Rockville’s Rules of Decorum on Hold
Rockville’s Rules of Decorum are now hold to allow more time for study and review. At its Leadership Planning Meeting on Monday, September 29, 2025 at 8:30 am, the Mayor and Council reviewed the agenda for that evening and removed Item 11 Rules of Decorum and Protocol.
The meeting began with the City Manager reviewing the agenda and when he came to Item 11 Rules of Decorum, Councilmember Valeri asked that it be removed because it was not ready for “prime time.” She felt there was confusion about the legislative process, explained how policy is developed in the City of Rockville, and “hoped that this brief moment of educational background is helpful to our resident community—maybe at some point I will create an infographic or short animation to illustrate it ala Schoolhouse Rock.” Councilmember Van Grack concurred with removing the Rules of Decorum, noting it was only presented to Council on Friday and the Council and the public need more time for review and comment. Councilmember Shaw also concurred and noted that at the last meeting, a councilmember asked that “we move forward with this agenda item in haste and to have a draft by the next meeting.” She had concerns that rules of decorum could also act to silence opposition, as was done during the Civil Rights Movement. Councilmember Jackson concurred but recognized that while the item was added to the agenda late and there is insufficient time for review, it is not being rushed because Council has been discussing it for a long time. He wants to be sure that everyone who wishes to speak in the Council chamber feels comfortable, safe, and not intimidated by others. Mayor Ashton noted that Council has two goals: ensuring free speech and ensuring everyone feels safe to testify. She felt that the text is longer and more extensive than she anticipated and wanted to compare with other jurisdictions and solicit responses from the Human Rights Commission. The discussion concluded with Councilmember Valeri responding to Councilmember Shaw’s mention of the history of civil rights and that her great-grandfather, a journalist, was sentenced to a concentration camp in Greece because of his reporting and thus understands the value of free speech. The City Manager will reschedule a discussion on Rules of Decorum and Protocol for a future meeting in the next six months.
Even though it was removed from the agenda, several people voiced their concerns at Community Forum during the Mayor and Council meeting.
Renters’ Rights and Housing Equity: Key Takeaways from Rockville’s Worksession
Housing stability is a cornerstone of a thriving and inclusive community. On November 18, 2024, the Rockville City Council convened a critical worksession to address housing stability—a top priority for city leaders. This third installment in a series of housing-focused sessions followed discussions on supply and subsidy strategies, and emphasized the importance of protecting renters, preserving affordable housing, and ensuring fairness in the city’s housing policies. Here, we outline the key themes, challenges, and opportunities that emerged from the session, offering a comprehensive view for residents and business owners alike.
Tenant Protections Take Center Stage
One of the most pressing topics discussed was the need for stronger tenant protections. Councilmembers widely supported the creation of a Rockville Renter Bill of Rights, a document designed to empower renters by providing clear, accessible information on rental histories, fees, and code violations. The document would also be translated into multiple languages, ensuring inclusivity for Rockville’s diverse community.
Several councilmembers emphasized transparency as a cornerstone of tenant protections. For example, landlords would be required to disclose not only the rent history of individual units but also trends across their properties. Such measures aim to stabilize rent increases through informed decision-making by tenants while fostering accountability among landlords.
Continue reading →Affordable Housing and Election Integrity: Residents Share Concerns with Council
The public comments during the Rockville City Council’s Community Forum on October 21, 2024, covered the following major topics:
- Enforcement of Campaign Laws: Several speakers, including Brigitta Mullican, Steven Weiner, and Bridget Newton, emphasized concerns over the enforcement of Rockville’s campaign regulations. They argued that a lack of consistent action on campaign violations could undermine trust in local election laws. These comments called for clearer standards and increased accountability for campaign rule violations. Next steps? The Council could direct the City Attorney to establish clear guidelines for when and how campaign violations will be addressed, possibly creating a review process for the Board of Supervisors of Election to report findings and suggest enforcement actions.
