Thursday, May 16, 2019

David Blair launches MoCo public policy non-profit

Montgomery County businessman David Blair, who narrowly missed being elected County Executive last year, has returned to the political stage. He has just announced the launch of a non-profit public policy organization, The Council for Advocacy and Policy Solutions, of which he will serve as Chair.

Other notable members of CAPS' Advisory Board include Bethesda realtor Jane Fairweather, former chair of the Maryland Democratic Party Terry Lierman, Gov. Larry Hogan administration appointee Rose Li, former associate counsel to President Obama Jason Green and Badlands Playspace CEO Mikel Blair.

Blair says CAPS will fill the information void left by the disappearance of local newspapers by providing accurate information and data about the impact of public policies. It will advocate for new policies and initiatives, and launch private pilot programs. Blair announced the first such pilot today, a Seed Stage Incubator Program in partnership with the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce.

“We have bright students, and brilliant faculty within Maryland’s business schools, and that’s something worth investing in and cultivating,” Blair said. “We’ll provide space for these early-stage businesses, connect students with established business leaders within the community to provide networking and mentorship, and facilitate introductions to angel investors.”

CAPS today also announced its first policy study, which will examine the best practices to recruit and retain teachers of color in Montgomery County Public Schools. The organization's website also hosts a beginner's guide to understanding the Montgomery County budget.

The launch of CAPS indicates Blair intends to remain engaged on County issues, specifically citing economic development, infrastructure and education as primary focuses. With the County economy and budget picture remaining bleak, Blair could be in a strong position to run for executive again in 2022.

7 comments:

  1. Isn't it shocking you aren't a part of this?

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    1. Blair's backers in the 2018 election are avid readers of my websites, and my reporting on Montgomery County's moribund economy caused a seismic shift in the political discussion this decade. Literally no one but me was talking about our stagnant county economy at the start of the decade.

      By 2018, the Washington Post, Washington Business Journal, Sage Policy Group and even Hans Riemer's former chief of staff had joined me in declaring our economy moribund. That narrative was the key message of Blair's campaign, which lost by only a few votes. So I'm very much a part of "this," old sport.

      Delete
    2. "Blair's backers in the 2018 election are avid readers of my websites."

      "My reporting on Montgomery County's moribund economy caused a seismic shift in the political discussion this decade."

      "By 2018, the Washington Post, Washington Business Journal, Sage Policy Group and even Hans Riemer's former chief of staff had joined me in declaring our economy moribund."

      Whatever, you delusional megalomaniac fuckwit. Still unemployed and still living in Mom's house.

      Delete
    3. 10:58: Find and link to an article from 2010 or 2014 declaring the MoCo economy moribund, then, old sport.

      (Hint: With the exception of my websites, you can't)

      It's quite clear I have changed the conversation over the last decade. The folks behind Blair would be the first to tell you they read my sites. It's a fact.

      Delete
  2. Enough with the 'old sport'! It kills your message by making you look silly, awkward and out of step with normal day to day discourse.

    You have important things to say, but the message gets lost in your insults and outdated terms like 'old sport' and 'hipster',

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It serves this right-wing blog. Code words to the racists and bigots. More 8-chan garbage.

      Delete
  3. Anonymous posters being trolls. Put your name on it or move along. #ownit

    ReplyDelete