Blog suspended for a while . . .

Hello! This is Suzanne Ludlow, Takoma Park Deputy City Manager. We're in the process of some significant changes in our Communications office, so we're going to suspend the blog for a bit until we get on our feet.

We will begin advertising to fill our vacant Media Specialist position this week and we are continuing to work on a new City website. When our Media Specialist position is filled, it shouldn't be long before we see some exciting changes on the communications side of City government, including, of course, social networking.

What would you like to see us do? Please let me know! E-mail me at: SuzanneL@takomagov.org.

And, keep your eyes open for the exciting activities scheduled for our new Auditorium in May. We will have a beautiful space and wonderful events. Thanks to Congressman Chris Van Hollen, our Maryland District 20 representatives, and Washington Adventist Hospital for the funding for this special new cultural resource for Takoma Park.

Ups and Downs

Last week had some ups and downs. On the down side, it is budget time and the City Manager has been preparing her budget for presentation to the City Council tonight. The proposed budget includes layoffs and a wage freeze. Some of our co-workers were notified last week that their positions are proposed to be eliminated or changed to part-time. Times are tough all over, but it is really hard when it hits home.

On the up side, the Community Center Atrium is filled with a wonderful art display of clocks and lamps created by Randall Cleaver. It is worth coming in to see them! Many have switches to turn on the light or get some whimsical part moving.

Another up, of course, is the weather. Get out and play!

Finally, if you haven’t sent back your Census form, please do so. It is so important! If you have any questions, stop by our Census Questionnaire Assistance Center in the Community Center Atrium. It is staffed Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 pm and mid-day Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 1 pm.