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 Perez
concerned about lead-paint poisoning
On July 17, Montgomery County District 5 Councilmember Tom
Perez brought the issue of lead poisoning to the county housing
committee, hoping to persuade the county to address what he
considers an urgent problem in the Takoma/Langley community.
Testing for lead exposure is required by state law for all
one- and two- year old children in Long Branch, Takoma Park,
and Langley Park (ZIP codes 20912 and 20783). Last year, three
children in the 20912 ZIP code tested positive for lead poisoning,
among seven statewide. An additional 61 children tested in
Montgomery County showed dangerously high levels of blood
lead.
Perez brought his concerns before the housing committee in
response to a report on Long Branch housing, conducted by
CASA of Maryland and the University of Maryland and due for
official release this fall. The report, commissioned by the
county, provides data on the potential lead exposure problem
in the area, based on interviews with residents in 358 housing
units.
After Perez spoke at the July meeting, housing and code enforcement
chief Joe Giloley responded, saying that the county plans
to address lead abatement in Long Branch by conducting inspections
and, beginning next fiscal year, requiring that all licensed
housing units be certified lead-free or lead-safe. Giloley
also expects to provide an update to the committee this month.
 Connie
Morella appointed Ambassador to OECD
On August 1, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee announced
Senate approval of the nomination of former Maryland Congresswoman
Connie Morella as Ambassador to the Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD), headquartered in Paris.
Maryland Senator Paul Sarbanes (D) was joined by Virginia
Senator John Warner (R) on July 30 in introducing Morella
to the Senate Foreign Relations during her confirmation hearing.
"I am pleased that the Senate moved so promptly to confirm
Connie to this ambassadorial post," Sarbanes said. "She
will bring to her new responsibilities a solid foundation
formed by many years on the House Science Committee, expert
knowledge of technology issues, and long engagement in international
affairs. She will also bring the personal qualities that made
her such an extraordinarily effective member of Congress."
The OECD is an organization of 30 countries involved in the
global market economy. Its work covers economic and social
issues from macroeconomics to trade, education, development,
and science and innovation.
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