Councilman James Kole

Councilman James Kole James Kole represents Ward 1 on the Laurel City Council. It is used to share updates and information related to my official duties. Comments are welcomed.

Official Account Disclaimer & Comment Policy

This is the official government account of Councilmember James Kole. The views expressed here are my own and do not represent the official position of the City of Laurel, unless explicitly stated. This page is considered a limited public forum under the First Amendment. However, comments may be hidden or removed only if they:

Contain obscenity, pornog

raphy, or explicit content

Include threats, harassment, or hate speech

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Comments will not be removed or hidden based on disagreement or viewpoint. Blocking users will only occur if behavior violates the above policy and in accordance with applicable law. All content, including comments and messages, may be subject to Maryland Public Information Act requests. For official inquiries, please contact me via email at [email protected].

Maryland Municipal League Summer Conference 2026 is already off to a busy start. The schedule is packed with more electi...
06/14/2026

Maryland Municipal League Summer Conference 2026 is already off to a busy start. The schedule is packed with more elective sessions than I remember in the past. The core municipal classes are still available, but I'm looking forward to new municpal training and education this week.

Here is a sneak peak of my schedule for today.

Here's a friendly reminder that Kole's Korner is tomorrow night from 6pm -8pm at Olivers Old Towne Tavern. This is my ve...
06/10/2026

Here's a friendly reminder that Kole's Korner is tomorrow night from 6pm -8pm at Olivers Old Towne Tavern. This is my version of office hours. I will be there, open to the public, to answer any questions or listen to any comments you would like to share.

I wont be providing food or drinks, but feel free to grab something from Oliver's while you're there.

I look forward to seeing you there.

The Laurel Historical Society will be hosting its 2026 Garden Tour on June 13th. I'm looking forward to seeing some of t...
06/02/2026

The Laurel Historical Society will be hosting its 2026 Garden Tour on June 13th. I'm looking forward to seeing some of the gardens our neighbors have created and gathering ideas for my own yard.

Tonight, for the first time since 2000, the Laurel City Council voted to override a Mayoral Veto. I am sure you have que...
06/01/2026

Tonight, for the first time since 2000, the Laurel City Council voted to override a Mayoral Veto. I am sure you have questions. I would love to see you at Kole's Korner. This is my version of office hours. I will be at Oliver's Old Towne Tavern June 11th from 6pm - 8pm. I will be there, open to the public, to answer any questions or listen to any comments you would like to share. There is a lot to unpack.

I wont be providing food or drinks, but feel free to grab something from Oliver's while you're there.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Neighbors, at last night's meeting, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2055, for the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, by a v...
05/29/2026

Neighbors, at last night's meeting, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2055, for the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, by a vote of 3-2. The budget included Council Amendments #1 and #7. Councilmembers Kole, Simmons, and Clark voted in favor of the budget, while Councilmembers Mills and Smith voted against it.

Today, Mayor Sydnor exercised the line-item veto authority granted to him under the City Charter and vetoed both amendments approved by the Council.

Amendment #1 removed funding for the proposed Family Resiliency Program and reduced projected interest revenue by an equal amount to maintain a balanced budget. The amendment was intended to provide the Council additional time to review the proposal, receive community input, and continue discussion before appropriating City funds.

Amendment #7 reallocated funding within the budget by increasing funding for public advertising and communications while reducing the Mayor's Legal Services budget based on current and historical spending levels.

Under the City Charter, the City Council may vote to override a mayoral line-item veto. The Council will meet in the coming days to consider each veto separately, and each amendment will be voted on individually.

As always, I encourage residents to follow the discussion and share their thoughts with members of the City Council.

05/22/2026

It's that time again to Remember, Honor and Celebrate those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to our City, County, State and Nation! Please join members from the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department (LVFD), Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad Company 49, American Legion Laurel Post 60, and Laurel Police Department this Sunday, May 24th, at Ivy Hill Cememtery, 1201 Sandy Spring Road, for our 53rd Annual LVFD Joint Memorial Day Service. It will begin with the Memorial Wreath Laying Walk at 10:45am from the American Legion Post 60 Memorial Stone, stop at each Memorial for a moment of silence and end at the LVFD Memorial, where the service will begin around 11am, and weather permitting, will include a flyover from the Maryland State Police around 11:30am. Please help us remember our fallen members and celebrate their service. Please share! We will also air the event live right here on FB page.

In case of inclement weather, the service will move indoors to the Laurel Municipal Center Chambers, 8103 Sandy Spring Road.

Come join the Laurel Historical Society for the 2026 Garden Tour. I am excited to see this year's gardens!
05/19/2026

Come join the Laurel Historical Society for the 2026 Garden Tour. I am excited to see this year's gardens!

The Mayor and City Council are at Laurel Park for the first ever Preakness in Laurel, MD!
05/16/2026

The Mayor and City Council are at Laurel Park for the first ever Preakness in Laurel, MD!

Music at the Mansion just started. Come out for the final Saddle Up Laurel event!
05/15/2026

Music at the Mansion just started. Come out for the final Saddle Up Laurel event!

Address

8103 Sandy Spring Road
Laurel, MD
20707

Telephone

+13017255300

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