Ginny Bixby
reporter, Montgomery County
Ginny Bixby is a local government and politics reporter for The Banner in Montgomery County. She previously covered local government for Bethesda Today, where she was a senior reporter. At Bethesda Today, she reported on book censorship and legal challenges leading up to the U.S Supreme Court ruling on LGBTQIA+ inclusion in Montgomery County school curricula. She also conducted extensive reporting on gender policy and health care access issues affecting the county’s LGBTQIA+ residents. Before that, she covered local government and community issues in Charlottesville, Virginia, at The Daily Progress, where she led coverage of the city’s removal of Confederate statues and the aftermath of the Unite The Right rally. Ginny grew up in Manassas, Virginia, and is a graduate of the University of Mary Washington. She has received awards from the Local Media Association, the Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Press Association and the Virginia Press Association for her reporting.
The latest from Ginny
Voters head to the polls Tuesday. Here’s what Montgomery County voters need to know.
County polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Voters will choose a new county executive, among other key offices.
Jawando raises more than $1.4 million in contributions in lead-up to election
Jawando is relying on the county’s public financing program. Candidates using public financing cannot accept contributions from political action committees, LLCs, businesses or large-money donors.
Montgomery County Council takes aim at scammers
Plus: Inspector General report finds problems at the recreation department and the county health officer gets a prominent national role.
Montgomery County raises fine to address street takeovers
Montgomery County Police Lt. Patrick Kepp said that takeovers he has witnessed involved “chaos, fireworks, fire, destruction of property, prohibition of others from being able to freely travel on the roadway.”
Meet the immigrant single mom who wants to run Montgomery County government
Republican Esther Wells switched parties in 2018 after she became disenchanted with what she sees as a Democratic propensity to overtax.
Elrich vows to veto housing bill that hasn’t passed yet
Both sponsors told The Banner they’re frustrated that Elrich is knocking the proposal before it has come to a vote.
How Montgomery County makes sure its voting equipment works
Montgomery County will test hundreds of ballot marking machines and ballot scanner before early voting begins.
Montgomery County teachers could receive tax credit under new legislation
More than 6,700 employees represented by SEIU Local 500 and the Montgomery County Education Association, the two MCPS unions, live outside the county.
Vote at 16? Rockville considers lowering age to cast ballot in city elections
If Rockville lowers its voting age for municipal elections, it would follow Takoma Park, the first city in the nation to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to cast ballots in local races.
Who cares for children of deported parents? This priest has signed up to take on 31.
This Takoma Park priest has agreed to be the standby guardian for 31 children amid the Trump administration’s aggressive campaign to expel immigrants.
Gaithersburg is getting a new mayor — on one condition
“I’m truly honored by the support and confidence of my colleagues on the Council. Gaithersburg is home,” said Lisa Henderson — chosen to be the next mayor should the current one win a County Council seat — in a statement.
‘Fight the hell out of it’: Fani-González responds to Trump’s ICE mask lawsuit
The Unmask ICE Act, which the council passed unanimously in April, prohibits federal, state and local law enforcement officers from wearing masks or face coverings while on duty in Montgomery County.
Montgomery County installs new pedestrian signals following deaths
Plus: A town hall on the incinerator, a new round of security grants and a chance to rate life in the county.
How much control should the county have over its public news outlet?
The bill would require the Montgomery County Council and executive to each appoint one member to MCM’s board of directors. It would also require MCM to comply with open meetings laws and adopt policies related to journalistic ethics and racial equity and social justice.
How long should the county ban ‘disruptive’ behavior?
The bill would allow the county to ban people from libraries, rec centers and other public facilities for up to two years.
Jawando campaign says post-heart attack, he will stay in county executive race
Montgomery County Council member Will Jawando will stay in the county executive race as the Democratic nominee
Montgomery County could adopt new fire hood emergency devices
Montgomery County could be one of the first jurisdictions in the country to require apartment buildings to furnish smoke escape hoods.
Council members unenthused about options for county’s trash
While most council members seemed inclined to close the incinerator for environmental reasons, they expressed skepticism about alternatives.
Council overturns Elrich’s veto of planning board member
This was the second time the county executive vetoed the appointment of James Hedrick.
Should the county close or refurbish its aging incinerator?
The council will weigh options for the incinerator this fall. One controversial option includes increasing the amount of trash the county long-hauls to a landfill in Virginia.
