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Democrat
Brian Anleu
What office are you running for? County Council
Political party: Democrat
Where you live: Hillandale
Date of birth: May 19, 1989
Current occupation and employer:
Chief of staff, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, 2019 – Present
Deputy chief of staff, County Council member Tom Hucker, 2014 – 2019
Healthcare navigator, Montgomery County HHS, 2013 – 2014
Political experience:
N/A
Website: http://www.brianforcouncil.com
Email: brian@brianforcouncil.com
Facebook: facebook.com/briananleuforcouncil
Twitter: twitter.com/brian_anleu
Why are you running for this office?
I am running for office to deliver much-needed resources to District 5, to make housing more attainable for all, and build a better transportation network. This district has been suffering from a period of disinvestment that began with being written out of the county’s previous general plan. This resulted in all the growth and investment going to the down-county and the I-270 corridor. While the East County is relatively affordable for some, there are many residents that are being priced out because we aren’t producing enough housing to keep up with demand. This district also has a number of traffic and safety challenges along its major corridors, including US 29, MD 198 and MD 650.
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it?
Economic development is the most important issue in this race. The county as a whole has been lagging the region in job growth. District 5 specifically lacks jobs and activity centers that are common in other parts of the county. This means that residents have to commute long distances to get to work or to enjoy amenities such as fine dining and shopping. I plan to address this issue by continuing to streamline the development approval and permitting process for biotech companies so that Viva White Oak can become a reality. I will also support tax and financing mechanisms that lead to the redevelopment of the Burtonsville Shopping Center and the empty Sears building in White Oak. Lastly, I will support land use and zoning that helps facilitate the construction of biotech, commercial office space, and other amenities.
What is one major issue that has been handled poorly and what would you have done differently?
I believe that the county could have done a better job of distributing pandemic assistance to renters and businesses in need. According to the Office of Legislative Oversight, the county did not distribute 100% of the funds available for the first round of rental assistance or business assistance. This is partly because the application processes were too cumbersome and difficult for some to follow. Given the tremendous amount of need, I would have kept expanding the eligibility guidelines until all the funds were distributed.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
I am a lifelong resident of District 5. I was born in White Oak, grew up in Hillandale, lived in Burtonsville for 10 years, and now I am raising my two young children here. Since graduating college, I have dedicated my career to public service and advocating for my community. These personal and professional experiences have given me a unique understanding of the challenges facing this district. With nearly half the council being new, I believe that the council and this district could benefit from leaders with experience and a track record of delivering results. During my time working for the council, I helped pass 12 pieces of legislation, I worked on five county operating budgets, two capital budgets, and countless master plans and sector plans. The capital budgets that I worked delivered millions of dollars for parks, schools and transportation projects in East County. As a community advocate, I have been working to fix MD 198, restore the Maydale Nature Center, and support our schools.
Fatmata Barrie
What office are you running for? County Council
Political party: Democrat
Where you live: White Oak area of Silver Spring
Date of birth: July 1, 1972
Current occupation and employer:
I am currently self-employed as an immigration and special education law attorney. I have also worked as a senior legislative aide for County Council member Will Jawando. Prior to practicing law I was a special education advocate.
Political experience:
Candidate for Maryland District 20 state delegate in 2018
Website: https://www.fatmatabarrie.com
Email: info@fatmatabarrie.com
Facebook: @fatmatabarrie4council
Twitter: @barrie4council
Instagram: @fatmatabarrie4countycouncil
Why are you running for this office?
I am running to fight for equitable and inclusive change for all residents, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, economic status, or citizenship; and to amplify the voices of the under-served and promote equity in community development. All residents should have the right to affordable and safe housing, transportation, healthcare, and a safe environment; and all our children should receive the same educational services regardless of where in the county they live.
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it?
Montgomery County needs to keep pace with its rapid growth by addressing burdens on the existing infrastructure and social safety net, so families are lifted out of poverty rather than perpetuating poverty. We need to preserve and support our small businesses, many of which are owned by people of color. New schools and services are of paramount importance, as is funding to expand existing schools to ensure a more conducive educational environment. Every project should be viewed through a racial equity lens. We need an all-inclusive, integrative approach to economic development to give all families an opportunity to thrive.
