Ten days after revealing his “recommended” fiscal year 2024 budget for Montgomery County, Maryland, that includes big tax hikes via property tax rates, County Executive Marc Elrich is departing for business and “international smart city” representation in Taiwan. Does it reflect someone concerned about County finances?
On March 15, 2023, CE Marc Elrich put out a public message for his 2024 budget claiming in part: However, economic indicators are signaling that a mild recession could take place later this year. This projection is strangely honest for a politician, as just last month Council President Evan Glass put out a newsletter claiming Montgomery County – and the US economy – was in excellent shape under United States President Joe Biden.
Now, on March 25th, 2023 County Exec Elrich is publicly bragging about the following trip out of country to Taiwan:
No immediate details were provided about how much Montgomery County taxpayer money is on the hook for this excursion to Taiwan.
It should be noted, as we did before, that Montgomery County is entangled with a city in China as a so-called “Sister City” relationship, and this same country (China) could very well invade Taiwan in the near term (home of a Rockville, MD sister city designee).
About seven years ago, then County Executive Ike Leggett (Democrat) departed MoCo to tour China while Montgomery County faced stagnation, tax hikes and uncertainty. The past echoes once again.
Mr. Elrich notes in his press release that he is traveling with “the Chair of the Montgomery County Council’s Economic Committee” — and this is one Natali Fani-González.
Based on a review from the Taiwan referenced ‘Smart City Expo and Summit’ website (screen shots below), Montgomery County, Maryland is the only US county involved in this event.
