Who is the Montgomery County Civic Federation?

By Dan Wilhelm, MCCF President

The Civic Federation was formed in 1925 to promote civic, community and general welfare in Montgomery County. MCCF is the only county-wide umbrella group of civic associations. We strive to protect and improve the quality of life for all county residents

With a government as large as Montgomery County's, the voice of the people--even close to a million people--can often be drowned out in the discussion of important issues by the more politically persuasive voice of special interests. These special interests, such as the development community in this county, often make large contributions to political campaigns that result in their having greater influence over the decisions of government than the average citizen or even community.

Citizens typically do not coordinate their positions on issues with the result that some are for and some are against each proposal. These voices tend to cancel each other out which increases further the effectiveness of the special interest. Local associations fill the role of coordinating local issues in order to speak with one voice. Issues of a regional or county-wide nature often result in civic groups voicing different opinions. MCCF as the only county wide association fills the role of coordinating regional and county wide issues in order to speak with one voice.

MCCF prides itself in the thoroughness of its deliberations. We achieve a high degree of consensus on most issues. To the degree individual groups follow our lead and speak up with us, we present a louder and unified voice when speaking to government officials. Government officials know that our positions synthesize various viewpoints, which are valuable to them in sorting out the wide range of opinions they hear.

In recent years, we have given attention to schools, transportation, land use, recreation, the environment, public safety, and the budget.

The Federation is nonpartisan and does not endorse candidates for public office.

Benefit to You. In addition of working toward a consensus on issues to create an effective citizen voice, MCCF provides the following benefits to you and your association

• Develop a network of friends and contacts with common interests and problems.
• Learn about the issues, views, and strategies of your counterparts. The issues may be impacting you and you may not yet be aware of it.
• More effectively present issues to your association or group.
• Most effectively represent views to government officials.

Membership. The Civic Federation membership consists of three categories: association, Individual and associate group. The vast majority of the members are associations, be they local, umbrella, or regional/county wide. Local associations go by many names including civic, citizen association, homeowner and municipality. An association representation varies from two to four delegates based upon its size and are selected by the member organization. Only association delegates can vote, but all members can participate in debates, receive the newsletter, and serve on appointed committees. The membership year runs from July through June

Meetings. Most regular membership meetings consist of a program lasting about an hour followed by a business meeting, where positions are taken. All delegate meetings are open to the general public. The regular membership meetings are held at 7:45 PM on the second Monday of each month except July and August. If that Monday is a holiday, we meet the next evening. The membership meetings are held in the first floor auditorium of the County Council building, 100 Maryland Ave, Rockville. The Executive Committee meetings occur on the second Thursday after the membership meeting and are currently held in the Red Brick courthouse across the intersection from the Council Building – 29 Courthouse Square.

Taking Positions. The Bylaws provide that all formal positions taken by the Federation are established by approval of a resolution or motion at a regular membership meeting. Our bylaws require that positions be adopted by an affirmative vote at membership meetings, which is 60% of those voting. Normally, the proposed resolution is printed in the newsletter prior to the meeting. Often, articles “for” and “against” a proposed resolution are included in our newsletter. Resolutions on a new subject matter, proposed by a motion from the floor and seconded by delegates from two member associations, will be referred to the appropriate committee for recommendation and will be included in the agenda for the next meeting. Emergency resolutions, seconded by five other member associations may be added to the agenda by affirmative vote and acted upon at that meeting.

MCCF Organizational Structure. Elected officers and appointed officers and committees are responsible for most of the Federation's activities subject to guidance and confirmation by the delegates. Elected officers consist of the President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, one District Vice President from each of the eight legislative districts, a Recording Secretary, Public Relations Officer, and a Treasurer. Appointed offices are Historian, Newsletter Editor, and Parliamentarian. The standing committees are Environment, Education, Legislation, Membership, Planning and Land Use, Public Finance and Utilities, and Transportation. We also have Special Committees for specific subjects and committees at select times during the year dealing with nominations, awards, and financial audit. We recently reduced the number of Second Vice Presidents and increased the number of District Vice Presidents to increase our outreach and coordination with local associations.

To learn more about us and issues that we have followed or are following, check out our web site at www.montgomerycivic.org.