Election 2026: Meet MoCo's 3rd District Council Candidate Izola Shaw

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Ahead of the primary elections in June, Patch has invited candidates running to represent Montgomery County to complete a questionnaire touching on a variety of key issues.

Candidate responses will be published verbatim in the run-up to the primaries on Tuesday, June 23.

Related:

• Who's Running For Rockville
• Who's Running For Bethesda-Chevy Chase

Questionnaire responses for Izola Shaw, who is running to serve as the 3rd District councilmember, can be found below:

Name: Izola Shaw

Age: Answer not provided.

Hometown: Rockville

Political Affiliation: Democrat

Do you have any previous political experience? If so, please state and explain how that experience will influence your time in office if elected.

Yes, I bring solid political experience to the table as a current Rockville City councilmember and Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) commissioner. In my role with HOC, I help oversee nearly $400 million dedicated to developing, preserving, and stabilizing affordable housing — not just locally, but with an eye on broader impacts. This experience has given me deep insight into the housing challenges facing our community and the strategies that actually work.

Beyond that, I’ve held leadership roles on several important Montgomery County boards and commissions, including chairing the Rockville Charter Review Commission and serving on the Racial Equity and Social Justice Advisory Committee, Domestic Violence Coordinating Committee, and multiple housing subcommittees. These roles have strengthened my ability to build coalitions, listen to diverse voices, and navigate complex policy issues.

If elected, I’ll bring this experience and collaborative approach to the County Council, fighting for policies that reflect the real needs of our residents

What do you believe is the single-most important issue facing voters in the district you’re looking to represent? How do you intend to address those issues?

The single most important issue facing voters in District 3 is affordability. I’ve spoken with thousands of neighbors who have been deeply affected by economic hardships, including the impact of last year’s mass firings under the Trump administration. Families are struggling to keep up with rising costs — whether it’s housing, groceries, gas, or medicine — while still trying to save for their futures. Of all these expenses, housing is by far the most significant burden for most people.

To tackle this, I’m focused on comprehensive solutions that address housing affordability directly. That means increasing the supply of affordable homes, supporting renovations for older housing to keep it safe and livable, and expanding rent stabilization policies to protect families from sudden and unaffordable rent hikes. By addressing housing costs head-on, we can help families regain stability and build a stronger, more affordable community for all.

How do you differ from other candidates running against you?

My political journey began by organizing low-income workers, helping them share their stories directly with the county council — a process that played a key role in raising the minimum wage. Throughout my career, I’ve built strong coalitions with nonprofits, labor unions, and houses of worship, learning how to bridge divides and work across lines of difference. This ability to unite diverse groups around common goals is a core part of who I am.

How would your work experience benefit the goals/objectives you’ve outlined in your campaign and/or the office you’re seeking?

My work experience directly benefits the goals I’m championing in this campaign. As a current Rockville City councilmember and Montgomery County Housing Opportunities commissioner, I’ve gained hands-on experience in housing policy, community engagement, and government accountability.

I practice a co-governance leadership style, working closely with all communities to draft policies that truly reflect their needs and priorities. This approach ensures that the decisions I make are rooted in real voices and real solutions — exactly what our district needs to thrive.

What is your opinion of the work being done by the current officeholder, and how will you improve on it?

I have a lot of respect for the current officeholder and the work they’ve done. That said, our district is evolving — its communities are growing and changing rapidly. Nearly half of District 3 residents now rent their homes, yet there hasn’t been significant outreach or engagement with our tenant community in recent years. This is a gap that needs urgent attention.

If elected, I’ll make sure every community in District 3 feels represented and heard, especially renters who often face unique challenges around housing stability and affordability. I’ll prioritize proactive outreach and build stronger connections with tenants and other underrepresented groups, so their voices shape policy decisions.

Representation means more than just showing up — it means actively engaging with all residents and ensuring their needs are front and center.

How do you believe Montgomery County should address data centers?

Montgomery County is at a crossroads when it comes to data centers. I was the first candidate in this race to call for a pause, because our residents deserve a real say in how these large-scale projects impact our neighborhoods, environment, and infrastructure.

