Nine Districts For MoCo Is Demanding Fair Representation For All

This Patch article is sponsored by Nine Districts for MoCo.

Nine Districts for MoCo is a nonpartisan ballot committee formed by Montgomery County, Maryland, residents concerned that the outdated structure of the county council is denying fair and equitable representation to all residents of the county.

The committee was established in 2019 to place a citizens charter amendment on the Nov. 3, 2020, general election ballot so voters can decide on the structure of their county council.

Learn more about the committee and its movement in this exclusive interview with Kimblyn Persaud, chair of Nine Districts for MoCo.

Patch: How long have you been involved in your community?

Persaud: I’ve been active in my community for 15 years as a member of my neighborhood civic association, president of the Wheaton Regional Park Neighborhood Association, co-founder of Save the Wheaton Library, co-founder of Wheaton Coalition and a member of the District 4 Police Advisory Committee. I also campaigned to pass the referendum on Term Limits on the Montgomery County Council.

Patch: Can you tell us a bit more about the proposed charter amendment?

Persaud: The proposed charter amendment amends the Montgomery County Charter to abolish the four At-Large council seats and replace them with four district seats. Montgomery County would then have nine district council seats. After the 2020 census, all nine council district seats will be drawn based population and geography.

To place the Nine Districts charter amendment on the November ballot, at least 10,000 registered Montgomery County, Maryland, voters must sign the petition as required by the Board of Elections. The Nine Districts for MoCo committee is responsible for collecting signatures and submitting them to the Montgomery County Board of Elections by August 3.

Patch: What drew you to become chair of Nine Districts for MoCo?

Persaud: Living in an underserved community, I have firsthand experience at how difficult and frustrating it is to get the at-large council members involved in our community concerns, as well as working on campaigns and understanding how limited amounts of money impacts how and where at-large candidates campaign. I have also worked on numerous campaigns, and I know that voter turnout plays a huge role in determining which communities a candidate values.

Patch: If you had to sum up your organization, what would you say?

Persaud: Fair representation for everyone!

Patch: What would you say is the mission of Nine Districts for MoCo?

Persaud: Increasing the number of council districts to nine district-specific council seats, and abolishing the at-large seats. This guarantees council members will represent fewer people, actually live in the district they represent, be more responsive, give us a voice and — most importantly — give us the ability to hold our elected officials accountable.

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge your organization has faced?

Persaud: Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to cease collection of signatures in person for a while but it did not stop our volunteers and supporters. Fortunately, the State Board of Elections granted us relief and allowed us to collect electronic signatures on our website. This challenge has reinforced how important it is to elect council members who understand needs of constituents throughout the county.

Patch: What is the most satisfying part of being chair?

Persaud: Working with so many people who are willing to leave their differences at the door and focus on the greater good, which is fair and equitable representation regardless of their ZIP code.

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to community organizing?

Persaud: Don’t dwell on your setbacks; keep moving forward.

Patch: Can you share any details of your cause that you find exciting?

Persaud: Yes! Being part of a movement that’s bringing people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs together for a common cause.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your organization?

Persaud: Visit our website or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can also email us here.