More News

As a former president of the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce and former chairman of the Silver Spring Urban District, I have seen the renaissance of a once declining downtown into the national model for urban revitalization it is today. It took a lot of time and resources, but because of the efforts so many people, Silver Spring is home to a diverse array of businesses that have contributed to the vibrant quality of life we are now fortunate to enjoy.

As a business owner of 20 years, I also know the unique role that Interfaith Works' Community Vision has played in Silver Spring. If the program were to be closed due to budget cuts, it would not only hurt our most vulnerable, but erode the hard-earned progress that we have made.

While our leaders are facing an unprecedented situation, I believe that programs like Community Vision, which have proven to produce results, should be fully funded. From a business sense, I believe it is an investment well worth making. More importantly, as a Silver Spring resident, I also simply believe it is the right thing to do.

Charles H. Atwell, Silver Spring