Economic Opportunity

We must improve our local economy. Regional competition has accelerated and the Trump administration is making things even worse for our federal workers and contractors.

I know that we need to expand economic opportunities for all residents.

That’s why I established the Council’s Economic Development Committee and championed the Make Office Vacancy Extinct (MOVE) Act, which, in its first year, helped dozens of companies relocate to or expand within Montgomery County.

As County Executive, I will strengthen our life sciences and biotech sector, reform the permitting process to make it easier for small businesses, and ensure that workforce training is available for those seeking employment.

Housing Affordability

It is too expensive to live in Montgomery County. Our kids and grandkids cannot afford to live in the communities where they grew up. Many of our seniors would like to downsize, but there aren’t many available options.

That’s why I passed legislation reducing the cost to build new housing and providing records level of funding to build even more affordable housing.

We need more housing options for families to stay together, for middle class residents to afford, and for low income residents to live near their jobs.

If we want more housing that is affordable, we need more housing.

Public Safety

It’s important that we feel safe in our homes and neighborhoods. Public safety is a core responsibility of local government.

When communities are safe, schools thrive and economies grow.

I have consistently supported our police, fire and rescue agencies and personnel.

I am proud to have doubled the size of the police department’s Cadet Program, which is the most diverse program within law enforcement, recognizing that we can strengthen our community policing efforts while also reflecting Montgomery County’s diversity.

Good Government

As a former CNN journalist, I have championed efforts to protect our democracy by increasing transparency, accountability and ethical decision-making in Montgomery County.

I led the effort to expand the size of the Council from 9 to 11 to better represent Montgomery County’s growing population. This initiative resulted in the most diverse and representative Council in the County’s history — including a majority-female body.

Most importantly, I am running a people-powered campaign — rejecting corporate donations, PAC contributions, and special interest money by participating in the county’s public financing system.

I am the only candidate in this race to have never accepted special interest donations.