Democrat
John McCarthy (incumbent)
Where you live: Gaithersburg
Date of birth: March 3, 1952
Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: State’s attorney for Montgomery County. Previously: deputy state’s attorney.
Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): Three terms as state’s attorney for Montgomery County. Elected in 2006; re-elected in 2010, 2014.
Campaign information:
- email: friendsofjohnmccarthy@yahoo.com
- website: www.johnmccarthy.us
1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)
After nearly 40 years of service to Montgomery County, I would use the experience and insight I have gained to help this county address some of the complex social issues that contribute to crime. I would expand our alternatives to incarceration programs which are by far the most expansive in the State. Finally, I would continue to explore ways to reduce crime in Montgomery County that has dropped 29% during my tenure as State’s Attorney.
2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)
• Reduction of gang violence particularly homicides and armed robberies. Created gang unit specifically to prosecute gang related crimes
• Expand protection of our senior population, which will grow to 260,000 individuals in Montgomery County by 2020 against fraud, neglect and abuse.
• Explore solutions to address Opiate epidemic that confronts Montgomery County and entire State.
• Implement creative alternatives to incarceration while maintaining public safety.
3 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)
Nearly 40 years of experience as an attorney, 37 years with Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office. Served as State’s Attorney last 12 years, Deputy State’s Attorney for 10 years prior. During term with office, I have headed every division with the office. Experienced trial lawyer with hundreds of major felony trials and elected to American College of Trial Lawyers in 2007, the first Maryland Prosecutor ever given this honor.