The rush to approve new data centers has raised valid concerns about energy use, water consumption, air pollution, and the strain on local resources. Recent public hearings made it clear: people feel this is moving too fast and want their concerns addressed before any long-term decisions are made.

My approach is simple: let’s pause, study the impacts, and ensure our policies put residents and the environment first. I support a moratorium so we can develop clear, enforceable regulations and bring the public into the conversation at every step. We shouldn’t be making decisions for the next generation in a rush. Thoughtful planning — grounded in community input and environmental responsibility — should guide how, where, and if data centers are built in Montgomery County.

Do you believe there should be a data center moratorium or a temporary pause? Explain.

Yes, I believe Montgomery County needs a data center moratorium — a clear, temporary pause on new applications and approvals — so we can fully understand and address the impacts before moving forward.

The recent surge of proposals has caught our community off guard, and residents have been vocal about their concerns: from increased energy and water usage to environmental risks and the effect on our quality of life. Without a pause, we risk making decisions that could have lasting negative consequences for our neighborhoods and our natural resources.

A moratorium gives us the chance to bring the public into the process, conduct independent studies, and develop strong regulations that reflect our community’s values and priorities. This shouldn’t be rushed — our decisions now will shape Montgomery County for decades. I will continue to advocate for a pause until we have robust protections in place for residents and the environment.

Do you believe there should be data center regulations put in place? Explain.

Absolutely — Montgomery County needs clear and enforceable regulations for data centers. Right now, our county doesn’t have rules specifically tailored to address the unique challenges data centers bring, like energy demand, water usage, noise, and environmental impact. Without these safeguards, we risk projects moving forward that could overwhelm our infrastructure and hurt our neighborhoods in ways we haven’t fully anticipated.

Smart regulations should be developed with broad public input and grounded in science and community priorities. They need to cover siting, energy efficiency, environmental protections, and transparency with residents. This is about balancing economic growth with our responsibility to protect quality of life and the environment. Data centers shouldn’t be allowed to dictate terms to our county — our community should set the rules, not the other way around.

What steps would you take to offset data center impacts to residents’ standard of living, such as rising energy prices?

Protecting residents from the impacts of data centers — especially when it comes to rising energy costs — has to be a top priority. First, I would fight for strong regulations that require data centers to pay their fair share for infrastructure upgrades and energy use, so those costs aren’t passed along to families.

We should also demand the highest standards for energy efficiency and require new data centers to use renewable energy sources wherever possible. If companies want to build here, they need to help us meet our climate goals, not set us back. Transparency is key: I’ll push for open reporting on energy and water usage, and for public input on any proposed projects.

Finally, any revenue generated by data centers should be reinvested into the community — supporting things like energy assistance programs, local schools, and infrastructure improvements that benefit everyone, not just big tech. Our standard of living shouldn’t take a back seat to corporate profits, and I’ll always put residents first in these decisions.

How would you distinguish between a good vs. bad data center? Or do you believe no data centers should be in the county/district?

A “good” data center is one that meets strict standards for environmental responsibility, energy efficiency, and community benefit. That means using renewable energy, minimizing noise and water usage, and paying its fair share for local infrastructure upgrades. Good operators are transparent, responsive to community concerns, and committed to reinvesting in the neighborhoods where they do business.

A “bad” data center, on the other hand, tries to cut corners — using excessive resources, polluting the environment, or shifting costs onto residents. If a project can’t meet the community’s standards or threatens our quality of life, it shouldn’t move forward. The county should set high expectations and only approve data centers that truly align with our values and goals.

It’s not about saying yes or no to every project automatically — it’s about putting people and the environment first, every single time.

Gov. Wes Moore signed bills banning agreements between local police and federal immigration officials in February. What is your opinion of the legislation?

I support the legislation Governor Wes Moore signed banning agreements between local police and federal immigration officials. Policies like these strengthen trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, which is essential for public safety.

When residents fear that a call to the police could lead to immigration consequences, they’re less likely to report crimes or cooperate with investigations. That makes everyone less safe. This law ensures that county resources are focused on protecting and serving all residents, not enforcing federal immigration policy.

