Debbie on the Issues
Housing
I am committed to implementing a housing policy that is transparent and includes all stakeholders. Affordability is our most pressing housing need. Montgomery County government invests to preserve and produce affordable housing. The county is renowned for its nationally acclaimed inclusionary housing policy, known as Moderately Priced Dwelling Units (MPDUs). It also provides limited funding for downpayment assistance for first-time home buyers. But the need for affordable housing at even lower income levels has increased. Even with these efforts, many people are struggling to pay rent or to afford to buy a home in Montgomery County.
We need honest conversations among all stakeholders—residents, developers, business owners, and others—about our housing goals and what can truly help achieve them. What won’t help is attacking residents who question strategies proposed by organizational and other leaders. Currently, there is a national trend that asserts that the solution is to build more housing of all types and it will trickle down to an affordable level for those in need. I remain unconvinced that “trickle down” is an effective solution, and this view is supported by a recent long-term study from Georgetown University. We must have some real conversations about what might help, especially with respect to expanding home ownership. We also need to better understand why approved projects are in the pipeline but not being built and what incentives are demonstrably effective in adding housing that meets community needs.
Land Use
I will provide vigorous oversight on land use and zoning proposals and the Planning Board. We must plan for the future with the people who live here today. The County Council is the final authority on land use matters. Its land use decisions help to shape the nature and future of our communities years in advance. The Council’s powers include approval of all master plans and decisions about zoning on individual parcels. The Montgomery County Planning Board, whose five members are appointed by the Council, is the Council’s principal adviser on land use and zoning issues and makes recommendations on new or amended Master Plans to the Council. The Council approves the Planning Board’s work program for master plans and other projects. The Planning Board is also largely funded by the Council. Consequently, the Council’s incredibly important role is to make sure that residents’ voices are heard: history has shown and common sense supports that better planning comes when community members are engaged and their concerns taken into account. Historically, the Planning Board’s members were drawn from the community and included civic activists as well as developers. We need to restore that diversity of experience and connection to the community.
Economic Development
I am committed to enhancing the business climate as well as supporting the features that bring businesses to Montgomery County: desirable and livable neighborhoods, top-notch schools, efficient transportation, accessible green space and parks, and responsive government. We need to capitalize on our strengths in the life sciences and innovation by continuing to support companies like Millipore Sigma, a subsidiary of Merck; Arcellx, working on cell therapy; Intellian, a Korean company involved in satellite development as well as smaller companies like Liatris, developing sustainable insulation. Effective economic development will expand our tax base, creating more well-paid jobs and revenue for governmental services and infrastructure. This is vital for a well-run local government that competently and efficiently spends public funds.
I also support regulatory and procedural changes at the Department of Permitting Services efforts to facilitate commercial building expansions and openings without sacrificing safety and security. I will support the county’s Business Center in helping small businesses thrive, and the quasi-independent Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation. The County has been building on its strengths. The Institute for Health Computing in North Bethesda is already a hub of research and academic activity. Despite the federal chaos and cuts, companies are coming to Montgomery County and thriving. Plans for a major new development in White Oak in the eastern part of the county are moving well along. We should build on these successes and work with businesses to understand what works and what doesn’t.
Transportation
I will work to support and improve transit options. Mass transit helps car drivers and the environment by reducing the number of cars on the road. I will support regional efforts for WMATA and buses; the continued development of reliable, efficient Bus Rapid Transit (BRT); making sure routes on Ride On (which is now free) are sensible and coordinate well with BRT, Metro, and the Purple Line; and ensuring timely completion and opening of the Purple Line.
District 1 needs adequate management of traffic and appropriate parking in neighborhoods and commercial areas. Bike lanes must be added wisely with full consideration for how roads are used. I will make sure that our Department of Transportation continues to do a good job repairing roads and sidewalks, and improves clearing snow clearing.
Parks
I will work to preserve and enhance our green spaces. Bethesda’s 2017 Master Plan calls for 13 new parks In downtown Bethesda, but not one has yet been delivered. I will focus on ensuring that these parks are a priority for the Parks Department.
I will bring greater scrutiny to Parks’ proposals, to prevent other parks and park roads from changes like those imposed on Little Falls Parkway. Our beautiful parks and trails are part of what makes this county a great place to live and work. As with land use, parks oversight is the responsibility of the County Council. The Parks Department is overseen by the Planning Board, but Parks’ work program and budget are decided by the County Council.
Education
I am committed to maintaining an excellent school system that meets the needs of all of Montgomery County’s children, from pre-K through 12th grade and beyond. A recent report revealed a decline in graduation rates, including in some D1 schools. Many residents are unaware that the Council’s primary role in education is ensuring that there are adequate funds for Montgomery County Public Schools. The County’s Board of Education supervises the school system and recommends a budget. The Council makes sure that concerns are addressed and then makes the final decisions regarding funding, as part of the overall county budget. Per pupil funding has declined since the Great Recession, and the needs of the school population have increased. The state contributes about 30% of MCPS funding and the county supplies nearly 65%.
I support increasing and broad oversight when considering MCPS/BOE budget requests.
In recent years, we’ve learned of a number of issues with MCPS and the Board of Education that raise additional concerns about our schools. These include the contract for school buses, the failure to do screening and fingerprint checks on more than 10,000 employees and contractors, and the failure to act on claims of sexual harassment by a school principal.
I will work to ensure that Montgomery College continues to serve our high school graduates, preparing them for successful and fulfilling lives.
I will work to ensure the safety of all our children in school. In its oversight of the budget for MCPS, the Council must ensure that MCPS has adequate measures to protect our children from gun violence.
Governance
I promise that my door will be open to all my constituents. Good government means listening well and reaching for consensus where views differ. I will call out performative outreach and simply checking boxes in our governing processes. Transparency and accountability are absolutely necessary for citizens to trust their officials.
I will exercise diligent stewardship of public funds, with an eye to getting real value for our investments. It is important that local government has a reputation for competent management and efficient spending.
Responding to Trump Chaos and Cruelty
I will stand up and speak out against Trump’s hateful and destructive policies. I am appalled and outraged at the Trump Administration and its indefensible actions. Trump is wreaking havoc on the country, the region, and people's lives and livelihoods. As your council member, I will continue to speak out against the injustices our federal workers and immigrants in our County—and their families—are suffering. I will also support local efforts to help displaced federal workers and other affected workers through our Mobilize Montgomery and Worksource Montgomery resources, and share helpful information for workers and for immigrants. Even as Trump leads the country down a dark path, we can be a community of light, support, and small-d democratic resistance.