Democrat
Marc Elrich
Where you live: Takoma Park
Date of birth: Nov. 2, 1949
Current occupation and employer:
Montgomery County Executive (2018 – Present)
Montgomery County Council Member At Large (2006 – 2018)
Takoma Park City Council Member (1987 – 2006)
Political experience:
Montgomery County Executive (2018 – Present)
Montgomery County Council Member At Large (2006 – 2018)
Takoma Park City Council Member (1987 – 2006)
Website: https://www.marcelrich.org
Email: info@marcelrich.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcelrich4CE
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Marc_Elrich
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marc.elrich
Why are you running for this office?
I am running to continue the work we’ve begun. I’m proud that during the pandemic we were one of the safest counties in the country and at the same time, we’ve maintained our AAA bond rating, funded 10% reserves for the first time, and begun the work to green the economy, implemented a local business preference in purchasing, expanded early childhood education and fully funded our schools.
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it?
We need equity in education, housing, public health and in addressing climate change. We’ll address it by continuing to fully funding our schools including early childhood education, focusing on increasing affordable housing that serves a broader range of incomes than our current MPDU policy, which only serves a small portion of households that need it, continuing our work with our nonprofit partners to deliver services to our most vulnerable, improving workforce training to help people gain the skills they need to get higher paid jobs and bring intentional economic development that builds on our strengths and broadens our tax base.
What is one criticism you have received while in office and what is your response?
I was criticized repeatedly for not allowing our businesses, recreation facilities, and organizations to open up when they wanted to open. I supported the advice from our public health experts because we recognized that the more doors we opened for people, we would end up opening more doors for COVID to spread in the community. We focused on keeping people safe and minimizing the death toll. The fact that we had some of the best health outcomes in country validated that decision. I withstood the criticism and stuck with an approach that put your health first.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
I know this county and have a broad range of experience. I’ve served as county executive since December 2018, as an at-large council member for 12 years, and a Takoma Park council member for 19 years. I taught for 17 years in one of the highest poverty schools in the county. I managed businesses and helped start businesses, so I understand meeting payroll and paying bills. I’m a problem solver, and I have a long history of working with the community and listening to residents – I understand that creating change requires working with the people who will be affected by it.
Republican
Reardon Sullivan
Where you live: Gaithersburg
Date of birth: Nov. 12, 1959
Current occupation and employer:
Founder, owner, and CEO – WFT Engineering, a consulting engineering firm in Rockville, for 26 years. Chairman of the Montgomery County Republican Central Committee (MCGOP)
Political experience:
Chair of the Montgomery County Republican Central Committee (MCGOP) – Current. Selected to serve on the Maryland Republican Party Executive Committee (MDGOP).
Website: https://www.reardonsullivanformoco.com/
Email: Reardon@ReardonSullivanforMoCo.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReardonSullivanforMoCo/
Why are you running for this office?
I’m running to not only bring common sense back to Montgomery County but also to provide a measured, thoughtful direction to the formulation of policy positions affecting Montgomery County. I will develop policies that enhance the retention and attraction of businesses to support economic growth; support policies that involve parents in the decisions affecting their children’s education, and support policies that enhance our safety and fight crime through providing adequate policing.
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it?
Growing the economic base in Montgomery County is most important issue. We cannot tax our way out of poor economic and job growth.
Perception is reality. The perception that Montgomery County is not business friendly is real and has been earned over many years. This perception MUST be reversed to fund a growing, thriving Montgomery County that can provide an unmatched community for our residents.
We don’t currently have the job creation that we need to provide the tax base for affordable housing, infrastructure, schools, transportation alternatives, and amazing amenities we need to focus on improving our quality of life.
What is one major issue that has been handled poorly and what would you have done differently?
The attitude of the county executive and the County and Council is the major issue. Their rhetoric that espouses defunding the police, lack of support for business, the importance of job growth, the need for educational excellence and the lack of representation and transportation alternatives for up-county residents demonstrates how out of touch and detrimental the County Council and county executive are.
I will implement policies that embrace business. Business provides jobs, and a tax base that allows us to do all the good things that we want to do here in Montgomery County from infrastructure upgrades to affordable housing.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
Business owner, executive, founder, and CEO of a Rockville based architectural engineering consulting firm for over 25 years, life-long county resident, Montgomery County public schools and University of Maryland graduate, LEED accredited professional engineer and musician. I have experienced many facets of life in Montgomery County from police to procurement.
My life and work experience has given me the perspective that the attitude of local government has to change – starting at the top. I will embrace business and the jobs they bring to grow our tax base and fund the good things that we want to do in the County.