What is one major issue that has been handled poorly and what would you have done differently?
The county and MCPS handled the response to the pandemic in the schools poorly. If the county executive, County Council and MCPS had less of an arm’s length relationship perhaps the response plan would have been less disjointed, resulting in a unified, collaborative effort. Agencies that don’t communicate cannot collaborate. I would have removed the organizational silos and brought all the stakeholders to the table; including the teachers, parents, and older students. Regular communication with the parents or caregivers, particularly of high-risk students; perhaps through regular surveys sent home for students and parents to fill out together and return.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
Tweny-year career as an attorney in immigration and special education law; 20 years as a community advocate and activist primarily in East County, providing free legal clinics, fighting to ensure our Praisner and White Oak voting sites and more; area coordinator, Montgomery County Democratic Party; former senior legislative aide to Council member Will Jawando – I led on police reform, sexual harassment bill, etc.; former chair of the Maryland Democratic Party Continental African Diversity Leadership Council; former secretary and member – East County Citizens Advisory Board; former chair of the Montgomery County African Affairs Advisory Group
Christopher Bolton
What office are you running for? County Council
Political party: Democrat
Where you live: Silver Spring
Current occupation and employer:
The Children’s Guild
Political experience:
None
Website: http://Bolton4you.com
Email: Bolton4you@gmail.com
Facebook: Chris Bolton for Montgomery County Council
Why are you running for this office?
East County has been ignored for too long. Current leadership has failed East County
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it?
Getting legislation passed that strengthens our bond with public safety. Can’t have economic development without guardians to protect.
What is one major issue that has been handled poorly and what would you have done differently?
East County’s infrastructure.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
I am a natural born leader, I have served the residents of East County for the last six years, reaching out to leadership only to be ignored. So I’m coming for the chair so East county is ignored no more.
Daniel Koroma (Information not submitted)
Cary Lamari
What office are you running for? County Council
Political party: Democrat
Where you live: Silver Spring
Date of birth: Sept. 16, 1956
Current occupation and employer:
Self-employed electrical contractor for over 40 years, Cary Electric Co.
Political experience:
Ran for County Council in 2006, 2010. Former president of the Montgomery County Civic Federation and past member of the Mid County Citizens Advisory Board as well as many committees and boards for Montgomery County and state of Maryland.
Website: https://www.carylamari.net/
Email: carylamari@yahoo.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carylamari.net
Why are you running for this office?
We are facing significant challenges: policing, economy, infrastructure, housing, mental health for our children and the homeless. I have a lifetime of experience working on these issues as a former Montgomery County Civic Federation president and civic activist. I am currently the head of Responsible Growth for Montgomery County working to educate the public on growth, up-zoning and unintended consequences.
I want to give the public a voice and opportunity to participate in government.
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it?
Public Safety: Today our complement of police officers is one-third that of other counties our size across the country. Thirty-eight percent of police officers are eligible for retirement, we face significant resignations, and are having difficulty recruiting new police officers. Car thefts have increased 88% and homicides have doubled.
We must rebuild trust and support our police. We must reestablish community engagement programs, invest in mental health support for our children, in jails and the homeless population. Our leadership must stop demonizing police and rather work with county residents in the realm of accountability and furthering public interest.
What is one major issue that has been handled poorly and what would you have done differently?
Thrive Montgomery 2050 (Thrive 2050). This plan should have been rolled out to the public like plans in the past to include voices of the overarching public. Thrive 2050 is a very important overarching 30-year plan. This plan is the basis for zoning text amendments which could potentially double the density of our County; and with it determine environmental issues, jobs, and racial equity. Thrive 2050 should have been postponed due to COVID-19 giving the public time to address important issues. To draft the document without proper community input has become a disaster.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
Civic activist for over 45 years, business owner, former president of Montgomery County Civic Federation, former member of Mid County Citizens Advisory Board and participated in Gov. Glendening’s Collaboration Council for Smart Growth. Participated in numerous transportation committees, master plans, and presided over several forums, one of which was on mental health, working closely with council members. I am currently head of Responsible Growth for Montgomery County working to improve the future of the county’s general plan.
I am committed to community service and my experience and community involvement has helped me understand the complexities of working with county agencies.
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.
William Montier
Current occupation and employer:
Enforcement team at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the Office of the Whistleblower.
