Celebrating a New Term — And the Community That Made It Possible
Mayor Jud Ashman administers the oath of office to City Council Member Jim McNulty (right), with his family looking on.
As we begin this new term, I want to share my gratitude and reflections from an unforgettable election season. It was especially meaningful to celebrate this year’s results alongside Mayor Jud Ashman and Council Member Lisa Henderson. Their friendship and support over the past four years — and particularly throughout the last four months — have meant a great deal. Four years ago, we learned the election results in the middle of the night. Having the chance to celebrate together on election night this time was something I’ll always cherish.
I am also grateful to my Council colleagues — Neil Harris, Rob Wu, and Council Vice President Yamil Hernández — who didn’t simply remain on the sidelines but played an active role in helping ensure our team was reelected. I look forward to continuing to share the dais with them as we work on behalf of our residents.
Kudos are also due to the Board of Supervisors of Elections and to our city staff, especially City Manager Tanisha Briley and City Clerk Lia Jones, for managing such a strong turnout. While we always strive for even greater participation, we’re clearly trending in the right direction, and this momentum gives us something to build on for the future.
Before thanking my own team, I also want to acknowledge Tiffany Kelly, Chris Thoms, and Omodamola Williams for putting themselves forward and offering their ideas and energy to help shape our city. Tiffany and Chris attended the swearing-in ceremony, and having been in their position before, I know how difficult it can be to sit in the audience when someone else is being sworn in. Here in Gaithersburg, we often say that “character counts,” and their presence and graciousness were powerful examples of that.
Family First
There are many people I need to thank, starting with my family. This past year has been challenging on many levels, and I could not have made it through without them.
To my wife Amy, our children CJ — who made it home just in time for the big day—and Sean: I love you more than I can say. I am truly blessed to have you. Sean just turned 18 right before election day, and actually got to cast his very first vote for his Dad. How amazing is that?
I’m also grateful to my parents — Cathy, Frank, and Bonnie — who were able to attend, as well as my brother Chris. We celebrated Dad’s 75th birthday the weekend before our swearing in, making the week even more special. One highlight from election day was capturing a wonderful photo of my parents with Lisa Henderson’s mother. And to my in-laws, Sharon and Kathy, and Uncle Tommy: thank you for your constant support and generosity.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Eight years ago, I learned that wanting to run for office isn’t enough — you need a village that believes in your leadership and is willing to help make it possible. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to meet so many generous and supportive people who have contributed their time, talent, and resources.
A heartfelt thank-you to Andy, Isaac, Matt, Jayson, Oscar, Ari and Demetria, Pete and Leigh, Georges and Yvette, David and June Trone, Ken and Rebecca, Rich Parsons, Shawn, Tony, and many others. With around 90 individual donations this cycle, I am truly humbled by the generosity of this community.
I am also grateful to the many elected officials at various levels of government who offered their endorsements — from local partners in Rockville, to our District 17 and District 39 state delegations, to our county council colleagues and others across the region. I value these partnerships and look forward to collaborating to advance our shared goals.
Thank You to the Voters of Gaithersburg
To the voters of Gaithersburg: thank you. I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to continue serving this remarkable community, alongside two exceptional public servants.
One of the great privileges of municipal government is the personal connection with residents. I can’t fully express what it meant to have so many people lean in on election day to whisper “I voted for you,” or to share at the door, “I already sent in my ballot for you.” These one-on-one moments is one of the great things about being the closest layer of government to the people.
Throughout the campaign, residents frequently expressed their appreciation for the city’s work — often with specific praise for city staff they’ve interacted with in their daily lives. I repeatedly heard some version of: “The city’s great — it’s everywhere else that’s a mess.” That sentiment is a testament to the dedication of our city staff, who make us look good every day. While we are certainly not immune to the challenges facing communities across the country, it is encouraging and energizing to hear such positive feedback.
The Work Ahead
There is, of course, still much work to do. During this campaign, we heard loud and clear that affordability, growth, and pedestrian safety remain top priorities for residents—and rightly so. Addressing these challenges begins immediately.
While we may not always agree on the how, I am confident that by working together, leveraging the strengths and passions of our community, and truly listening to residents, Gaithersburg will continue to be the best city in the world. I for one am ready to get back to work.