- Rent Stabilization and Housing Affordability: Numerous residents, such as Misha Clive, Grant Sams, and Wendy Murphy, urged the council to prioritize rent stabilization. They discussed the challenges of rising rent costs, particularly for renters on fixed incomes or with lower-wage jobs, and expressed concerns that the current lack of rent caps could displace long-term residents. The call for rent stabilization was framed as a measure to maintain Rockville’s diversity and accessibility. Next steps? At the same meeting, the Council held a work session on housing strategies.
- Election Integrity and Voter Access: Senator Cheryl Kagan provided comments focused on election integrity and reminded the community of available options for casting ballots securely in the upcoming elections. Her remarks aimed to dispel misinformation and highlighted her efforts in sponsoring election-related bills for improved municipal election oversight. Next steps? The Council could enhance outreach efforts to ensure residents understand their voting options and election security measures. Partnering with state or county election boards may provide additional support.
- Traffic and Speed Control on Major Roads: John Becker addressed issues regarding traffic safety, especially along Rockville Pike and East Jefferson Street. He advocated for the installation of speed cameras to enhance safety in residential areas, especially given the planned increases in residential development along these roads. Next steps? The Council could explore the installation of speed cameras or other traffic-calming measures on Rockville Pike, East Jefferson, and Viers Mill Road. A collaboration with the State Highway Administration to address these concerns would ensure safety for both current and future residents.
- Requests for Transparent Campaign Finance Records: There was also a response from council members, including Mayor Monique Ashton and Council Member Adam Van Grack, who clarified that they had not accepted any PAC donations, addressing comments about alleged developer influence on council decisions. Next steps? The Council might consider publishing more detailed campaign finance records or hosting an information session to clarify the council’s stance on developer influence. This could foster greater trust and show commitment to transparency.
These topics reflect a community deeply engaged in matters of governance, housing equity, and transparency.
Continue reading →Council Discussion Highlights Complexities of Rent Stabilization
The Rockville Mayor and Council meeting of July 8, 2024 caught my eye because it warned, “The following program contains explicit language. Viewer discretion is advised.” Of course, I had to watch. Near the end of the Community Forum, a speaker expressed his frustration with the City saying, “I hate all of you…and I hope you all get heat strokes” peppered with swearing. Mayor Ashton ably handled the uncomfortable situation by recognizing his anger, empathizing with his frustration, and then asking him to avoid swearing because the meeting should be appropriate for adults and children. The speaker apologized and the meeting moved on.
So what was causing this resident so much frustration? He was upset about the lack of air conditioning and the rent increase at BLVD 44, an apartment complex in Rockville Town Square. His concerns were part of nearly three hours of Community Forum, with dozens of speakers providing comments in anticipation of a presentation about rent stabilization listed later in the agenda. Because presentations do not allow public comments or questions, anyone with concerns had to express them via email in advance or by speaking during the Community Forum.
Many residents supported rent stabilization, highlighting its importance in preventing displacement and maintaining community stability, particularly for vulnerable populations like seniors and low-income families. Some speakers shared personal stories of financial struggles and the impact of rising rents on their lives.
Continue reading →Unlawful Meeting: Rockville Mayor and Council Fails to Notify Public
Today the Maryland Open Meetings Compliance Board determined that the Rockville Mayor and Council violated the Open Meetings Act by failing to provide reasonable advance notice of the meeting held on Friday, May 24, 2024. During this ten-minute meeting, the City Council approved two significant items—an agreement related to the development of Twinbrook Commons and the appointment of an Acting City Manager—but had posted and altered the agenda just the day prior, deliberately omitting the appointment of the Acting City Manager.
The Compliance Board emphasized that the Mayor and Council [as well as any other city commission], “may not omit an item from the agenda that the body knows, at the time the agenda is made public, that the body will discuss at the meeting. Nor should a body deliberately delay its decisions about what items it will discuss at a meeting, in order to avoid disclosing those items to the public on an agenda.”