It’s a step toward building a more inclusive, welcoming Montgomery County, where every neighbor can feel secure in coming forward if they need help. Public safety works best when everyone feels safe to engage with law enforcement — regardless of their immigration status.

What steps would you take to support or readjust that initiative?

I’m fully committed to supporting and strengthening Governor Wes Moore’s legislation banning agreements between local police and federal immigration officials.

To build on this important step, I would work to ensure that all county law enforcement agencies receive ongoing training on immigrant rights and cultural competency, so officers can better serve and protect all residents without bias or fear.

What is your stance on the establishment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers in the county and/or your district?

I am firmly opposed to the establishment of any ICE detention centers in Montgomery County or District 3. These facilities run counter to our values of dignity, safety, and inclusion. ICE detention centers have been linked to a history of inhumane conditions, trauma for families, and a climate of fear in immigrant communities.

Montgomery County should be a place where everyone, regardless of immigration status, can feel safe, seek opportunity, and live without fear of detention or deportation.

Our county is stronger when we protect the rights and well-being of all our neighbors. I will fight against any attempt to site an ICE detention center here and stand with our community to ensure Montgomery County remains a place of welcome, not detention. There’s no place for these facilities in our county.

What actionable plans would you undertake to address illegal immigration?

Addressing illegal immigration at the local level starts with making sure our county is both welcoming and safe for everyone, while also connecting those who need help with the right resources.

First, I would focus on expanding access to legal support and information for immigrant families, helping them navigate complicated immigration processes and connect with qualified attorneys and trusted community organizations. I would also work to strengthen partnerships with local nonprofits, schools, and health providers to make sure immigrants — regardless of status — can access education, health care, and emergency services without fear. This includes promoting “know your rights” outreach and supporting language access in county services.

At the same time, I would advocate for policies that keep local law enforcement separate from federal immigration enforcement, so that trust between police and all residents remains strong. Ultimately, real solutions for immigration need to come from comprehensive federal reform. But at the county level, we can help protect vulnerable families, foster inclusion, and make sure everyone in Montgomery County has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.

Education: What is the biggest issue facing Montgomery County Public Schools? How would you address it?

The biggest issue facing Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) right now is the widening opportunity gap. Too many students — especially those from low-income families, students of color, and English language learners — aren’t getting the support or resources they need to succeed.

This results in disparities in academic achievement, limited access to advanced coursework, and insufficient mental health services. To address this, I would push for funding that targets resources to the schools and students who need them most, including expanded tutoring, mental health support, and after-school programs.

Another critical issue is the condition of our school buildings. Our schools have been consistently underfunded for years, which has led to aging and deteriorating infrastructure that lacks the resources for essential repairs and modernization. I have been actively advocating for Rockville schools to be prioritized on the county’s capital budget so they can receive the renovations and upgrades they desperately need. Safe, modern facilities are vital to creating an environment where every student can thrive.

A student brings a gun/weapon to campus without setting off any red flags. What security measures would you advocate for to prevent such an incident?

What happened at Wootton High School is a stark reminder that keeping our schools safe requires a comprehensive approach — one that blends smart security measures with building real trust in the school community. I support having well-trained school officers stationed at our schools, not just as disciplinarians, but as trusted partners who work closely with students and staff to prevent incidents before they happen.

Officers should be fully integrated into the school community, focused on building relationships, and trained in de-escalation and youth mental health. Alongside having officers stationed across MCPS, I’d invest in secure entrances and smart surveillance systems, as well as clear, well-communicated protocols for reporting and responding to threats. But technology and law enforcement alone aren’t enough.

We must also expand mental health support, strengthen relationships between students and trusted adults, and provide ongoing training for staff and students on recognizing warning signs and reporting concerns

Do you believe schools need stricter security measures? Metal detectors? Move away from CEOs and revert to SROs? Explain.

In some cases, stricter security measures — like secure entrances, visitor management systems, and regular safety drills — are necessary. I’m interested in exploring metal detectors. I also support moving away from CEOs and bringing back well-trained school resource officers (SROs) who are embedded in the school community.

SROs should focus on building relationships, supporting students, and using de-escalation strategies. Combined with strong mental health supports, peer reporting programs, and community engagement, SROs can play a positive role in making schools like Wootton and others safer without sacrificing the welcoming environment our students need to thrive.

