Rob Wu Is Running for Delegate in district 39!

Focusing on strong environmental policies has been another priority of mine since joining the City Council.  We have worked on and advanced various initiatives in the city, such as expanding composting, limiting the use of harmful pesticides both in our homes and on City property, and being early leaders in banning Styrofoam use, which harms our streams, to name a few.  I personally have tried to focus the City on preservation of green space and tree cover (including valuing mature trees) in development and environmental restoration projects around the City.  I look forward to continuing my passion for environmentalism and environmental advocacy in the General Assembly.

One of the great things about Gaithersburg is the vibrant mix of communities that we all enjoy.  From traditional single-family house neighborhoods to our wonderful new urbanist communities like the Kentlands and Crown, Gaithersburg has something to offer for everyone.  Ensuring that the places where we live, work, and play remain vibrant and ensuring that new and old exist well together is a work-intensive endeavor.  I have enjoyed working with my colleagues, the planning commission, staff, and our residents to try to get it right.  We may not always agree, or be able to meet everyone's needs, but my approach has always been to try to put community interests first.  I look forward to bringing this vision to the General Assembly, working on pathways to ensure our community and Maryland grow, compete regionally and nationally, and we all work to address the critical housing shortage that is driving up costs for everyone.

I first got involved with the City as a member of the Transportation Committee, where I focused on my passion for bicycle safety.  As an avid rider, I understand the difficulties in safety that bicyclists face.  I have continued this passion on the Council, where I have worked with my colleagues to make bicycling safer in the City.  We have focused on improving connections, including the NIST path, Quince Orchard Boulevard, and connecting Olde Towne to Shady Grove Metro Station.   Prior to my time on the Council, it was illegal to ride most bikes on City sidewalks.  This is crazy, and we worked to fix that, where I was the author of the ordinance that corrected this.  We have worked to increase bike access in the city through pilot programs for shared bikes, and access to e-scooters.  I have also focused on pedestrian safety, advocating for engineering improvements in development plans, and the use of signalized lighting for pedestrians.  There is a lot to be done still, and much of what needs to be done has to be in cooperation between our local communities and Annapolis.

Our children are our future, and top-notch free and public education is how we ensure our children succeed.  I have been a staunch education advocate for our community, fighting for the resources and facilities needed for our residents and educators to educate our children.  Whether it was fighting for capacity needs at Rachel Carson Elementary School and Dufief Elementary School, to working with MCPS on opening new schools like Crown High School, the City has been at the forefront of ensuring resources are there for our students and community.  I have taken a particular interest in bringing innovative programs to the City, including the dual-language immersion program at Brown Station Elementary School, and funding STEM related activities at our schools through the Gaithersburg STEM Consortium.  Likewise, ensuring our students and their families have support outside of school is equally important.  The City funds robust services through our consortium of providers to equitably serve our diverse community.  Like many issues that we confront, Annapolis is key to our community's success and I look forward to bringing my experience to work for our students and educators.