Waukenman Fills Council Seat, Vetting Plan Halted

Montgomery County Council President Kate Stewart announced today the appointment of Leonard "Lenny" Waukenman to fill the at-large council seat Gabe Albornoz vacates in December. The decision reverses a plan revealed yesterday to vet multiple applicants and hold public interviews.

"Citizens like Lenny don't just come walking along every day," said Stewart. "As soon as he strolled into the picture, I convened an emergency meeting. This isn't a decision I was going to slow-walk."

Waukenman will amble through the remaining year of Albornoz's term and replaces Evan Glass as chair of the Transportation & Environment Committee, effective immediately. "No one knows Montgomery County roads like Lenny," said Stewart. "He can cover a lot of ground in 12 months, from Boyds to Burtonsville and Damascus to downtown Silver Spring."

Councilmembers Jawando, Friedsom and Glass give Waukenman a warm welcome.

Waukenman says he will focus on pedestrian safety by repairing and expanding existing sidewalks and building new ones. He will also introduce legislation to fund roadside litter crews deployed seven days a week countywide.

Although Waukenman says you won't find him at neighborhood festivals like other council members, he will hold public listening sessions most mornings for anyone who can match his pace.

Waukenman looks forward to serving the community but says that's just the cake. "The icing is all the Adidas a 170K salary affords."

Photo Sources: (Main) Montgomery County government website; (Collages) "i seen da walkin man" public Facebook group