What will you do to encourage affordable/public housing in the county?

I’m committed to both increasing the supply of affordable and public housing in Montgomery County and protecting rent stabilization — then expanding those protections to District 3.

First, I’ll work to streamline permitting and cut red tape for new affordable housing developments, making it easier to build the homes our community needs. I’ll champion incentives for developers to include affordable units in every project, and I’ll prioritize using county-owned land for public and deeply affordable housing.

At the same time, I strongly support rent stabilization to keep existing homes affordable and prevent displacement. Too many families are just one rent hike away from losing their housing, and that’s unacceptable. I’ll fight to expand rent stabilization to District 3 and ensure it covers more residents, especially seniors, working families, and vulnerable renters.

Together, these steps will help make Montgomery County a place where everyone can afford to live and thrive.

How will you address crime in Montgomery County/your district?

To effectively address crime in Montgomery County and District 3, we need to take a both/and approach — supporting strong, accountable policing while also tackling the root causes of crime, like poverty and lack of opportunity. I support community policing strategies that build trust between officers and residents, with a focus on transparency, de-escalation training, and cultural competency.

Our police should be visible, accessible, and part of the neighborhoods they serve — not just showing up when something goes wrong. Just as important, I’ll work to expand programs that address poverty, increase access to jobs and job training, and provide robust support for youth and families. This means investing in affordable housing, mental health services, after-school programs, and pathways to good-paying jobs.

Data shows that communities with strong social supports and real opportunities for advancement experience less crime. By combining smart public safety strategies with serious investments in fighting poverty, we can build a safer and more just Montgomery County for everyone.

What is your stance on the "Save Wootton" initiative by community members?

I strongly support the “Save Wootton” initiative and have been actively involved in the movement. I’ve invited community members to meetings to help build a broad coalition, testified at the Board of Education to stand with Wootton families, and worked alongside my colleagues on the Mayor and Council to write letters opposing any closure of Wootton High School.

Keeping this school open and thriving is about more than just preserving a building — it’s about protecting the heart of our community and ensuring every student has access to quality education close to home. When parents, students, and neighbors come together to defend their school, it shows the strength and unity of our district.

I’ll continue to fight for Wootton and all our neighborhood schools, making sure the community’s voice is heard loud and clear in every decision that affects our children’s future.

A 6% property tax increase was proposed for the fiscal 2027 budget to raise funds for schools. Homeowners are reluctant to pay more.

What is your position?

I understand why homeowners are concerned about property tax increases, especially as many families are already facing financial pressures. Recently, the Montgomery County Council approved the Fiscal Year 2027 budget without the proposed 6% property tax increase, opting instead for a more progressive income tax structure to fund essential services, including schools.

However, the Council did vote to eliminate the $692 Income Tax Offset Credit (ITOC), a property tax credit that helped homeowners reduce their tax bills. This change means many homeowners will see a higher tax burden despite the rejection of the property tax rate increase.

That said, I remain committed to ensuring our schools receive the funding they need to provide high-quality education. I will continue pushing for budget transparency and accountability to make sure every dollar is invested wisely.

At the same time, I will advocate for exploring alternative funding sources and cost-saving measures so we can support our schools without putting undue strain on residents. Balancing educational excellence with affordability is essential, and I’ll keep fighting for both in Montgomery County.

What other options would you consider to raise money that does not include raising taxes?

To fund essential services without raising taxes, I would explore several alternative revenue options and cost-saving strategies. This includes working to attract new businesses and support local economic development to broaden the tax base, which can generate additional revenue without increasing rates. I’d also push for maximizing grants and partnerships with state and federal programs that bring in outside funding for schools, housing, and infrastructure.

On the cost side, I’d advocate for regular budget reviews to identify inefficiencies and eliminate wasteful spending. Investing in smart technology and energy efficiency can reduce long-term operational costs for county facilities and schools. Additionally, I’d support targeted user fees or service-based charges where appropriate — making sure they’re fair and don’t disproportionately impact low-income residents.

Combining these approaches can help Montgomery County build financial strength while protecting residents from higher taxes.