Gas-powered leaf blower / file image from leaf blower demonstration
County councilmembers do not want photographic evidence to be part of enforcing the county’s gas-powered leaf blower ban.
Cause for Concern
“We know that a large number of individuals who operate and do lawn care in our community are Latino and immigrant individuals,” Councilmember Evan Glass said during a Council meeting Tuesday – “And in this era of Donald Trump we should not be encouraging people to take photographs of their neighbors doing their work, supporting our community, and being neighbors.”
Councilmember Gabe Albornoz said “this was one of the principal reasons” why he did not support the original leaf blower bill. He noted leaves are starting to fall, and said it is important to pass the new bill as soon as possible.
Previous Legislation
Gas-powered leaf blowers were banned in Montgomery County as of July 1 in an effort to alleviate noise levels and health issues. According to the legislation, enforcement includes using photographic evidence to support complaints.
The legislation was introduced by the Council at the request of the County Executive. During a media briefing in June, County Executive Marc Elrich discussed the use of photos. He encouraged residents not to include faces — “Take a picture of them holding the blower, using the blower, but don’t use their face… because I do understand people are concerned because it’s something to be submitted to the county government, and we don’t want faces on it because we don’t want somebody asking, show me your leaf blower users.”
An Amendment in the Works
A new bill introduced Tuesday would change the complaint procedure so it does not need photos.
Glass called it a “common-sense issue in this time of Donald Trump.”
Glass and Albornoz are lead sponsors along with Council President Kate Stewart and Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe. Cosponsors are Councilmembers Natali Fani-González, Andrew Friedson, Sidney Katz, Dawn Luedtke, and Laurie-Anne Sayles.
A public hearing for the bill is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 21.