Back in May when this began, I was surprised by the meeting’s timing and the incomplete agenda. Shortly after, it became clear that the Council had appointed Barack Matite as Acting City Manager as a last-minute addition to the agenda, prompting me to file a complaint with the Open Meetings Compliance Board, as follows:
- Lack of Adequate Public Notice: The resolution to appoint a new City Manager was introduced at the meeting’s start, without being listed on the public agenda posted on May 23, 2024. This deprived residents of the opportunity to prepare for and engage in the decision-making process.
- Unusual Meeting Time: The meeting took place on a Friday morning, deviating from the regular Monday night sessions. This irregular timing likely hindered public participation, as many residents were either unaware or unable to attend due to work or other commitments.
- Delayed Posting of Revised Agenda: The revised agenda, which included the Acting City Manager’s appointment, was posted at 10:24 AM, after the meeting had ended. This delay violated principles of transparency and open governance by preventing timely public access to crucial information.
- Introduction of New Agenda Item: Mayor Monique Ashton introduced the resolution to appoint the Deputy City Manager as Acting City Manager during the meeting without prior public notice. The original agenda listed only one item, the Twinbrook Quarter development agreement, making the sudden addition a breach of transparency standards.
Given the City’s prior violations of the Open Meetings Act, it is crucial to remind the new Council of their responsibilities to voters and to set clear expectations for government transparency. Despite the presence of experienced members, including an attorney, community activist, and a federal government executive, these issues persist (and if you read the City’s response to my complaint, it seems that Mayor Ashton isn’t helping). Considering how many times violations have happened, someone keeps giving the Mayor and Council poor advice.
Moving forward, the Mayor is required to address this issue in a public meeting and outline measures to prevent future occurrences. I strongly urge all members of Council and City Commissions to review the Open Meetings Act to become personally familiar with the requirements and establish better policies and procedures. Additionally, there have been reports of unannounced “meetings before the meeting,” which are only permissible under specific conditions. On July 1, I requested further details under the Maryland Public Information Act to ensure compliance, but no response has been provided yet by the City.
For more details, please refer to the Open Meetings Commission’s decision dated July 29 and the City’s explanation on June 27.
A Call for Transparency to the Mayor and Council
Ensuring Open Governance in Rockville
As residents of Rockville, we take pride in our city’s vibrant community, exceptional services, and the transparent governance that supports our daily lives. However, a recent incident has raised concerns about the adherence to the Maryland Open Meetings Act, a vital law that ensures our local government operates openly and honestly. On Friday, May 24, 2024 at 10:00 am, the Rockville Mayor and Council appointed Barack Matite as Acting City Manager without providing adequate public notice, highlighting a significant breach of the principles of transparency and open governance.
What Happened?
On May 24, 2024, the Rockville Mayor and Council held a meeting that was not only unusual in its timing but also in its proceedings. Typically, the City Council meets on Monday nights, a schedule that allows residents to plan their attendance and participation. However, this meeting took place on a Friday morning, an unexpected and inconvenient time for many. The agenda initially posted on May 23, 2024, listed only one item: the Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit Rental Program Agreement for phase one of the Twinbrook Quarter development.
At the start of the meeting, Mayor Monique Ashton announced an additional agenda item—a resolution to appoint the Deputy City Manager, Barack Matite, as Acting City Manager, effective immediately. This resolution was introduced without prior notice to the public, preventing residents from being informed and prepared to discuss or contest the appointment. To further complicate matters, the revised agenda that included this crucial item was posted at 10:24 am, after the meeting had already begun.
Why It Matters
The Maryland Open Meetings Act exists to ensure that government decisions are made transparently and with public involvement. When decisions are made without adequate notice or opportunity for public input, it undermines trust in our local government and its commitment to representing our interests. The appointment of a new Acting City Manager is a significant decision that impacts the leadership and direction of our city. Residents have a right to be informed and involved in such important matters.
The Violations
Several key violations of the Open Meetings Act occurred during the May 24th meeting:
- Lack of Adequate Public Notice: The resolution to appoint the Acting City Manager was not listed on the agenda posted the day before the meeting, depriving residents of the opportunity to prepare and participate.
- Unusual Meeting Time: The meeting was held on a Friday morning, diverging from the regular Monday night schedule, which likely limited public attendance and participation.
