Spiegel Concludes Term as Maryland Municipal League President

Virtual Conference Makes History as Organization “Reimagines Tomorrow”

 

Gaithersburg, MD (July 8, 2020) Gaithersburg City Council Member Ryan Spiegel last week concluded his one-year term as President of the Maryland Municipal League (MML), the organization that represents all 157 cities and towns in Maryland and the 1.5 million people who live in them. His closing remarks were delivered at MML’s first-ever virtual conference, which included sessions with Governor Larry Hogan, Comptroller Peter Franchot, Attorney General Brian Frosh, and State Senators Cheryl Kagan and J.B. Jennings, among other well-known presenters and moderators.

 

“I chose the theme ‘Reimagine Tomorrow’ for my presidency a year ago, envisioning the opportunity to work with my colleagues around the state to lead the way in innovative and meaningful strategies to address community challenges,” said Spiegel. “Who knew then that this theme would turn out to be the perfect one for 2020? As my term concludes, the year has indeed been indescribably meaningful – from coronavirus to economic turmoil to the racial justice movement, and everything in between. In an unprecedented year, we are being challenged to reimagine literally everything. I believe MML has met the moment with enthusiasm, creativity, and grace.”

 

Spiegel counts among the year’s highlights under his leadership several legislative wins for local municipalities despite a significantly abbreviated General Assembly session, the appointment of the most diverse committee leadership teams in MML’s history, quick pivots to provide robust resources to Maryland cities and towns on issues surrounding the pandemic, and the beginning of meaningful dialogues on issues surrounding systemic racism. The unprecedented year culminated in the organization successfully conducting its first-ever Virtual Summer Conference on June 29 and 30.

 

Spiegel also highlighted MML’s significant role on Governor Larry Hogan’s Complete Count Census Committee. Represented by City of Gaithersburg Program Coordinator Lauren Sukal, MML was instrumental in ensuring that $332,000 in state funding was allocated exclusively for municipal census grants, supporting local efforts as the enumeration period for the census is extended through October 31, 2020.

 

Gaithersburg, which carries the title of an MML “Banner City,” has a long history of involvement with the organization. Currently serving on the MML Board of Directors along with Council Member Spiegel is Council Vice President Laurie-Anne Sayles (National League of Cities Ex-Officio Representative). Sayles is also Vice President of the Montgomery County Chapter of MML and serves as a member of MML’s statewide Legislative Committee. Council Member Rob Wu serves on the Hometown Emergency Preparedness Committee. Council Member Michael A. Sesma has previously served on the Board of Directors, and Spiegel has previously served as President of the Montgomery County Chapter of MML and as Chair of MML’s statewide Legislative Committee.

 

There are several Departments within MML in which City staff have leadership roles. Acting City Manager Dennis Enslinger is President of the Maryland City/County Management Association and the MML Board Representative. Gaithersburg City Attorney Lynn Board and Assistant City Attorney Frank Johnson serve as President and Secretary of the Maryland Municipal Attorneys Association, respectively. Director of Gaithersburg’s Department of Parks, Recreation & Culture, Carolyn Muller, serves as Secretary of the Maryland Municipal Parks & Recreation Association.

 

In his conference remarks, Spiegel noted that, “I am proud that my own City of Gaithersburg is a sponsor of this conference, because my local colleagues recognize the importance of investing in MML and supporting its mission, even in these uncertain times.”

 

Spiegel is succeeded by MML President Perry Jones, Mayor of the Town of Union Bridge. As Immediate Past President, Spiegel will remain on MML’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee for another year. Mayor Jake Day of Salisbury was elected President-Elect, and will serve as MML’s President in the 2021-2022 term.

 

The Maryland Municipal League advocates for municipal priorities in Annapolis, and as the association for mayors, council members and other municipal officials, it works to provide education, networking, research, and other resources and support services for both elected officials and staff. For more information on the Maryland Municipal League, visit www.mdmunicipal.org. For more about the City of Gaithersburg and its elected officials, visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov.