Montgomery County Council Race: At-Large Candidates, Issues

SILVER SPRING, MD — With the Nov. 6 general election around the corner, local voters will elect Montgomery County council members. The nine-person council is comprised of four at-large members — who are elected countywide — and five additional council members — who represent each of the five districts.

This article only lists the at-large candidates. On the ballot are four Republicans, four Democrats, and one candidate from the Green Party. Another article will be published with the rest of the candidates in the coming days.

Early voting centers will be open for voting from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 1. If you vote early, you cannot vote on Election Day or by absentee ballot.

Montgomery County voters have already turned up in droves to the polls. For more information, check out Patch's local voting guide. Also, if you haven't done so already, brush up on local and state policy issues before heading to the polls.

The League of Women Voters of Maryland, an organization that works to encourage civic engagement and active government participation, has published a comprehensive guide for Montgomery County voters. The guide provides important voting information and details about candidates and open seats. For more information on candidates in races, see the League of Women Voters website.

The League of Women Voters asked each at-large candidate specific policy questions. Below, you'll find information about the positions, questions asked by the League, and unedited answers given by candidates.

SEE ALSO: 3-Way Race For Montgomery County Executive: Candidates, Issues

Note: Patch did not include every question asked by the League of Women Voters. To see all the questions, you can click here. This will be a series. More candidate responses to come in future articles.

Montgomery County Council

Duties: The Council is the legislative branch of County Government. Members of the County Council pass legislation, appropriate money to fund the capital and operating budgets, set county property and other local taxes, and make planning, zoning, and subdivision decisions. The Council makes appointments to the offices, committees, and commissions that report to the Council. It also exercises oversight over County programs.

How Elected: The Council has nine members, all elected at the same time, to four-year terms. Four at-large council members are elected countywide, represent the residents of the entire county, and may live anywhere in the county. The county is divided into five council districts. Each of the five additional council members is elected by and represents one of the five council districts. Each voter may vote for four at-large candidates and for one candidate from his or her district.

Term: Four years. Limited to three (3) consecutive terms.

Salary: $128,519 per year.

Website: montgomerycountymd.gov/council/

The Issues

QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of this position? Give some examples.

DEVELOPMENT: How would you manage the county’s growth while protecting the environment

BUDGET: With regard to the county’s budget, should programs be added, decreased, increased or cut? Give some specific examples of measures you would take to address the county’s projected budget deficit.

TRANSPORTATION: What is your plan to address the county’s top transportation needs?

DIVERSITY: As an elected official, what can you do to make sure that county government is engaging with and responsive to the diverse populations who live here?

HOUSING: What action, if any, should county government take to increase the supply of affordable housing?

Candidate

Robert Dyer, Republican Party

Campaign Website: http://www.RobertDyer.net

Campaign Facebook: http://facebook.com/ElectRober...

Campaign Twitter: twitter.com/BethesdaRow

Campaign Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beth...

Campaign Email: robert1999@hotmail.com

Here are Dyer's responses to questions from the League of Women Voters:

QUALIFICATIONS: A lifelong resident, I have the most countywide experience and accomplishments of all the candidates running. I've been an activist on transportation, development and disability access issues for over a decade. Most importantly, I've gotten results. I was engaged on big issues like Westbard, MCPS bus depot, keeping Damascus rural, Rockville Pike Plan. I have real-world business, budget experience.

DEVELOPMENT: Residents now realize the Council & Planning Board no longer listen to us, and
don't care about overcrowded schools & roads. I won't reappoint any current PB commissioner. I'll restore the Office of the People's Counsel to represent residents' interests in zoning/planning, and restore resident committees for sector plans. I won't vote for development without the necessary infrastructure. Period.

BUDGET: I will propose repealing the 2016 property tax & 2010 energy tax hikes incrementally over 4 years. We must significantly cut spending, and address skyrocketing debt. If our debt was a department, it would be the 3rd largest department in the County government! Adopt ZeroBased Budgeting, so that we no longer assume the budget will simply get bigger every year. Cancel $10 billion BRT boondoggle!

