VOTE Paula Noble Mayor
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It has been an honor to serve as the Mayor of the Town of Forest Heights and proudly represent all of its citizens. I have worked tirelessly with the Town Council to improve the quality of life for all in the Town of Forest Heights. And through our efforts, The Town has been awarded over $200,000 from the County, and $175,000 from the State.
Meeting Challenges & Solving Problems
Prior to my appointment as Mayor, the Town had many unaddressed challenges and concerns. Since my appointment in October 2003, those challenges and concerns have been immediately addressed. Here is a list of some of those challenges and how we've addressed them.
Challenge #1: Deteriorating Streets
• Solution #1: The Town applied to the State's Infrastructure Loan program to secure financing for the reconstruction and repair of all the streets. The Town submitted bond bill application to the State for monies to repair all of the streets and install sidewalks.
Challenge #2: Police Visibility and Reduction in Crime
• Solution #2: The Town hired a Code Enforcement officer with grant funding from the County Executive's Livable Communities Initiative. The police presence in the community has increased by scheduling police officers to accommodate the community's needs and demands. The concentrated efforts and visibility of the new Police Department have caused a reduction in crime and discouraged criminal activities in the Town.
Challenge#3: Poor Snow Removal
• Solution #3: The Town has purchased a new snow truck. The Public Works personnel have received training for snow removal, and the snow plan has been devised to adequately address the residents concerns.
Challenge #4: Accessibility to Municipal Building for Handicapped Person
• Solution #4: The Town was granted $100,000 to enhance the accessibility to the Municipal building for persons with disabilities. The modifications to the Municipal Building are near completion.
Challenge #5: Increasing Public Works Accountability
• Solution #5: The Public Works personnel have improved the response time to complaints. The Public Works' hours have been adjusted to meet the needs of the town. The citizens' complaints and concerns are recorded until resolution.
Challenge #6: Administrative Offices Responsiveness
• Solution #6: The Town now has a Town Administrator, a Town Clerk, Town Treasurer and a receptionist who are qualified and experienced. The conduct of the administrative office is professional and effective in assuring that the town residents' concerns are heard and responded to in a timely manner.
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Creating Better Programming & New Relationships
During my term, the town has better programming and has developed new relationships. The town celebrated its first Founders Day in May 2004 with Congressman Albert Wynn, Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan, and Mayor Barrie Tilghman (President of Maryland Municipal League). Our Black History Month celebrations have been attended by Lt. Governor Michael Steele, County Executive Jack B. Johnson, Councilman Tony Knotts, Delegate Obie Patterson and Delegate Darryl Kelley. In August 2004, I along with the Town Council, the Forest Heights Police Department celebrated National Night Out in the Bell Acres and Forest Heights parks, an evening focused on community awareness. In November 2004, Council members Atkinson, Barnes, Ross, Stoner, Wiggers and I prepared and hosted a Thanksgiving luncheon for its senior residents. The Town has also initiated a Sister City Relationship with Gompa, Nimba County, Liberia.
Focusing on Our Schools
During my term, I have worked closely with the Town's two elementary schools, Flintstone and Forest Heights. Partnering with Forest Heights Elementary parents who were concerned with their children crossing Indian Head Highway, we were successful in obtaining school buses to transport the children to school. In October 2004, the Mayor and Town Council planted trees and shrubbery at Flintstone Elementary. During the Christmas holiday, a Flintstone family received from the local businesses gift certificates; Forest Heights' students received mittens, gloves, scarves, and hats for the students. The lobbying efforts for the elementary schools Flintstone and Forest Heights Elementary PTAs have been successful. The PTAs are both scheduled to receive $10,000.
Reaching out to Faith-Based Organizations and Local Businesses
During my term, I have developed the relationships with both the faithbased community and local businesses. I have been a part of the Community Faith forum to increase church involvement and provide guidance to our youth. I have nurtured and assisted the Forest Heights Youth Council, which has successfully had two programs. I have met with the local business owners. The business owners have donated and participated to the various programs conducted in the town.
Representing the Town I Love
I have lived in the town for almost 30 years. I love the Town of Forest Heights, its residents, its neighbors and most importantly I love the opportunity to make the Town a better place. It is my hope that I have created a sense of pride and increased respect for our Town. Our meetings are respectful and as our banners proclaim we are "One Community ~ Many Cultures."
Thank you for your support.
Vote Paula Noble, Mayor, Town of Forest Heights,
Wednesday, May 11, 2005.