Kick started by CM Andrew Friedson, many Montgomery County Council members have issued statements related to CASA’s radical and antisemitic remarks. While some, such as Andrew have issued formal press releases, others such as CM Katz, CM Gonzalez, CM Luedtke have issued much less public facing statements.
What the Montgomery County’s population of Jewish people, and those generally concerned about our county, are watching now is what happens next? Is this another situation where some public statements are issued but no action is taken? Is this another situation where we only demonstrate our values via words?
As previously reported here, as well as at Montgomery Perspective, CASA receives a LOT of our tax dollars. This means the county council has a lot of potential avenues for recourse.
What would stop them? Well CASA also runs a very strong and influential political lobbying branch. Many of the politicians not only depend on their endorsement to get elected, but also depend on the group to help fuel support for their legislation.
Below is a listing of candidates that were endorsed by CASA.
Despite issuing public statements, none of these endorsed candidates have publicly come out and said that they no longer accept this endorsement and will not accept an endorsement in future years from CASA. In fact, as of 11/8/23, those candidates that list their endorsements on their website still proudly display the CASA logo.
Natali even has retained a quote from the head of CASA who made the statements, someone who has provided funding to her campaign (she has yet to return it).
So, it seems like things will be business as usual. Our elected officials will use their words, wait for the issue to be forgotten, and continue to support, no matter how atrocious, those that can ensure they maintain their power.
We need action. And some integrity.