TRANSPORTATION: We have no choice but to focus on projects that move the most people for the least money. I strongly support Gov. Hogan's Express Lanes for I-270/495. We need a new Potomac River crossing to Dulles. As privately built toll projects, they'll cost taxpayers almost nothing. M-83 Highway must be our top County-funded priority, along with Montrose Parkway East and the Norbeck-Georgia Ave. interchange.

DIVERSITY: If elected, my door will be open to all residents who need help on a personal or community level. In a County where 1-in-10 have a disability, I pledge to have one staff member who will specialize in disability issues. Right now our corrupt County Council isn't responsive to their constituents who speak English, much less a foreign language. Election winners must restore faith in good government.

HOUSING: I support and would implement the recommendations of the County Executive's Tenants Work Group, including rent stabilization for older apartments. We simply don't have money to fund new construction, so we must focus on preserving the affordable buildings we have, and acquiring new ones as opportunities present. Reducing property/energy taxes will lower rents. Increase 12.5% MPDU req. near Metro.

Candidate

Chris P. Fiotes, Jr., Republican Party

Campaign Email: chrisfiotes18@comcast.net

Here are Fiotes' responses to questions from the League of Women Voters:

QUALIFICATIONS: I spent 10 years working in the US Senate and learned firsthand not only the legislative workings but, most importantly, how working across party lines and interests can get things accomplished. Additionally, I have owned my own development business for the past 25 years and understand balancing budgets and the impact of taxes and the local economy on small businesses and jobs.

DEVELOPMENT: Economic growth and development are crucial to the future of Montgomery County, as is a healthy environment for our residents. A balance can be struck by using technology to monitor and control impacts to the environment, and by limiting growth to certain areas while protecting our agricultural reserves.

BUDGET: There are some programs we cannot compromise, including education and public safety. For many other programs, we can partner with the private sector to offer opportunities for expanding valuable programs, such as investments in our infrastructure and roads. Additionally, better oversight and control can reduce waste and overspending.

TRANSPORTATION: We need a two-pronged approach to Transportation. On the one hand locating future growth and development near existing mass transit options can reduce the demand. On the other hand, pursuing public-private partnerships to improve our road system.

DIVERSITY: Montgomery County has a culture of diversity and inclusion that can be reinforced by the County Council by consulting with diverse groups, seeking input and feedback, reaching out to diverse communities to staff various positions and ensuring that we do not tolerate divisiveness in any form.

HOUSING: Lack of affordable housing is a critical problem in Montgomery County. This is another area where we must seek joint solutions with the private sector.

Candidate

Penny Musser, Republican Party

No response received by Voters’ Guide Expanded Edition deadline.

Candidate

Shelly Skolnick, Republican Party

Campaign Email: shelly.skolnick@starpower.net

Campaign Phone: (301) 512-4855

Here are Skolnick's responses to questions from the League of Women Voters:

QUALIFICATIONS: For over 40 years, I have resided in Montgomery County. I have lived in Bethesda, Rockville, Derwood, Olney and Silver Spring. Thus, I am aware of issues and concerns of many different locations in Montgomery County. That experience is valuable, since I am a candidate for County Council At-Large where my constituents are all residents of Montgomery County.

DEVELOPMENT: I support future growth to be primarily located within a half mile radius of the Metrorail stations in Montgomery County.

BUDGET: I am seeking a much more efficient Montgomery County Government (MCG) and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). I am proposing free tuition at Montgomery College for students who provide volunteer services to the MCG and MCPS. Also, I oppose the $1 billion 100 miles Bus Rapid Transit; and I propose a Bus Lane Toll (BLT) system at no taxpayer cost.

TRANSPORTATION: Rather than the incumbent's $1 billion 100 miles Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), I am proposing a Bus Lane Toll (BLT) solution where the left lane on our 3 and 4 lane roads would be reasonable variable toll lanes during rush hours for cars and buses. The BLT can be quickly implemented at no taxpayer cost. Also, some of the toll revenue can be used to reduce bus fares along BLT routes.

