A brief conversation with BJLabout the Jewish community with Councilwoman Vicki Almond

Q: Councilwoman Almond, with a large segment of your councilmanic district serving as the home to several thousand Jewish families, we thank you for your two terms of service in the County Council. In a few words what would you say are the most unique aspects of representing the Jewish community?

A: First, thanks for this opportunity! To answer your question, I can’t tell you how many cherished relationships I have forged with the leaders and members of your community over the last eight years. Working with people like Rabbi Ariel Sadwin, the leaders of the Baltimore Jewish Council, Rabbi Neuberger, and other rabbis and heads of organizations, we have tackled issues ranging from stormwater management fees to traffic and safety related issues. Any time a call comes into my office about an issue that needs to be addressed in the community, it garners the full attention of my staff to see that the matter is resolved in a timely fashion.

Q: Now that you are running to be county executive, what should the community know about your vision for Baltimore County over the next several years, especially as it relates to the Jewish neighborhoods?

A: Over my two terms on the County Council I have grown to learn about the importance of supporting the Jewish day schools and strengthening their safety and that of the community. I have always been a big advocate of facilitating and enhancing public-private partnerships. As County Executive, I look forward to tackling bigger items such as transportation and security in the private schools.

Q: Well, those two items are indeed on the minds of day school parents 24/7! How do you see the County assisting in those areas?

A: I know very well that the hours of the school day at the day schools extends far later than that of Baltimore County schools, I believe we can work together to form a partnership with County school buses that gets all of our students home from school. This complex issue is one I am committed to tackling.

Q: Wow, that sounds very exciting! It seems that I already have extra time in my day! Now what about school security?

A: Years ago, as an active parent in the County public school my children attended, I helped initiate the SRO (School Resource Officers) program together with Baltimore County Police Department. This program has officers assigned to specific schools for the school day and are on-site to provide security, as well as student mentoring, staff safety training, etc. It is my goal to expand this program to all schools, especially the Jewish day schools who have safety and security on their minds constantly.

Q: Thanks so much for your service to the community and taking time to chat today!

A: Thank YOU!