Berliner Elected County Council President

The Montgomery County Council elected Councilmember Roger Berliner as its next president on Tuesday, choosing Councilmember Nancy Navarro as vice president.

Berliner, who succeeds outgoing Council President Valerie Ervin, said Montgomery County's work to regain fiscal stability is not yet done, and that the county will face budgetary, transportation and environmental challenges in the future. 

"If we are to meet these challenges, we will have to meet the hardest of them all: becoming change agents rather than servants of the status quo," he said. "We need to introduce new words into our county’s business model, words like nimble, bold, entrepreneurial."

Navarro, who represents District 4, is the county's first Hispanic female vice president, and Councilmember Craig Rice said she will continue her service to the county's changing population.

"I know Nancy Navarro is a person who has the courage to stand up for what's right in our county, to fight for those less fortunate and make sure we remain one of the best counties not only in the state, but in the country," Rice said in nominating her.

Traditionally, the council vice president succeeds the outgoing president after his or her one-year term.

Ervin, in her last address to the council as president, briefly broke down while thanking her staff and colleagues for their support.

"When I walk through that door, I know the best staff in the state is here," she said. "We don't thank you enough for your dedication, not only to us but to Montgomery County."

Berliner said Ervin's presidency will be remembered for its emphasis on inclusion and teamwork in navigating a tough fiscal climate.

"Under your leadership, we got through one of the most difficult budgets we've had in years, and it wouldn't have happened if not for your extraordinary efforts and your strong leadership," he said.

Berliner has been on the county council since 2006 and represents the Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Potomac areas. He will also represent Kensington after County Executive Isiah Leggett signs the council's redistricting resolution.

Navarro represents the Colesville area and joined the council in 2009 after serving as president of the Montgomery County Board of Education.