My friends:
Rockville is more than just another city near the nation’s capital. It’s more than just the county seat for Montgomery County, Maryland. It’s more than just 60,000 people living next to the Pike. Rockville is our hometown. Many of us grew up here. Some of us live and work within a few miles. A lot of us go to school right around the corner. But, at the end of the day, it’s as simple as being part of a family. Rockville is our community. It is the place we call home.
My name is Waleed Ovase. I am running for Rockville City Council. You might be surprised to hear that I’m still in high school. For me, the choice to run was only natural. I’m certainly not the most recognized name in the city. Maybe you’ve read one of my letters to the editor or listened to one of my radio productions, but that’s probably about it. Or maybe you’re one of the people I see every day. No matter who you are, you’re still one of the people that can make Rockville great.
When I look at what the council is doing for Rockville today, I am disappointed. I have never seen the council represented officially at town events. Some of the problems I’ve seen around town are never addressed. People must lobby for weeks to be heard. If I want to know what the council is doing, I should be able to just pick up the minutes, but I can’t. You see, they’re written in “legalese.” It’s impossible to understand. I am running to fix these things, as well as to keep Rockville feeling like the hometown it is for us.
You should know that your vote for me will not be wasted. I am committed to everything I stand for. My teachers can tell you I’m dedicated to trying my hardest. My friends can remember the intense debates over national issues. Even people I’ve never met can understand my commitment just by reading the things I’ve written. I am a member of a community, and that community is important to me. I think we need to be doing more to support it.
And now I”m asking you to join me. As individuals, we can do little more than talk about what needs to be done. We can start our own initiatives for change, but it is the people who think to themselves, “I agree,” that really make the difference. I have started an initiative. With your help, we can bring about the things that will make Rockville better than it has ever been.
Yours sincerely,