- Delayed Posting of Revised Agenda: The revised agenda was posted after the meeting had started, further preventing residents from being aware of the new agenda item in a timely manner.
Moving Forward
Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of good governance. To maintain public trust, it is essential that the City of Rockville adheres to the principles outlined in the Maryland Open Meetings Act. As residents, we must hold our local government accountable and demand adherence to these principles to ensure that our voices are heard and our interests are represented.
I urge all Rockville residents to stay informed and involved in our local government. Attend meetings, ask questions, and demand transparency. By doing so, we can help ensure that Rockville remains a city we are proud to call home, governed by the principles of openness and integrity.
Together, let’s advocate for a government that values our participation and upholds the trust we place in it. Transparency is not just a legal requirement—it’s a promise to the community that must be honored.
Barack Matite Appointed Acting City Manager—Again!
This morning the Rockville City Council appointed Barack Matite as Acting City Manager effective May 24, 2024 in a unanimous decision with no discussion. The resolution to appoint a new City Manager was introduced at the beginning of the meeting and was not listed on yesterday’s public agenda:
Mayor Monique Ashton: Good morning Rockville, today is Friday, May 24th and we are going to move into meeting number 13-24. We have an agenda item focused on the Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit Rental Program Agreement for phase one of Twinbrook Quarter development. We would like to add another agenda item focused on a resolution for the Acting City Manager.…[vote on MPDU Agreement with no discussion]
Mayor Monique Ashton: Alright, so we have our second agenda item focused on the resolution to appoint the Deputy City Manager to service Acting City Manager. Do we have a motion?
Councilmember (unidentified): I move to adopt a resolution appointing Deputy City Manager Barack Matite to serve as the Acting City Manager effective today, May 24th, 2024 until such time as the Mayor and Council shall appoint a permanent City Manager.
Mayor Monique Ashton: Thank you, the motion has been made and seconded, all those in favor please raise your hand and say aye. I want to thank our new Acting City Manager Barack Matite for stepping into this role to support the City. We really appreciate it. Thank you all staff and I want to also send a few thanks to Craig Simoneau who has done an outstanding job in terms of supporting the operations in the City. We appreciate the leadership of the staff and supporting and making sure Rockville is the best place to live, work and play. Thank you very much.
Evidently this change in administration was in the works because the staff report and resolution are the missing pages 3-4 mentioned earlier and the staff report states that, “This is the second time this item has come before the Mayor and Council.” Watch the meeting for yourself (it takes less than four minutes!).
Barack Matite was appointed Acting City Manager in August 2023, when Rob DiSpirito resigned under murky circumstances. A few months later, Matite also resigned under murky circumstances and as one of their last acts, the outgoing Mayor and Council appointed Craig Simoneau as Acting City Manager on November 15, 2024. Depending on how you count, that’s four city managers in the last year?!? Despite the larger city council, it doesn’t look like leadership has improved.
As of 4:30 pm, no official announcement on the city website.
Rockshire Development and Town Square Management Set for Council Review
At its Monday, May 20, 2024 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss approval of the historical designation for 4 Courthouse Square (1930 Farmer’s Banking and Trust building, the last remaining Art Deco architecture in Rockville)(page 30). On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are purchase of a utility truck for $283,582; a cooperative agreement with the Chesapeake Bay Trust; bus transportation for recreation programs for $150,000, among others. The Mayor and Council will also receive reports on the development of 2401 Wootton Parkway in Rockshire by EYA Development LLC (272); amending building regulations in Chapter 5 of the City Code to align with international codes (571); the agreement with Morguard to manage Town Square (882); and a multiyear agreement with Rockville Economic Development Inc. (884).
Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) is requesting a multi-year agreement through June 30, 2028. Primarily supported by the City of Rockville, REDI promotes economic development and supports local businesses. In 2025, its proposed budget of $1.4 million includes $983,960 from the City of Rockville. The organization has ten staff members, with Cindy Stewart Rivarde as CEO and is currently chaired by Susan Prince, with Mayor Monique Ashton and Acting City Manager Craig Simoneau serving on the board.