DIVERSITY: I am proposing to change the current County Council (5 geographic districts and 4 at-large districts) to a new County Council of 9 geographic districts. Thus, the 9 geographic council members would live closer to their constituents, be more accessible to their constituents, and be more aware of the needs of their constituents.

HOUSING: The Montgomery County Government should help raise the income of the working poor, so that they can afford housing in the county. I support expediting a $15/hr minimum wage for high school graduates. However, the $15/hr minimum wage would not apply to very small employers with less than 10 workers or less than $500,000 annual revenue.

Candidate

Gabe Albornoz, Democratic Party

Campaign Website: http://GabeForCouncil.com

Campaign Facebook: http://@Gabe4Council

Campaign Twitter: twitter.com/Gabe4Council

Campaign Email: gabe.albornoz@gabeforcouncil.com

Campaign Phone: (301) 651-1054

Here are Albornoz's responses to questions from the League of Women Voters:

QUALIFICATIONS: I have served in the cabinet of County Executive Ike Leggett as Recreation Director since 2007, a Department with 3,000 employees and a $37 million budget. I have served on 37 boards, commissions, and advisory councils at the state, county, and non-profit level, which includes Chairing the Montgomery County Democratic Party. I know where we have been, where we are, and where we need to go.

DEVELOPMENT: I support Smart Growth, and creating livable, walkable communities near transit such as Pike and Rose while protecting sensitive environmental areas, like Ten Mile Creek. We need to expand transit options such as Bus Rapid Transit along Routes 29 and 355, as well as New Hampshire Avenue. Focusing growth near transit reduces impervious surface, stormwater runoff and protects the environment.

BUDGET: I would first focus on growing our economy, which will help enhance revenue to address our many challenges. I support establishing a two year rather than one year operating budget, which would give more time to evaluate programs and services. Third, I would enhance data collection among agencies to ensure better efficiency and scale back programs that are ineffective or could be consolidated.

TRANSPORTATION: I support a balanced approach of mass transit projects such as BRT as well as road projects such as the development of reversible lanes on 270. We also must address our infrastructure needs that contribute to traffic congestion. We also must focus on getting people out of their cars by supporting smart growth principals in master plans and the development of shared work spaces closer to residents.

DIVERSITY: Our diversity is among greatest strength. As policy I support adding questions to employee interviews at all levels of government related to the importance of inclusion and cultural sensitivity and ensure that our workforce reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. I would ensure that government information is available in multiple languages and that we expand regional service centers.

HOUSING: I am a passionate advocate for affordable housing and will support expanding the Housing Initiative Fund, growing partnerships with non-profit and for-profit organizations to preserve and expand units, MPDU laws and zoning ordinances that promote affordable housing especially near transit systems. I also support the expansion of Ancillary Dwelling Units and more public and private partnerships.

Candidate

Evan Glass, Democratic Party

Campaign Website: http://www.EvanGlass.com

Campaign Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EvanGl...

Campaign Twitter: twitter.com/EvanMGlass

Campaign Instagram: @EvanMGlass

Campaign Email: info@evanglass.com

Campaign Phone: (301) 588-1213

Here are Glass' responses to questions from the League of Women Voters:

QUALIFICATIONS: I am a former CNN journalist and current executive director of a nonprofit serving our county’s youth. I have also spent 15 years as a civic leader championing progressive initiatives. I know how to institute proper oversight and instill accountability so that government programs are helping our residents and communities. I will be the watchdog to ensure our government gets things done right.

DEVELOPMENT: I earned the Sierra Club’s endorsement, which is a testament to my track
record of promoting environmental sustainability throughout the county. I have successfully
championed transit-oriented development that ensures open green space/parks and the
protection of our trees and natural waterways. I will work to ensure our environmental
resources are protected and expanded.