Former PTA president
Former President of the Parent Teacher Advisory Council
Former PTA delegate to the Council
Political experience:
This is my first time running for public office.
Website: williammontier
Email: electwilliamchipmontier@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/William-Montier-for-Montgomery-County-Council-108470081871182
Instagram: williammontier5
Why are you running for this office?
I am running for this office because I have always felt called to politics and the huge opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people in our county. As a servant leader I have a commitment to public service. When I was director of development and recruitment for the Community Equity Empowerment Partnership, I had the privilege of serving the youth and community in our schools. Many kids in our program went on college and some went to vocational training. Because we provided opportunity and guidance those kids did better. I love to see people do better and we can do better here in Montgomery County
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it?
My top five issues are: Affordable Housing, Policing and Public Safety, Education, The Environment, and Economic Development. Of these five, the most important economic development and job growth. I believe economic growth is the foundation to making any jurisdiction thrive. Montgomery County is third behind Northern Virginia and D.C. in job growth. Our job growth has been out paced by our population growth. In my first term I simplify the land use and zoning policies, speed up planning and permitting process, and provide a corporate tax structure that is more friendly to businesses. We must create a climate and perception that is welcoming to entrepreneurs.
What is one major issue that has been handled poorly and what would you have done differently?
The one major issue that was handled poorly was Job creation. We need more high-paying jobs. What I would do differently is establish an infrastructure that is welcoming and friendly to businesses and entrepreneurs. I would incentivize businesses to plant headquarters in the county. Additionally, I would provide more risk capital in an effort to build a strong entrepreneurial culture, so we could have a continuum of growth for the long-term prosperity of our county.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
Experiences that have helped prepare me for this office include, being a husband of 18 years, a father to my two daughters, a pastor at my church, and serving not only my family, my church, but the broader community. I have worked for two federal agencies that protect consumers, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Securities and Exchange Commission. I was director of development and recruitment for a community organization that served at risk youth. I have been a PTA president, president of the parent teacher advisory council, and a PTA delegate to the county council. I also volunteered on the Silver Spring Covid Vaccination Advisory Board. I helped serve with outreaches based at St. Callimus church in Silver Spring. Serving this community in this way is what I am passionate about and what I have wanted to do my entire life.
Jeremiah Pope
What office are you running for? County Council
Political party: Democratic
Where you live: Silver Spring
Date of birth: Jan. 6, 1981
Current occupation and employer:
Chief of staff, office of Delegate Charlotte Crutchfield
Principal, J Pope Consulting, LLC
Political experience:
First-time candidate
Website: https://www.citizensforpope.com/
Email: info@citizensforpope.com
Facebook: @citizensforpope
Twitter: @citizensforpope
Instagram: @citizensforpope
Why are you running for this office?
I am campaigning on quality schools in all parts of our county; good jobs you can raise a family on; clean air, water and energy solutions; and public health, safety, and criminal justice systems that prioritize Montgomery County families and seniors and reflect our commitment to equity, inclusion, accountability, and justice for all.
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 is educational opportunities for our children. Montgomery County has some of the best schools in the state and country. But quality education is not a reality for many in our county, as our schools are becoming increasingly segregated by income, race, and ethnicity, leading to a growing achievement gap. As the father of a 6-year-old, I believe all our children deserve an excellent education, regardless of where they live in the county and our teachers deserve the resources to provide that education. I will fight to bring greater equity to our schools and reduce overcrowding so we can ensure that our children and teachers are fully supported in achieving educational greatness.
What is one major issue that has been handled poorly and what would you have done differently?
One major issue that has been handled poorly was the removal of the school’s resource officers, then reinstating them six months later. I would have not removed the officers without a clear plan for ensuring the overall safety of our students.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
Whether it’s business negotiations or legislation, I have the experience and relationships needed to move the county forward. I have served as a State House chief of staff; founded a small business that I have grown and successfully managed for the past 15 years. As chief of staff, I managed a diverse legislative portfolio while specializing in juvenile and family law. The skills that I developed as a small business owner – especially building long term relationships with individuals that would provide services needed to operate my business – are similar to those needed to persuade colleagues to join me enacting legislation that is critical to the long-term prosperity of Montgomery County.