Fiscal Responsibility & Economic Revitalization

Our County government faces tough financial decisions this year and in the next term. It is vital that we meet our county’s operating budget needs and honor the statutory limits on property taxes. We will have to make significant sacrifices in order to tighten our belts, but Roger believes we can eliminate unnecessary spending and focus on what we must do to meet the challenge ahead. Further, the Council must look forward to the future and make forward thinking decisions so they can properly balance our budget and create a more effective sustainable government. Roger knows that we have to do what our families are doing. Tighten our belts!!  That is why Roger originally voted against the budget for FY2009.  

As one prominent democratic leader from Potomac, Daphne Bloomberg, said: 

"Councilmember Berliner has been called a fiscal conservative in the media and for good reason.  He has stood up for taxpayers in this tough economy, seeking greater budget cuts and lower taxes.  That is the kind of fiscal responsibility we need more than ever.” 

Moreover, While our county is one of the lucky few in the country to have lower than average unemployment rates, our average is still twice the normal level and that means we need to do everything we can to think creatively to bring jobs to our community. To that end, Roger spearheaded the effort to invest county dollars in local community banks. Further, through the solar tax credit, which was a part of his comprehensive energy and environment measures, we are creating ‘green’ jobs. 

Roger has also worked closely with the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce to make sure that he is aware of the business community needs.  He has championed their causes on repeated occasions, leading one prominent member of the business community, Jerry Morenoff, to say:

“The Bethesda business community has a true friend in Councilmember Berliner – he is always willing to listen to our concerns and work with us on tough issues.”