Democrat
Sidney Katz
What office are you running for? County Council
Political party: Democrat
Where you live: Gaithersburg
Date of birth: March 24, 1950
Current occupation and employer:
Montgomery County Council member, District 3
Political experience:
Gaithersburg City Council, 20 years; mayor of Gaithersburg 16 years; member of the Montgomery County Council two terms
Website: https://www.sidneykatz.com
Email: sidneykatz@earthlink.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatzForCouncil/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KatzForCouncil
Why are you running for this office?
Experience. At least five of the 11 of the next County Council will be new members and they will need the experience that I bring as we navigate the challenges and opportunities in front of us. I am a consensus builder and problem solver. I am a lifelong resident of Montgomery County and I care very much about its future.
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it?
There are so many important issues but if I had to choose just one, I would choose public safety which includes our concern for mental health. It is so very important that everyone feels safe on our streets, in our schools and in our neighborhoods. I am the chair of the Public Safety Committee and it is of utmost importance to me that everyone is treated fairly and that our first responders are well-trained, well-managed, and well-compensated.
What is one criticism you have received while in office and what is your response?
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five adults in the United States experiences mental illness. Less than half of these adults ever receive treatment. The link between mental health, substance abuse and crime has put enormous stress on our criminal justice system. In Montgomery County we needed additional resources to help people with an underlying mental health condition. I worked to bring both a District and Circuit mental health courts to Montgomery County to help those individuals. I have proudly attended several court graduations and to witness firsthand how we are achieving our goals.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
I owned and operated a small business, Wolfson’s Department Store, in Olde Towne Gaithersburg (which was started by my grandparents in 1918). At the same time, I served in a part-time capacity as mayor of Gaithersburg and before that on the Gaithersburg City Council. During that time in Gaithersburg I was involved in every major project that you see today, from the Kentlands to Downtown Crown. As a member of the County Council I have been elected to be the vice president as well as the president.
