Montgomery board focused on health, environment

Looking at the upcoming board decisions for 2013 can tell a lot about the direction in which a state is going, and what its priorities are. For Montgomery County, Maryland, concerns over quality of life, health, and environmental issues seem to dominate the docket, this month at least. Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Floreen has proposed a smoking ban on all public property except sidewalks and bus stops. Residents of Montgomery County will have a chance to voice their opinions on the proposed ban on Jan. 15th. Next the board will focus on protecting roadside trees and the health of canopies throughout the county. Finally, boardmembers will discuss the extension of bike paths and the addition of a bike-share program similar to ones in DC and northern Virginia.