The Mayor and Council are conducting hybrid meetings. If you wish to submit comments in writing for Community Forum or Public Hearings, please email the comments to MayorAndCouncil@RockvilleMD.gov by no later than 10:00 a.m. on the date of the meeting.
More details in the 905-page agenda packet (more than 90 Mb!) are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05202024-7194.
Money Talks: Pierzchala, Jackson, Van Grack, and Fulton Lead in Rockville Election Funding
Who’s on top in the Rockville Mayor and Council race? If you based it on money, it would be Mark Pierzchala for Mayor and Barry Jackson, Adam Van Grack, and Kate Fulton for City Council (I suspect Izola Shaw is among them, however, she did not submit a financial report by the deadline). The status of the remaining candidates remain ambiguous, and even the initial insights from the financial reports for these four top-seated candidates warrant further examination.
Among the Council candidates, Barry Jackson, Adam Van Grack, and Kate Fulton have each raised more than $20,000 to date, allowing them to run a well-rounded effective campaign. In the 2019 campaign, successful candidates raised about $15,000. To take the lead among Fulton and Van Grack, Jackson loaned himself $20,000. The remaining candidates have raised less than $10,000 to date, putting them on roughly equal footing (again, Harold Hodges did not submit reports so we can assume he is not an active candidate). Among the latest campaign finance reports were several surprises:
- Richard Gottfried attracted only two donors, including Art Stigile, the treasurer of Mark Pierzchala’s campaign.
- Danniel Belay posted an extraordinary growth in contributions from $0 by October 3 to $5,850 by the end of the month, but only one $50 donation came from a Rockville resident. The rest came from outside of the city, state, or United States.
- Ricky Mui raised just over $2,000 but spent more than $2,500 for catering and Chinese lion dancers at a fundraiser, so he actually fell behind. There’s also an unusual comment that his campaign owes Brigitta Mullican, a Rockville resident, $1,286 for 1200 printed mailers.
The Mayoral race contains the biggest surprises as both candidates have raised more than $65,000, overshadowing the council candidates: $67,303 for Monique Ashton and an extraordinary $146,677 for Mark Pierzchala. To achieve those record-setting numbers required loaning themselves record-setting amounts in this month: $35,143 for Monique Ashton and $90,000 for Mark Pierzchala. Combined with their loans for the previous periods (both are incumbents carrying loans from the 2019 campaign), Ashton has debts of $51,678 and Pierzchala has a whopping debt of $126,500. Many residents assume that the Mayor and Council are volunteers, but they are considered “part time” positions and given an “annual stipend” of $37,560 for the Mayor and $30,483 for council members. If Pierzchala wins, it will take more than three years of his four-year term to pay back this loan. Is it worth it? Evidently, it is for him.
Compared to the 2019 campaign, the amounts raised for 2023 have reached new heights. Most of it is spent on printing and mailing campaign literatures to homes of Rockville residents, which seems to be the most effective way to connecting with voters. If the City changes from city-wide to campaign districts, it will make the cost to run for office much less expensive and open it up to more residents.
Who is Monique Ashton, candidate for Mayor?
In another strange twist in the 2023 campaign for Rockville Mayor and Council, current councilmember and mayoral candidate lacks an official biography on the City’s website. The page is genuinely blank—this is not due to a computer error. The reason for its absence remains unclear.
If you are interested in her qualifications, she provides this biography on her website MoniqueAshton.com:
I have been a Rockville resident for 19 years, living in both East and West Rockville. I was born in New York to a hispanic mother and a west indian father, I grew up in Jamaica queens, attended NYU to study public health and came to DC in 2001 to pursue a masters in public health at GWU. While there I met my husband George Ashton, and in time we moved to Rockville to begin our lives together and start a family. I am an executive champion for our kids and schools , community leader, protector of smart growth, and a strong mother of 3 (2 kids & 1 dog). I am committed to preserving and improving Rockville.
Update November 6, 2023: The City of Rockville website now provides Monique Ashton’s official bio.
Max for Rockville 