Notes & Personnel
Quick reads, lateral moves, and news from around the Free State.
Insurance Marketplace Rates: Insurance Commissioner Marie Grant approved a 14.6% average rate increase for individual ACA marketplace health plans for 2027, citing rising medical costs and expiring federal tax credit buffers [Maryland Matters / Southern MD Chronicle]
Here’s this morning’s draft — 11 items, two from the Wire:
Treasurer Dereck E. Davis is riding a hot streak with Maryland 529. Gov. Wes Moore proclaimed September 29 as Maryland 529 Education Savings Day, and Davis’s program just pulled a perfect 5-out-of-5 rating plus a Best in Class distinction from Saving for College. Deputy State Treasurer Courtney Finklea Green, who joined the office in 2023, is credited as the driving force behind the turnaround. via The Maryland Wire
Alex Denicoff and Drew Construction are at the center of a brewing Montgomery County fight over managed Wi-Fi. Drew Construction Company, LLC retained Denicoff earlier this month on “matters related to Managed Wifi in Residential Units / General Contracting regulations” — a filing that looks dull but touches the $1,200-per-unit NOI bonanza developers are extracting from bulk-billing tenants $60–$90 a month for property-wide Wi-Fi. Watch for the land-use attorneys to circle. via The Maryland Wire
Tom Coale is leaving Perry Jacobson to start his own firm. Maryland Matters’ Political Notes reports the land-use attorney’s departure — Perry Jacobson loses a rainmaker, and Coale has already seen a surge in residential project inquiries. Maryland Matters
Scott Peterson becomes chief of staff to Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, replacing Geri Royale Byrd. Maryland Matters
Nick Alexopulos says BGE customers could see a tax refund windfall. Baltimore Gas and Electric, Delmarva Power and Pepco are seeking Public Service Commission approval to return roughly $160 million in tax savings — $110M for BGE, $30M for Pepco, $20M for Delmarva — after a summer court ruling ordered the state to pay $250 million back to the utilities. Alexopulos cautions it’s too early to say how it shows up on individual bills, and the PSC still controls the timing. Baltimore Banner
Council Chair Mike Ertel’s pay-raise push had a rough Tuesday. Taxpayers and county workers slammed the proposed $69,000→$119,750 council raise (chair: $77,000→$129,750) at the September 29 public work session, with critics calling a ~70% hike indefensible in a county facing a structural deficit. Councilman Nino Mangione (R) is the leading opponent. Public hearing October 13, vote October 19 — and the council expands from seven to nine seats in December. citybiz State Roundup
Tabatha Robinson is launching a cannabis testing pilot. The Maryland Cannabis Administration’s new CLEAR program starts testing round one in October, examining differences in reported THC levels across products, with results due in December. Robinson, MCA’s director, is pitching it as industry transparency for the billion-dollar market she inherited from predecessor Will Tilburg’s buildout. relievetime.com
Military families get licensing relief Thursday. The Modernizing Civil Relief for Service Members Act takes effect October 1, letting active-duty members and spouses relocating to Maryland practice under another state’s valid occupational or professional license. Gov. Wes Moore signed it in May; attorney Stephanie Rapp-Tully of Tully Rinckey says it should end months of employment limbo for relocated families. Military.com
Columbia Association’s ousted trio stays out. A Howard County Circuit Court judge denied a preliminary injunction Monday, refusing to reinstate the three ousted Columbia Association board members while their appeal plays out. The trio were removed over accusations they weaponized the association’s ethics policy and refused to cooperate with an outside investigation. Baltimore Banner via citybiz
Frederick County wants voters shaping its 2027 Annapolis agenda. County officials are asking residents to help build the county’s legislative wish list for the 2027 General Assembly session — an early sign of how counties are front-loading their asks. Maryland Matters’ Bryan Sears and William Ford, via citybiz
Kenzie Funk, Cheryl McLeod and Kali Schumitz are drawing the line on Blueprint cuts. Education advocates told lawmakers at a September 30 hearing not to touch the Blueprint’s funding — Funk (Strong Schools Maryland), McLeod (Howard County, World Class Grads) and Schumitz (Fair Share Maryland) argued the plan is under review by the Blueprint Accountability and Implementation Board, not ready for cuts. Maryland Matters
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Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles
Spotlighting Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles: Service, Excellence, and Modern Civic Presence
In the landscape of Montgomery County leadership, Laurie-Anne Sayles stands out as a high-achieving leader who blends dedicated public service with an engaging, modern civic presence. Holding office as an At-Large Councilmember, Sayles brings energy, polished warmth, and clear purpose to local governance.
1. Driven by High Achievement
Sayles’s trajectory reflects a steady commitment to professional development and public health. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Baltimore, her background spans dynamic roles—from communications coordination at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and nature conservation organizations to senior consultancies. Before her tenure on the Montgomery County Council, she served on the Gaithersburg City Council, consistently positioning herself at the center of local policy and regional progress.
2. The Art of Modern Civic Engagement
Sayles navigates the community landscape with poise, warmth, and an approachable style. Whether celebrating local trades at regional apprenticeship graduations, hosting community town halls, or honoring seniors, she elevates public events into spaces of connection. Her public presence bridges formal legislative duty with a vibrant personal touch, bringing enthusiasm and visible dedication to every room she enters.
3. Impactful Leadership & Community Service
At the core of her work is the S.M.A.R.T. agenda—focusing on smart growth, workforce development, public safety, and youth empowerment. Among her signature initiatives is the S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council, an initiative designed to mentor the next generation of civic leaders and engage young people directly in the policy process.
Combining a background in public health, policy expertise, and active community presence, Laurie-Anne Sayles represents a model of contemporary public leadership—one defined by personal achievement, social connectivity, and dedicated civic service.