Democrat
Kristin Mink
What office are you running for? County Council
Political party: Democrat
Where you live: Four Corners, Silver Spring
Date of birth: Nov. 23, 1984
Current occupation and employer:
Senior legislative organizer at the Center for Popular Democracy
Past job: MCPS Teacher
Political experience:
None
Website: https://kristinmink.com
Email: kristin@kristinmink.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mink4MoCo
Twitter: @kristinmink_
Instagram: @kristinmink_
Why are you running for this office?
I’ve seen first-hand the inequitable investment in different parts of the county, and the failure to deliver on urgent issues from climate change to rent stabilization. My organizing and policy experience can help amplify our community’s voices and move stalled projects and policies forward. I’m also passionate about the role of a district council member: the community’s closest connection to county government. I will prioritize constituent service work in every corner of our diverse new district.
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it?
The most important issue in this race and for many District 5 residents is the inequity in public and private investment that, over time, has resulted in overcrowded schools and abandoned shopping centers. From 2009 to 2019, for example, schools in County Council District 1 received over $670 million in school construction funding, while District 5 received only $275 million. As the council member for the new District 5, I will put my advocacy experience to work organizing our residents and platforming our demands for equitable county funding on issues from education, to housing, to roads, to environmental conservation.
What is one major issue that has been handled poorly and what would you have done differently?
While Thrive 2050 contains many policy proposals that I support, including expansion of public transit and development of additional affordable housing, the Planning Board and the council did not conduct sufficient community outreach. A vote on the plan should be delayed until residents – especially in communities of color – all over the county, can provide deeper and more meaningful input. Thrive itself does not change county policy, but it sets a vision for the future, and we must do better to include diverse voices from across the county in this important process.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
My experience growing up in Silver Spring and being a working mom here, my teaching career, and my work as a policy advocate and community organizer have all prepared me to represent District 5 on the Council. Our new district is incredibly diverse, stretching from Burtonsville to Leisure World to Four Corners, and we badly need our district councilmember to understand the role. I am committed to being an engaged listener and partnering with residents in every neighborhood in our district, and I have the policy and organizing experience to deliver the resources we need.
