Election 2026: Meet MoCo's At-Large Candidate Fatmata Barrie

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 Fatmata Barrie, who is running to serve in the at-large county position, can be found below:

Name: Fatmata Barrie

Age: Answer not provided.

Hometown: Answer not provided.

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.

Although I am not previously elected, as a community advocate, special education and immigration attorney, and leader in Montgomery County, I have spent years working with residents, elected officials, and community organizations to solve problems and expand opportunities.

That experience has taught me how to bring people together, build consensus, and fight for results. If elected, I will bring that same collaborative and solutions-oriented approach to the County Council.

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?

Affordability is the biggest challenge facing Montgomery County families. Too many residents are struggling with housing costs, childcare, and everyday expenses. I will work to increase affordable housing, support working families, strengthen our schools, and create pathways to economic opportunity so residents can build a future here.

How do you differ from other candidates running against you?

My story reflects the experiences of many Montgomery County families. As an immigrant and an attorney, I understand the challenges people face and have dedicated my career to helping others navigate them. I bring both lived experience and professional expertise to the table.

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

As an attorney, I have spent my career helping people navigate complex systems, advocate for themselves, and secure opportunities they might otherwise be denied. That work requires listening carefully, understanding the law, finding solutions, and holding institutions accountable.

These skills translate directly to public service. I know how to analyze policy, work with diverse stakeholders, and advocate effectively on behalf of residents. My professional experience has prepared me to address issues such as affordability, education, accessibility, and government accountability while ensuring county government works for everyone.

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

Public service is challenging work, and I respect anyone who steps forward to serve our community. The current office holder has made important contributions and helped move Montgomery County forward in several areas.

At the same time, many residents continue to feel disconnected from local government and concerned about affordability, housing, and access to services. My goal is to build on the progress that has been made while bringing a stronger focus on community engagement, responsiveness, and results. I will work to ensure residents feel heard, government is accessible, and policies are centered on the everyday needs of working families.

How do you believe Montgomery County should address data centers?

Montgomery County should proceed with extreme caution when it comes to data center development. While proponents point to economic benefits, residents have legitimate concerns about energy consumption, environmental impacts, noise pollution, water usage, and the strain these facilities place on surrounding communities. The health and quality of life of residents must come before corporate interests.

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

Yes. I support a temporary pause on new data center approvals until Montgomery County can fully assess their environmental, infrastructure, and public health impacts. Residents deserve transparency and a clear understanding of the long-term consequences before additional projects move forward.

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

Absolutely. Data centers should be subject to strict regulations regarding energy use, noise levels, environmental impacts, emissions from backup generators, water consumption, and proximity to residential neighborhoods, schools, and parks. Strong oversight is necessary to protect residents and preserve quality of life.

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

Developers should bear the cost of the infrastructure needed to support their projects — not Montgomery County residents. Any approved data center should be required to contribute to grid improvements, environmental mitigation efforts, and community benefits that help offset potential impacts on energy costs and local resources.

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 project would have minimal environmental impacts, strong community support, clear public benefits, and safeguards to protect residents. A bad project is one that increases pollution, strains infrastructure, raises costs for residents, or is pushed forward without meaningful community input. At this point, Montgomery County should be focused on protecting communities first and ensuring any proposal meets the highest possible standards.

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

As an immigrant, I understand the importance of trust between communities and local government. Public safety is strongest when residents feel comfortable reporting crimes, seeking assistance, and engaging with law enforcement. I support policies that help build that trust while ensuring law enforcement can focus on keeping our communities safe.

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

I would support efforts to educate residents about their rights and ensure county agencies provide accessible services regardless of immigration status. At the same time, I would continue working with law enforcement, community organizations, and immigrant communities to ensure policies are effective and maintain public safety.

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

I do not support the establishment of ICE detention centers in Montgomery County. Our focus should be on supporting families, protecting due process, and ensuring people are treated with dignity and respect.

What actionable plans would you undertake to address illegal immigration?

Immigration policy is primarily a federal responsibility. At the county level, my focus would be on ensuring residents have access to legal resources, language services, education, and workforce opportunities. Strong communities are built when people can contribute, succeed, and participate fully in civic life. I would also advocate for comprehensive federal immigration reform that secures our borders while providing fair and practical pathways through the immigration system.

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

The biggest challenge facing MCPS is ensuring every student has access to the support they need to succeed. We must address overcrowding, teacher retention, mental health resources, and persistent achievement gaps. As a special education attorney, I've seen firsthand how important it is that schools have the resources to meet students where they are. I will fight for investments that support students, educators, and families.

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?

School safety requires a layered approach. We should invest in threat assessment programs, mental health services, secure building access, staff training, and strong communication systems. No single solution can prevent every incident, but we can create environments where warning signs are identified early and students feel safe seeking help.

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

Students deserve safe schools, but safety must be balanced with creating welcoming learning environments. I support evidence-based security measures and stronger partnerships between schools, families, and law enforcement. Decisions regarding metal detectors or school resource officers should be based on data and community input, not politics.

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

Montgomery County must increase the supply of affordable housing while protecting existing residents from displacement. I support expanding affordable housing options, streamlining responsible development, strengthening tenant protections, and investing in housing programs that help working families, seniors, and young people remain in our communities.

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

Residents deserve to feel safe in every neighborhood. I support a balanced approach that includes community-focused policing, violence prevention programs, youth engagement, mental health services, and investments in economic opportunity. Public safety and community trust must go hand in hand.

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

I support meaningful community engagement whenever decisions affect schools and neighborhoods. Residents deserve transparency and a seat at the table. Any decisions regarding school boundaries or utilization should prioritize students, educational outcomes, and community input.

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?

Our schools need adequate funding, but many residents are already struggling with affordability. Before asking homeowners to shoulder additional costs, we must ensure existing resources are being used efficiently and explore other revenue options. Any tax increase should be carefully considered and accompanied by clear accountability for how the funds will improve student outcomes.

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

We should look for efficiencies within county government, pursue additional state and federal funding opportunities, strengthen public-private partnerships where appropriate, and prioritize spending toward programs that deliver measurable results. We must be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars while ensuring our schools have the resources they need.