My Two Cents is a weekly opinion column from Bethesda resident Joseph Hawkins. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of BethesdaNow.com.
On June 24, voters go to the polls to cast votes in local and state primary races. Democratic Bethesdians are faced with the choice of former at-large Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg or two-term incumbent District 1 Councilmember Roger Berliner.
I thought I might be able to help voters decide by asking Trachtenberg and Berliner the same set of questions. Below are Trachtenberg’s answers. Berliner’s responses ran Tuesday.
Me: If a genie granted you three wishes that could be used only to improve Bethesda, what three improvements would you make and why?
Trachtenberg: 1. I’d like to see mobility issues addressed more effectively. Continuous, walkable “green” pathways should link our existing communities to the heart of downtown Bethesda. Special attention needs to be given to pedestrian safety, sufficient bike lanes and Metro access as we integrate a thriving urban setting with established communities.
2. I’d like to see a greater focus put on our adolescents and young adults who reside in Bethesda. Parking lots and ice cream stores are no substitute for an actual youth resource center that could be situated in downtown Bethesda. I am committed to creating a private-public partnership (similar to what we created with the Family Justice Center) to make this happen so kids and their families know a real sense of community and experience the “neighborhood” supports that can so easily enrich their lives.
Additionally, East-West Highway should be a two-lane street where Bethesda Chevy Chase High School sits, so students can actually safely walk to destinations during lunch period and after classes.
3. I’d like to see a vital arts and entertainment district created in the Westbard redevelopment plan. It would be great for seniors and even young adults in this area to have access to quality art and entertainment venues. Some live music, art galleries complete with educational programming and even artist lofts, an open community theatre (used for free concerts) in a planned park, and ethnic restaurants would all help create an exciting, new Westbard community.
Me: If you have to explain life in Bethesda to Martians, and you could only use photos, what three photos of Bethesda would you show them and why?
Trachtenberg: 1. The intersection of Woodmont Avenue and Bethesda Avenue — It speaks to the terrific appeal and sense of community that exists in downtown Bethesda. Within a few steps you can enter a great bookstore, go to an excellent theatre, eventually hop on the “Purple Line,” enjoy a meal at a world-class restaurant, shop in an intriguing boutique or just take a solitary bike ride down the beautiful Capital Crescent Trail.
2. The Tastee Diner on Woodmont Avenue — A neighborhood hangout for almost 80 years (next year) that’s open 24/7, where you can meet old and new friends, enjoy a simple meal for a reasonable price and know that you’ll be welcome to read two daily newspapers cover-to-cover over a cup of coffee without causing a stir!
3. Imagination Stage on Auburn Avenue — One of my favorite destinations that inspires creativity through theatre and arts education programs for young people of all abilities. As a health professional who worked with children, a parent and a native New Yorker, I firmly believe that theatre experiences are fundamental in nourishing children’s creative spirit, inspiring them to embrace the diversity of their world, and help them face the world with hope and creativity. For our future entrepreneurs, building a sense of creativity is just as important as mastering science and mathematics.
Me: I would imagine that as the District 1 Councilmember you vote on things that are not necessarily good or in the best interests of Bethesdians. Tell us about a vote that you struggled over because while it was good for the county as a whole it wasn’t such a great deal for Bethesdians.
Trachtenberg: The expansion of Walter Reed at the Bethesda Naval Institute has produced challenges for the surrounding communities and definitely has increased congestion at both the Medical Center Metro stop and on Wisconsin Avenue.
Creative solutions must continue to be weighed as this expansion evolves. However, despite these challenges, we are all proud of the excellent programming and services offered at Walter Reed. Our veterans and the many who have returned from tours in Afghanistan and Iraq deserve the very best medical care we can provide as a community. Bethesda will continue to live up to the awesome obligation that we have as a nation — to honor and care for those that have served our country with valor and distinction.
Joseph Hawkins is a longtime Bethesda resident who remembers when there was no Capital Crescent Trail. He works full-time for an employee-owned social science research firm located Montgomery County. He is a D.C. native and for nearly 10 years, he wrote a regular column for the Montgomery Journal. He also has essays and editorials published in Education Week, the Washington Post, and Teaching Tolerance Magazine. He is a serious live music fan and is committed to checking out some live act at least once a month.