BUDGET: Instead of increasing taxes or cutting programs, I am focused on expanding the tax
base and creating new sources of revenue so we can invest in our roads, schools and support
services for seniors and youth. We must continue attracting businesses in the life sciences
sector, which desire proximity to FDA, NIH and other federal agencies. I am committed to
expanding prosperity to the entire county.

TRANSPORTATION: My top priority is fixing Metro and ensuring that it is safe and reliable. If Metro fails, more residents will flee the system and traffic in our region will only get worse. In addition to expanding public transit options across the county, I also want to work with state leaders to improve traffic performance on I-270. But let me be clear: under no circumstances do I support expanding the Beltway.

DIVERSITY: If elected, I would be the first LGBTQ member of the County Council. Diversity and inclusion are extremely important components of good and fair governing. We must increase our language support for non-English speakers and hold official Council meetings at locations outside of Rockville and at times that can accommodate more participation from our diverse community.

HOUSING: I currently serve as vice chair of Montgomery Housing Partnership, the county’s largest nonprofit developer of affordable housing. I understand first hand how to preserve, protect and expand affordable housing. We need to create more units for individuals at all levels — seniors, workers and low-income residents. Current housing policies are inadequate and I will use my experience to improve them.

Candidate

Will Jawando, Democratic Party

Campaign Website: http://www.willjawando.com

Campaign Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/willja...

Campaign Twitter: twitter.com/wjawando

Campaign Instagram: instagram@willjawando

Campaign Email: info@willjawando.com

Campaign Phone: (240) 258-7632

Here are Jawando's responses to questions from the League of Women Voters:

QUALIFICATIONS: I have deep policy & political experience from Capitol Hill & the Obama Administration. But I’m guided by my experience growing up low-income in Silver Spring, son of an immigrant & acutely aware of disparities. From fighting for equity in our schools to running the county’s largest career exposure program, I have a record of public service stretching from Long Branch to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

DEVELOPMENT: To end sprawl & reduce reliance on personal autos, we should use a carrot and-stick approach to encourage smarter growth near existing mass transit. Open green space must be protected, both down county & up county, but where there is construction we should have codes & programs to encourage renewable energy, links to public transit and use of permeable surfaces to manage water quality.

BUDGET: With historic turnover of county leadership, we have an obligation to review every aspect of how we spend the county budget. But we also have an obligation to see how we collect the county revenue, as we see individual taxpayers today paying a greater proportion than ever before, while major corporations pay their smallest share ever.

TRANSPORTATION: We’ve suffered from a historic imbalance in transportation investments. We must bring balance by increasing investment in public mass transit - remaking RideOn into a reliable, speedy and attractive alternative with reach - rapid bus lanes - smart intersection control to alleviate congestion - networks of dedicated bike lanes.

DIVERSITY: Every citizen, no matter their ethnicity, race or income, should be able to avail upon county programs & services. We must train for cultural competency at every point, from MCPS to MCPD and across county offices and keep equity as a top objective. My entire public life has been devoted to engaging underrepresented communities. I commit to continue that work.

HOUSING: Identify additional revenue sources for the Housing Initiative Fund to support affordable housing loans. Audit existing county land to identify parcels suitable for lease to developers that commit to mixed-use and mixed-income buildings. Higher density, mixed income development near mass transit. The current ratio of MPDU is not enough.

Candidate

Hans Riemer, Democratic Party

Campaign Website: http://hansriemer.com

Campaign Facebook: http:///hansriemer4

Campaign Twitter: twitter.com/hansriemer

Campaign Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hans...

Campaign Email: info@hansriemer.com

Campaign Phone: (240) 389-4267

Here are Riemer's responses to questions from the League of Women Voters:

QUALIFICATIONS: I am currently the Montgomery County Council President. Since 2010, I have worked through the challenging impacts of the Great Recession, while enacting policy initiatives such as reduced class size, expanded access to pre-K and afterschool programs, new STEM programs, raising the minimum wage to $15, paid sick leave, increased affordable housing, campaign finance reform, and more.

