Robert Wu
Wu, 46, has lived in Gaithersburg for 11 years and served on the City Council for eight years, according to his candidate profile. He is senior corporate counsel at Northrop Gruman and a chief international law officer in the Army reserves, per his LinkedIn profile. If elected this would be his third term on the City Council.
Why are you running for this position?
It has been my honor to serve the residents of the City of Gaithersburg for the past 8 years as a member of the City Council. During that time, I have worked with my colleagues and the dedicated employees of the City to provide residents with exceptional services. I am seeking one more term on the City Council because I value public service, enjoy working for our residents, and because there is more work to be done for our community! For more information, check out my website at www.voterobwu.com
What makes you the best candidate (qualities, attributes, experience, skills, etc.)?
Over the past two terms, I have tried to live up to the promises I made when I first ran for office: working for residents, truly listening to their issues and concerns, and finding solutions for the community. I have tried to be for others what I would expect from an elected official myself. All-in-all I think have lived up to my promises and the expectations of our community, rolled up my sleeves and worked for the betterment of the City and its residents.
What would be three priorities for you if elected?
On the City Council, we work daily on issues that impact the lives of residents. Such things as ensuring balanced growth, providing for the public’s safety, and managing fiscally prudent budgets, have profound impact in our community. In addition to these matters, I would like to personally focus on my passions of advancing environmental sustainability in the city, working to improve pedestrian/bicycle safety, and leveraging the City’s resources for workforce development including STEM education in our schools.
What is the most important issue happening in the city, and how do you plan to address it?
The number one issue I hear about as I talk to residents is concern about quality of life and public safety. Like the rest of the region, our community is not immune from public safety impacts and crime. Our ability to address these issues is only exacerbated by the County’s decision to reduce funding and support to law enforcement in municipalities like Gaithersburg. Working with my colleagues and staff, the city has a proactive strategy to ensure public safety that is responsive to community needs and concerns.
What is the best aspect of the city and how will you enhance it?
Everything! My wife and I moved to Gaithersburg in 2012, and have committed to raising our family in the city, because of the community. We left Silver Spring because we just felt at home in Gaithersburg. From the community activities and vibrant commercial areas to the easily accessible green spaces and parks, we love it here. I view my most significant role on the City Council to work to advance the feeling of community that we all know and love.
In July, the County Council passed the rent stabilization bill, which will go into effect in Spring 2024. However, Gaithersburg is exempt from the law. Where do you stand on the issue of implementing rent stabilization in your city?
I think there is a conversation to be had on how best to address the housing affordability crisis we are all confronting in this region. I have been advocating for a community conversation, and utilizing the City’s Commission on Landlord-Tenant Affairs to recommend strategies to the council. I think this will be an important conversation in the coming term.
Lastly, a fun question: Where is your favorite place to grab a bite to eat/favorite recreation place in Gaithersburg?
What a great question! There are too many great places to grab a bite to eat to choose just one. Inferno Pizza for legendary pizza, Ranken Noodle for authentic Japanese noodles (my wife is Japanese; this place is legit!), Kenaki for sushi, Quincy’s for that pub fare we all crave late at night, Chef Lee’s Element, La Casita, Saints Row, Grape Escape, Café Roma, Chenai Hopper, George’s Hot Pot, OTC… the list goes on and on. Favorite recreation place? Walking around Rio at sunset, strolling through the Kentlands including its lakes and farmers market, hiking the Muddy Branch, sitting on my couch. It is all good.
