City with a great quality of life and excellent government services. Congratulations to the city staff, residents, businesses, nonprofits, and volunteers who play a huge role in building and maintaining our terrific reputation.

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

Frederick-Gaithersburg-Bethesda area ranked among top 5 most secure communities in the U.S.

Written on December 23, 2011 by spiegelrs in Uncategorized

As reported on WTOP’s website on December 22, 2011:

WASHINGTON — A new ranking lists the Frederick-Gaithersburg-Bethesda area as one of the most secure metropolitan places to live nationwide.

In its eighth annual ranking of areas with more than 500,000 residents, Farmer’s Insurance Group lists the heavily-populated Maryland area as the fifth most secure place to live….

No. 1 on the most secure list was Pittsburgh, which moved up 10 slots from the year before. Next came Rochester, N.Y., El Paso, Texas and Syracuse, N.Y.

To compile the rankings, experts at bestplaces.net looked at crime statistics, extreme weather, natural disaster risk, housing depreciation, foreclosures and job loss numbers, to name a few. In total, they studied 379 municipalities.

For more information on Farmers Insurance Group’s Eighth Annual Most Secure Places to Live in the U.S. study, click here.

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

Season’s Greetings from Team Spiegel

Written on December 20, 2011 by spiegelrs in Uncategorized

Dear Friends,

It’s been about six weeks since the Gaithersburg City Council election, and we are finally recovered from the campaign trail! December has been a time of wonderful blessings for me and my family. Jack celebrated his first birthday, we had many occasions to get together with family and friends to enjoy the season and to toast our decisive electoral victory, and my colleagues on the City Council unanimously elected me Vice President of the Council for the coming year.

We’ve also enjoyed many of the outstanding seasonal events and programs offered by the City of Gaithersburg — including Winter Lights (which is still running through New Year’s Eve!), the Jingle Jubilee (which had tremendous attendance!), and the Kentlands tree lighting where Jack got to go on stage and help Mayor Katz light the tree! These events are among our favorite traditions this time of year, and I hope you and your family have taken advantage of the wide range of free and/or inexpensive entertainment available. For those who are interested, you may also want to check out the Chanukah Fire Truck Parade on December 22. And as you finish your last-minute holiday shopping, I encourage you to Buy Local to support our neighborhood businesses.

This is also a time of year to remember those who are still struggling. Please consider giving to the City of Gaithersburg’s Holiday Giving Program or any of the other worthy charities serving our community. And please remember to take a moment to thank those who serve us — whether it’s our Armed Forces servicemembers and veterans, our police and other public safety workers, or the folks who volunteer countless hours to make our community better.

I want to say “THANK YOU!” one more time for all of your support. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any thoughts or questions. We’re looking forward to a fabulous 2012.

Wishing you and yours a healthy, joyous, and meaningful Holiday Season, and a Happy New Year,

Ryan S. Spiegel

Vice President, Gaithersburg City Council

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

Spiegel Elected Gaithersburg Council Vice President

Written on December 20, 2011 by spiegelrs in Uncategorized

At the December 5, 2011 Gaithersburg Mayor and City Council meeting, Ryan Spiegel was unanimously elected to a one-year term as Vice President. Council Member Spiegel has served on the City Council since 2007 and was re-elected to a four-year term during the 2011 City Council elections with the highest number of votes of any candidate.

“I’m grateful to the Mayor and my colleagues on the City Council for their confidence in me, and I will make every effort to represent the City of Gaithersburg well during my term as Vice President of the City Council,” said Spiegel.

By Gaithersburg City Code, Part 1, Section 8, the Council annually elects a Vice President from amongst its members. The Vice President acts as President in the absence of the President and is entitled to vote on any decision by the Council. The Mayor serves as President of the Council. As such, the Mayor takes part in discussions but does not vote on matters before the Council.

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

Local media report on Ryan’s decisive victory.

Written on November 11, 2011 by spiegelrs in Uncategorized

From the Town Courier:

Incumbents Win Four More Years, Spiegel is Top Vote Getter.

From the Patch:

Incumbents Re-elected to City Council.

From the Gazette:

Incumbents hold on in Gaithersburg election.

From WTOP:

Incumbents reign in local Md. elections.

From WUSA 9:

Ryan Spiegel, Jud Ashman and Cathy Drzyzgula.

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

Spiegel announces more than 100 endorsements

Written on October 27, 2011 by spiegelrs in Uncategorized

For immediate release

Gaithersburg, MD – City Councilman Ryan Spiegel today announced the endorsement of more than one hundred city residents for his re-election campaign, along with a broad swath of endorsements from city, county, and state officials, as well as the Gazette newspaper.

“I am proud and grateful to have the endorsement of so many Gaithersburg residents,” Spiegel said. “It’s a reflection of the constituent services and thoughtful leadership that I have worked hard to provide.” While endorsements from other elected officials are also welcome, it’s the endorsements from members of the community that speak the most powerfully, Spiegel added.

