State of Black Montgomery CE Candidates Forum
2026-04-18 12:00 - 14:00 UTC | Theatre Arts Arena at Montgomery College Rockville, 51 Mannakee St, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States
The Association of Black Democrats of Montgomery County and the Montgomery County Black Collective will host a candidates forum on Saturday, April 18th,12-2pm and we cordially invite you to participate. The forum will be held in the Theatre Arts Arena at Montgomery College Rockville (51 Mannakee St, Rockville, MD 20850). It will be open to all candidates who have filed for the office of County Executive.

The forum will be in-person and open to the public. We intend for the forum to include questions from the moderators, pre-submitted questions, and questions from the audience. The conversation is intended to provide an opportunity for candidates to express their views on issues that are critically important to the county’s Black community. We’re interested in all the important issues across the spectrum, but we intend to drill down and spend this time with you getting past talking points to hear how your plans relate directly to us.

Montgomery County Muslim Council (MCMC) 2026 County Executive Candidate Forum (Zoom)
2026-04-16 20:00 - 21:30
MCMC is a leading civic and political organization dedicated to empowering the Muslim community in Montgomery County through civic engagement and voter education. As the primary election approaches, our community is eager to hear your vision for the county and your stances on issues important to our community.
Event Details:

Event: MCMC County Executive Candidate Forum
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Format: Virtual (Zoom link will be provided upon confirmation)

The forum will feature a moderated Q&A format, with questions sourced directly from Montgomery County residents. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with a highly engaged voting bloc in our county.

CCCFH County Exec Candidates Forum
2026-04-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Westland Middle School Cafeteria, 5511 Massachusetts Avenue, Bethesda, MD, United States
County Executive Candidates Forum sponsored by the Citizens Coordinating Committee on Friendship Heights

Q&A: Boyds Civic Association Picnic and County Executive Candidate Forum
2026-04-11 12:30 - 14:30 | Boyds Presbyterian Church, 19901 White Ground Road, Boyds, MD, United States
COUNTY EXECUTIVE CANDIDATE’S FORUM
Saturday, April 11, 2026
19901 White Ground Road, Boyds MD
(Boyds Presbyterian Church lower parking lot)

1. Future of Boyds: What is your vision for Boyds, and which strengths or challenges would you prioritize?
My vision for Boyds is a community where local entrepreneurship and our agricultural heritage go hand-in-hand. To achieve this: I will work directly with the Boyds Civic Association to identify ‘vibrant asset’ projects, like the adaptive reuse of Hoyle’s Mill, creating space for local vendors and startups right in the heart of our community. I’ve seen how our permitting process strangles small shops. I will streamline regulations so a family farm in Boyds can easily open a farm stand, a creamery, or an agritourism venture without waiting years for a permit. I will prioritize the Boyds Transit Center and local road improvements. Making it easier for customers to get here, and for you to get to work, is the best way to support our local economy. Let’s build a Boyds that is open for business and closed to high taxes

2. Natural Resources: Invasive plants and insects are expanding. What role should the County play in addressing them more effectively?
We’ve seen invasive species like the Spotted Lanternfly and the Tree of Heaven spreading, and these pests threaten our property values and the Agricultural Reserve. For a community like Boyds, the County’s role shouldn’t be about more top-down mandates or red tape. Instead, my plan focuses on: Empowering You, Not Bureaucrats: 1st, I want to move away from restrictive regulations that force private citizens to take specific actions on their land, often at their own expense, on a strict timeline or under the threat of fines; and toward true partnerships. I will support local groups like the Boyds Civic Association by providing better reporting tools and data so you can manage your land effectively. 2nd We have incredible resources in our Master Gardeners. I’ll make sure their educational programs remain fully funded and accessible at our local libraries, so every resident knows how to spot and stop an infestation early.
3. Water Quality: Streams, ponds, lakes and aquifers face increased pressure from runoff due to climate change and How can the County improve water quality without more overregulation?

