Message From Jamal T. Fox to the Takoma Park Community
Members of the Community,
I am thrilled to be joining the City of Takoma Park in August as your new City Manager. My family and I are very appreciative of you and many in our community who have and continue to reach out and welcome us.
I have a passion for public service and the impact we have on the community from building inclusive teams, programming, community events, arts, transportation investments to innovative health and wellness opportunities to public-private partnerships for economic prosperity.
I believe Takoma Park has a dedicated and professional workforce, strong commitment to racial equity, strong local employers, and diverse schools. The community is uniquely prepared for a strong future post-COVID-19.
What also attracted me was that this opportunity provided the right blend of cultural and educational opportunities in a region with a unique set of community assets that is unmatched given the proximity to Washington, DC for our young family.
My wife Jaimee and I will have two young kids and we were interested in an environment where we can not only re-establish family roots but also where we can make a significant impact on the community. I grew up in the DMV, particularly in northern Virginia and this opportunity will allow me to relocate closer to my family, who like many families over the last year have been impacted by the pandemic and need support and assistance.
We saw Takoma Park as a beautiful community that shared our family values and where we could raise our family. My family and I look forward to connecting with you in the community. We are very excited to take part in future community festivals, shop at both farmers markets and Takoma Park Silver Spring CO-OP and take advantage of all the City has to offer.
I want to thank you in advance for your grace and understanding as we embark on our journey together. The late Coretta Scott King once said, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members, a heart of grace, and a soul generated by love”. As we collectively prepare for my tenure, I encourage us all to embrace the spirit of compassion with acts of kindness and a willingness to work together to solve the most pressing issues facing our community.
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