Spiegel has also been endorsed by the Gazette newspaper, which praised his innovative ‘Bank on Gaithersburg’ program and called him “bullish on constituent services” with “a thoughtful pro-business perspective.”

Additionally, a host of city, county, and state officials have endorsed Spiegel for re-election. “One of the important tasks of a city council member is to work together with all levels of government in the best interest of Gaithersburg,” Spiegel explained. “Strong relationships with folks at the county, state, and federal level have helped me serve as an effective advocate for the needs of our residents and businesses in Gaithersburg.”

Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney Katz echoed that sentiment. “Re-electing Ryan Spiegel is an easy call. He works with others and delivers results,” Katz said.

A complete list of the endorsements from residents and from elected officials follows. The endorsement list continues to grow, and residents who would like to add their names should emailRyan@RyanSpiegel.com. Election Day is November 8, 2011, and polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

ENDORSEMENTS BY ELECTED OFFICIALS/PUBLICATIONS:

Mayor Sidney Katz
City Councilmember Mike Sesma

The Gazette newspaper

Attorney General Doug Gansler
Sherriff Darren Popkin

Senate Majority Leader Rob Garagiola
Senator Jennie Forehand
Senator Nancy King
Senator Roger Manno
Senator Jamie Raskin

House Majority Leader Kumar Barve
Delegate Luiz Simmons
Delegate Kirill Reznik
Delegate Brian Feldman
Delegate Eric Luedtke
Delegate Anne Kaiser
Delegate Craig Zucker
Delegate Shane Robinson
Delegate Bill Frick
Former Delegate Cheryl Kagan

County Councilmember Phil Andrews
County Councilmember Marc Elrich
County Councilmember Hans Riemer
County Councilmember Craig Rice
County Councilmember Roger Berliner
County Councilmember George Leventhal
County Councilmember Nancy Navarro

Board of Education Member Judy Docca

ENDORSEMENTS BY GAITHERSBURG RESIDENTS:

Elly Shaw-Belblidia
Lynn Noelli
Mike Novelli
Allison Gordon-Beecher
Ken Beecher
Mark Ezrin
Debbie Block Ezrin
Jennifer Allen
Joe Allen
Rebecca Kotok
Aaron Kotok
Susan Goldberg
David Goldberg
Carole Sutton
Virginia Joehl
Jeff Joehl
Sarah Fronstin
Paul Fronstin
Julie Weber
David Weber
Roy Fleischer
Lori Pellnitz
Ira Golden
Al Wurglitz
Richard Arkin
Rachel Hopp
Jessica Emami
Ted Hopp
Marsha Hopp
Lew Fontek
Liz Fontek
Ladonn Lunghi
Mike Aubrey
Elaine Koch
Mike Fox
Sherry Fox
Paula Reamer Fischthal
Rebecca Smondrowski
Nannette Horan
Marty Horan
Sue Vest
Ken Vest
Kevin Wales
Robert Stephens
Judith Benkendorf
Steve Withrow
Dan Shaivitz
Burton Goldstein
Carole Sutton
Lloyd Kaufman
Joe Coratola
Jeanne Ellinport
Jeff Ellinport
Lilah Bennaim
David Bennaim
Stephanie Epstein
Brian Epstein
Julie Belgard
David Belgard
Daphne O’brien
Rusty O’brien
Kim Dalin
Russ Dalin
Jennifer Feinstein
Marc Feinstein
Kyla Reicin
Kael Reicin
Marnie Kaplan
Alan Kaplan
Tracy Alalouf
Stacey Goldsamt
Lori Plazinski
Dallas Lipp
Allison Fisher
Rachel Miller
Howard Miller
Fara Gold
Hunter Gold
Amy Greaser
Jean Bullock
Kim Pallia
Albert Pallia
Debbie Hartten
Allyson Hartten
Sara Gorfinkel
Ron Gorfinkel
Ahmed Ali
Fatema Ali
Susan Scharf
Steven Scharf
Hagar Ansong
Joe Moeltner
Linda Gore
Greg Gore
Anna Freiman
David Freiman
Dolly Kildee
Brian Kildee
Richard McKeon
Elizabeth Gordon
Coleen Siansky
Cory Siansky
Michael Karns
Jo Ellen Kuney
Josh Schuman
Justin Turner
J Persensky
Nicole Hertvik
Eileen Shea
Carlos Solis
Beth Junium
Allison Fisher

Contact Ryan@RyanSpiegel.com to add your name…

###

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

Town Courier reports on Kentlands candidate forum

Written on October 26, 2011 by spiegelrs in Uncategorized

The Town Courier posted a story online today about the candidate forum last week hosted by the Kentlands Citizens Assembly. Here’s the newspaper’s recap of Ryan’s presentation:

Ryan Spiegel was third to address the room’s occupants. On the topic of economic development, Spiegel was upbeat, proud of the city’s accomplishments and optimistic.

