Question 1: Civil Rights Montgomery County should always be a place where people feel safe speaking up, especially in a community as diverse as ours. I have concerns about some of the responses we’ve seen. While law enforcement has generally kept protests safe, there have been real issues when it comes to consistency and fairness. Reports of doxxing, unequal discipline in schools, and uneven responses raise legitimate concerns that cannot be dismissed. Peaceful protest is a constitutional right. That applies whether someone is speaking about local issues or global ones. Government should not be in the business of picking and choosing which viewpoints are acceptable. As a councilmember, I would push for clear, consistent standards across agencies and schools so that speech is treated fairly regardless of who is speaking. I also support stronger protections for students and educators so they are not punished simply for expressing their views in a peaceful way. On the public safety side, I would work to ensure law enforcement policies are focused on de-escalation and protecting both safety and constitutional rights. I spent 15 years as a firefighter and EMT. I understand how important trust in public institutions is. That trust only exists when people believe they are being treated fairly. That is the standard I will hold. ⸻ Question 2: Non-Profit Support Faith-based organizations are some of the most effective service providers we have. They are trusted, they are rooted in the community, and they often reach people government cannot. The challenge is not a lack of willingness. It is access and awareness. I would work to make the county’s grant process more accessible by improving outreach, simplifying applications where possible, and offering technical assistance workshops so smaller organizations are not left behind. That includes language access and direct engagement with communities that may not traditionally apply for county funding. We should also build stronger partnerships between the county and organizations like MCMF so they are not just applicants for funding, but ongoing partners in delivering services. Equity means making sure everyone has a fair shot at accessing resources, not just those with the most experience navigating government systems. ⸻ Question 3: Housing and Displacement Housing affordability is one of the biggest challenges facing District 7 and the county as a whole. We need to increase housing supply in a smart and balanced way. That includes more workforce housing, more missing middle housing, and making it easier to build near transit. At the same time, we need to protect existing residents. To prevent displacement, I support expanding rental assistance, strengthening tenant protections, and preserving naturally occurring affordable housing. We should also look at targeted property tax relief for longtime homeowners who are being priced out of their own communities. Immigrant and low income families are often hit the hardest. That means our policies must be intentional. Housing stability programs, legal assistance for tenants, and partnerships with community organizations all play a role. As a small business owner, I also understand how rising costs ripple through the entire community. If people cannot afford to live here, it affects our workforce, our schools, and our local economy. ⸻ Question 4: Transit and Pedestrian Safety Transit is essential in District 7, especially in the Up County areas where options can be limited. We need to focus on reliability first. That means better funding and oversight of the Ride-On system so buses run on time and routes reflect how people actually travel today. I also strongly support the completion of the Purple Line and making sure it connects effectively with local transit. For Up County, we need more than just talk. We need expanded service, better frequency, and safer infrastructure. Pedestrian safety is just as important. Too many of our roads are not designed with people in mind. I support more investment in sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting, and traffic calming measures, especially near schools, transit stops, and busy corridors. This is about equity. Everyone deserves safe and reliable ways to get to work, school, and home. ⸻ Question 5: Healthcare Access No one in Montgomery County should have to choose between getting care and paying their bills. I support expanding county programs that provide care to uninsured residents, including increasing funding for safety net services and working with our state delegation to close coverage gaps. We should also strengthen partnerships with nonprofit clinics like those run by MCC and ICM. These organizations are already doing the work. The county should support them with stable funding, not just one time grants, and help reduce administrative barriers so they can focus on patient care. I would also look at ways to expand mobile health services and community based care, which can reach people who may not otherwise seek treatment. My background in emergency services showed me what happens when people delay care. It leads to worse outcomes and higher costs for everyone. Investing in access upfront is the smarter and more humane approach. ⸻ Question 6: County Budget I believe in a balanced and responsible approach. Right now, many families are struggling with the cost of living. I do not take the idea of raising taxes lightly. At the same time, we have real needs that must be funded, from schools to public safety to infrastructure. My approach is to focus first on accountability and prioritization. We need to make sure existing dollars are being spent effectively and aligned with community needs. That includes regular program evaluation and being willing to make tough decisions when something is not working. If new revenue is necessary, it should be targeted and transparent, with a clear explanation of how it will be used and who it impacts. As someone who has worked in public service and now runs a small business, I understand both sides of this. Government has a responsibility to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars while still delivering the services people rely on.