Anita Neal Powell
Neal Powell is lifelong county resident and the founder of the Lincoln Park Historical Foundation an the Leroy E. Neal African American Research Center, according to the Montgomery County Volunteer Center website. She has also served in leadership positions in several state and county organizations and committees, such as the Rockville Historic District Commission and the Montgomery County NAACP, the website states.
Why are you running for this position?
I am running to advocate on behalf of the city and for all people who live, work, play, worship, and visit our city as a voting member of the council to move Rockville forward.
For decades:
- I have been an active participant in serving on commissions and task forces, and, leadership roles in the community, city, county, state, and organizations.
- I have developed civic engagement programs and since the pandemic created virtual
programs, that included elected and public officials and, proactively working with
community leaders, youth, and seniors to focus on issues, challenges, and changes facing
the community, affordable housing, homeownership, education, businesses, and public
safety. - I am a lifelong resident of Montgomery County, grew up in Lincoln Park, and graduated fromRichard Montgomery High School, Montgomery College Leadership Program, and the
University of the District of Columbia, with a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. I
am the president of the Lincoln Park Historical Foundation. My professional volunteer
service has been recognized by elected officials, community organizations, and others
because the services I provide impact all people.
What makes you the best candidate (qualities, attributes, experience, skills, etc.)?
I understand government and working with government staffers, and the importance of investing time in places, where we live, work, or own a business. I have volunteered at different levels of government, from local to federal. I have public relations skills to bring together people from different communities, and organizations, personally and virtually. I am resourceful in networking, researching, and advocating at all levels. Based on my involvement with all people, many organizations, boards, and commissions, and my leadership skills with cultural and racial diversity, historic preservation, public safety, policies, and decision-making, I can get the job done because of my political and community involvement and the ability to engage with all people.
What would be three priorities for you if elected?
- To hire a City Manager who will collaboratively oversee the development and presentation
of recommended policies, procedures, and goals for presentation to the Mayor and Council
and who will also work with city staff to implement such recommendations to move
Rockville forward. - To develop measures to expand affordable housing and homeownership with a focus on our seniors who live on fixed incomes, on “missing middle” housing options, and on workforce housing for those who serve the public including police, firefighters, municipal employees, nurses, teachers and college graduates.
- To collectively work with our city staff, local and county elected officials, and residents to
ensure that safety measures are in place for all who drive, walk, roll, and bike in our city.
What is the most important issue happening in the city, and how do you plan to address it?
Rockville City Elections. To elect the next Rockville Mayor and Council, appoint a City Manager, and provide an update on where the city stands to the newly elected mayor and council on city projects and other items that were not completed by the last mayor and council.
What is the best aspect of the city and how will you enhance it?
Rockville is a city that offers opportunities that can attract people to live and work, go to school, own a business, or visit. Promoting what the city offers is crucial, especially focusing on its history, diverse cultures, neighborhoods, special events, and walking tours and utilizing its marketing tools that are currently in place to move Rockville forward.
There are four referenda questions on the ballot this election for Rockville voters: Lower
the voting age to 16, Permit noncitizens to vote, Set term limits, and Create representative
districts. Where do you stand on the four referenda questions?
The voters will have an opportunity in this year’s election to vote on the four referenda questions and it is important to hear from each voter. The results of the votes cast by each voter will be discussed by the next Mayor and Council.
As a voter and candidate, I do not support lowering the age to 16 or for noncitizens to
vote in local elections. I do support term limits and representative districts.
In July, the County Council passed the rent stabilization bill, which will go into effect in
Spring 2024. However, Rockville is exempt from the law. Where do you stand on the issue of
implementing rent stabilization in your city?
Rockville is an incorporated city and is not included in the Montgomery County rent stabilization bill. I do support discussing with the Mayor and Council, recommendations received from the City Manager, and listening to residents and others about the future of implementing rent stabilization in the City of Rockville.
Lastly, a fun question: Where is your favorite place to grab a bite to eat/favorite recreation
place in Rockville?
Ledo Pizza, Lincoln Park Community Center/Isreal Park, and Rockville Senior Center.