DEVELOPMENT: As a leading smart growth champion, managing our growth while protecting the environment has been one of my highest priorities and it is why I am endorsed by the Sierra Club. My initiatives include: Supporting smart growth housing and transportation policies that reduce emissions by focusing development in our downtowns near public transportation and protecting Ten Mile Creek from overdevelopment.

BUDGET: One of my first initiatives as Council President this year was enacting a $53 million savings plan while protecting our community priorities. My budget priorities for the upcoming year include fully funding education, expanding pre-k and afterschool programs, supporting parks and libraries, increasing affordable housing, protecting nonprofits and services for the vulnerable.

TRANSPORTATION: As one of the council’s transportation leaders, I have championed innovative approaches to mobility including; funding Metro; traffic signals using adaptive intelligence to improve flow; incentives for employers to promote telecommuting and public transportation; building protected bike infrastructure; new rapid bus options on MD 355, MD 29 and MD 586; snow removal from sidewalks.

DIVERSITY: As politics targets our neighbors for exclusion and isolation, we must remain an inclusive community where everyone is valued and welcome. We must oppose using our police department to enforce immigration; support nonprofit services to new immigrants; expand non-English communication; strengthen school programs for immigrant children; ensure that our County’s workforce reflects our diversity.

HOUSING: Housing is a top priority. My record: Raising the requirement on developers to set aside more affordable housing MPDU’s; Increasing funding to the housing trust fund to support affordable housing; New incentives for housing developments that set-aside more affordable units; New master plans that will increase the supply of housing; code enforcement to maintain affordable housing quality.

Candidate

Tim Willard, Green Party

Campaign Website: http://www.timforcouncil.org

Campaign Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/timfor...

Campaign Twitter: twitter.com/TimWillard4Moco

Campaign Instagram: tim.willard

Campaign Email: timwillardforcouncil@gmail.com

Campaign Phone: (240) 533-2399

Here are Tim Willard's responses to questions from the League of Women Voters:

QUALIFICATIONS: I have worked for environmental and social justice causes--lobbying, testifying and organizing--including the effort to save Ten Mile Creek, to ban cosmetic use of pesticides, end the Dickerson incinerator, oppose ill-conceived road efforts such as the M-83, and fight for a $15 minimum wage. I worked to get the County Council to divest from fossil fuel companies.

DEVELOPMENT: We must deal with poorly planned growth that has left us with overcrowded schools and congested roads. The council has passed sector plans with no regard for needed infrastructure, undermining our efforts to reduce energy use and protect the environment. The resulting congestion adversely affects productivity and makes the county less desirable. Smart growth must recognize the limits of growth.

BUDGET: To keep our present level of services without raising taxes we must find ways to save money on existing programs. One area where we have overspent is infrastructure. We can save money on school construction by repurposing used building, as is being done in Virginia. We can find less expensive ways, already being used elsewhere, to meet our transit needs like micro transit and flexible transit.

TRANSPORTATION: We need creative new ways to meet our transit needs. We have outgrown the capacity of our existing roads and transit. Suburbs such as Clarksburg were promised transit service long ago that has not been built. BRT will address some of these needs but not all of them. We should look at new transit strategies such as flexible transit and micro transit to fill the gaps left by fixed transit.

DIVERSITY: A third of the County's residents are foreign born. Two of my children are from Guatemala. I support using all means available to the County to protect our immigrant population. I support making the county a sanctuary community. County authorities should not cooperate with ICE since they need a population that trusts them to effectively do their job.

HOUSING: We tear down more affordable housing that we put up. We should refurbish and retrofit older housing so that we maintain our affordable housing stock. We should examine the "tiny homes" efforts as a way to provide inexpensive housing for the homeless. I support mandatory rent stabilization, just-cause eviction laws, and increasing county inspections of apartments to ensure they are up to code.

Image via Shutterstock

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