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Text Box: 13 MARYLAND CANDIDATES SPEAK HERE OCTOBER 29 By Carlotta Anderson In an heartening response to the town’s invitation to appear at a “Meet the Candidates” forum at the Glen Echo Town Hall on Sunday, Oct. 29, 13 of the 18 candidates for the November 9 election came to state their position on current political issues. Both candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives, Chris Van Hollen, and Jeffrey M. Stein, spoke. Both candidates for the Maryland State Senate, Brian E. Frosh and Robert F. Dyer, Jr. were represented, the latter by his son, a candidate himself for the Maryland State House. All six of those running for the three seats in the Maryland State House, District 16 were present. The Republican candidate for Montgomery County Executive, Chuck Floyd, came, but not his opponent, Isiah Leggett. Both incumbent Howard A. Denis and Roger Berliner spoke on behalf of their candidacy for Montgomery County Council. There was a disappointing turnout of around 35 local residents for this unusual and very convenient opportunity. It was the first such forum held in Glen Echo. Spearheader of the forum was Town Councilman Dan Macy, who organized the event with resident Tom Manatos, who is on the staff of Rep. Nancy Pelosi. They contacted the candidates via email, in some cases several times,

Text Box: BUILDING PERMIT INFORMATION THE OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITY By Phyllis Daen The town cannot do building inspections because it does not have a building code. The Montgomery County building code applies within the town, and all inspections are conducted by the county, Mayor Debbie Beers said at the Oct. 9 town council meeting. The town does not have either the manpower or the expertise to conduct such inspections, she said. Since the town has no zoning authority, the town also does not provide information about zoning requirements. It is each individual’s responsibility to learn about which county permits will be required for any construction project. Any construction that requires a county permit also requires a town permit. The town publishes a brochure entitled “Building in Glen Echo” which is available at the town hall. The new town building permit will require each homeowner seeking a permit to show his or her plans to adjoining and confronting property owner and, where possible, to obtain a signature indicating that those owners have reviewed the plans. This requirement will aid the town in the oversight of the building process. In planning any project, individuals need to be aware that building permits will usually require that a bond be posted for repairs to streets and sidewalks that might be damaged in the construction.. They also need to consider whether the