As Kate Stewart wrapped up her term as the president of the Montgomery County Council, she took a moment to underscore the achievements of the council over the previous year with a video retrospective. In a release that highlights the council's efforts and the challenges faced during her presidency, Stewart stated, “The progress we’ve made and challenges we’ve overcome would not have been possible without the partnership of the incredible people sitting beside me, so thanks to each and every one of you for your ongoing support and teamwork,” as documented on the county's official website.
Stewart's tenure as president was characterized by her staunch defense of community values, particularly in the face of policies from the Trump administration. “Following direct attacks to our community by the Trump administration, I’m proud to say Montgomery County didn’t back down. We worked hand-in-hand with our partners at every level of government to safeguard democracy and uphold our constitutional rights. When residents took to the streets to rally for one another, we were right there beside them,” she remarked on the Council's news release.
In the fiscal arena, despite challenging economic conditions, the Council under Stewart’s leadership passed what she refers to as a "strong, responsible budget." The budget maintained the County’s Triple-A bond rating, even while keeping tax rates steady. It also continued support for local businesses, and provided aid that helped families in the community to recover and thrive.
In her closing remarks, Stewart expressed heartfelt thanks to the people whose cooperation and inspiration were essential to their achievements, “I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the people in and out of this room who make this work possible. Most of all, I want to thank the residents who inspire this work every single day. Serving as Council President has been one of my greatest honors, and I’ll carry the lessons from this year with me long after my term concludes,” she told Montgomery County news.