“We’ve had challenges but the city did not create the global recession of 2008-2009,” he asserted.
“The question is how did we deal with it? We decided to engage in a bold experiment – and invest in economic development.”

The approach was successful, he said. One company is bringing 185 jobs to the city. Other efforts to keep high-tech jobs in the city were successful.

Stalled projects and other projects are now moving forward in the city – unlike many other places.

“Buildings are going up left and right in Olde Towne Gaithersburg.”

Spiegel pointed to the basic fiscal sustainability of the city. “The city is still debt-free,” he said.
And, while city staff come and go, he pointed to the city’s high quality of service.

Spiegel also cited the city’s environmental stewardship where the emphasis has also been on sustainability and the city has received recognition.

As for community services, Spiegel emphasized his commitment to constituent services and to “watching out for the least among us.”

At a time when the city was making painful cutbacks, Spiegel was one who fought to keep the amounts budgeted for food and other vital assistance level.

For the complete article, click here.

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

The Gazette endorses Ryan Spiegel

Written on October 26, 2011 by spiegelrs in Uncategorized

Today the Gazette newspaper endorsed Ryan for re-election to the Gaithersburg City Council, noting among other things that Ryan “is bullish on constituent services” and “offers a thoughtful pro-business perspective.” Here’s the entire endorsement:

“Incumbent Ryan Spiegel also has a solid achievement (albeit less splashy than Ashman’s) in the city’s Bank On Gaithersburg program, which helps low-income residents open bank accounts and offers financial management classes and income tax assistance. It is the only such program in the state. Spiegel is bullish on constituent services; he’s the council member who will make sure your trash gets picked up. He offers a thoughtful pro-business perspective on issues from economic development to the adequate public facilities ordinance.”

We’re proud to have the support of the Gazette.

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

A Busy Week

Written on October 21, 2011 by spiegelrs in Uncategorized

It’s been a busy week for Team Spiegel as Election Day approaches. First off, thanks to the many volunteers who have helped us with events, canvassing, and spreading the word.

On Tuesday, Officer Bobby Blackmon read to the GES students right before Ryan did.

The latest campaign finance reports were due to City Hall on Monday, and my report was promptly certified by the Board of Supervisors of Elections. Then later on Monday evening, my colleagues and I gathered for the last regular City Council meeting before the election. We approved the purchase of new high-tech equipment to help our Police fight crime. We were treated to the reading of the award-winning student essays from the CHARACTER COUNTS! Week Adult Heroes Writing Contest. We discussed our ongoing proceedings against Pepco and our priorities for the 2012 state legislative session in Annapolis. And we approved a technical change that will allow the Craftstar at Summit Crossing development to be completed with several new high-quality residential units in Olde Towne.

On Tuesday, I read to a great crowd of students at the bustling Gaithersburg Elementary School Book Fair, run by the school’s PTA to raise funds to benefit GES. Then I attended a candidate meet-and-greet hosted by my neighbor and good friend Jeanne Ellinport.

Ryan speaks at the KCA candidates' forum. Photo Credit: Bob Drzyzgula.

Wednesday night I was happy to attend the final candidates’ forum, sponsored by the Kentlands Citizens Assembly, where I spoke about the positive story of Gaithersburg’s ability to jumpstart smart growth and attract and retain thousands of jobs over the last couple years despite a recession. I also recounted the many constituent services and community improvements that I spearheaded in Kentlands and Lakelands.

Thursday was a whirlwind. I joined several city and county officials to cut the ribbon on the new Watkins Mill Road extension; presented Character Counts! awards to an auditorium full of students, parents, and teachers; and met with the Maryland Municipal League and the County Council to debate about Pepco and the proposed curfew. All of this is in addition to my day job as an attorney!

As we head into the final two weeks of the campaign, the schedule is only going to get crazier! But I am having a great time meeting with people from all over the city, and I am working hard to craft good policies and deliver results. Don’t forget to register by October 24, and to vote on November 8. If you can volunteer for us on Election Day, we’ll need lots of help, so contact us. Again, thank you for your support!

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

Questions, Questions, Questions!

Written on October 21, 2011 by spiegelrs in Uncategorized

One of the many activities that candidates for City Council must undertake is to fill out questionnaires from the local media. Our answers to important questions are then published in newspapers during the days leading up to the election. For those who haven’t had a chance to read my answers in hard copy, here’s where you can find them online.

Kentlands Town Crier, October 2011

Gazette questionnaire

The Town Courier questionnaire

I encourage you to educate yourself about the candidates and the issues. The November 8th election is just a couple weeks away! As always, please e-mail or call to let me know if you have any questions or thoughts. I ask for your vote on November 8th!

0 Comments - Leave a comment!