In a community like Boyds, our water, from Little Seneca Lake to our critical aquifers, is the lifeblood of our way of life. Climate change and overdevelopment are direct threats to our rural stability. As your County Executive, I will push to reform the Water Quality Protection Charge to reward landowners who use effective conservation practices, turning a burdensome tax into a true incentive. It is essential to establish a baseline (“before”) and a target (“after”) measure to verify your results. We must move beyond just issuing permits. I support enhanced monitoring for stream restorations, ensuring they actually work for 10 years, not just five, and prioritizing the repair of aging sewer lines that cause spills into our watersheds. Our climate strategy should support farmers with voluntary best practices and decentralized energy options such as rooftop or Ground-Mounted Solar, Geothermal Heating & Cooling, Microgrids and Battery Storage, through low-interest financing with the Green Bank, rather than burying them in red tape.
4. Solar Farms: How would you balance interests in large-scale solar generation with the agricultural purpose and visual character of the Ag Reserve and adjacent areas?
As your County Executive, I will ensure that our push for clean energy doesn’t come at the expense of our farming heritage. We can balance solar generation without sacrificing the Ag Reserve through smart siting and fiscal common sense. I believe in a ‘Farmer First’ approach that protects our land today and for the next generation. My plan focuses on: Large-scale solar that go on ‘brownfields,’ parking lots, and warehouse rooftops first, not on our most productive Class I and II soils. We must stop the trend of replacing food production with industrial-scale solar arrays. For any solar projects that do move forward, I will mandate strict setbacks and natural screening. Instead of massive utility-scale farms, I support partnerships with the Montgomery County Green Bank to help individual farmers and homeowners install rooftop solar and microgrids. This helps you lower your bills without industrializing the landscape.
5. Housing Affordability: Which elements of the Attainable Housing Strategies Initiative do you feel need refinement, and how would your approach improve life in Boyds?
The most critical refinement needed is the protection of single-family zoning. The current plan risks turning our quiet, rural neighborhoods into high-density construction zones without the infrastructure to support them. In Boyds, we’ve seen what happens when development outpaces planning. Our roads are narrow, and our schools, like Clarksburg High, are already bursting at the seams. Adding high-density housing mandates without first fixing these foundations is reckless. My approach improves life in Boyds by: Protecting the Ag Reserve: I will block any initiative that attempts to bypass the protections of our Agricultural Reserve. We must focus growth where the infrastructure already exists—near transit hubs downcounty. I will veto any density increases that don’t come with a guaranteed funding plan for school expansions and road improvements. I will prioritize ‘attainability’ through market-based solutions and cutting the red tape for small builders. I support building reversible lanes on I-270 and transforming MARC into true regional rail, getting you to work faster without destroying the character of our rural communities. Let’s keep Boyds rural, affordable, and accountable.
6. Permitting: Many describe the County’s entitlement, permitting, and inspections processes as onerous and arduous. Other than setting a good example, what specific steps would you take to improve efficiency and predictability of the system and the individuals within it?
Time is money, and in Montgomery County, the permitting process has become a hidden tax on our residents and small businesses. In Boyds, whether you’re trying to build a barn, expand a home, or start a rural business, you shouldn’t be met with endless red tape. To fix this, I will take three specific steps: I will establish mandatory response times for the Department of Permitting Services. If the County doesn’t meet the deadline, the permit is deemed approved or the fee is refunded. We need accountability, not excuses. I’ll create a dedicated track for simple permits, like those for homeowners and small businesses in the Ag Reserve, to bypass the backlog caused by massive commercial developers. I will integrate the Planning Department and DPS into a single, streamlined workflow. We need a ‘one-stop-shop’ so you aren’t caught in a loop of conflicting feedback from different agencies. It’s time to move at the speed of business, not the speed of bureaucracy.
7. COMSAT: The Council has recently declined historic designation for the COMSAT building. What would you do as Executive to encourage adaptive reuse of key elements, or to ensure that redevelopment is of truly exceptional quality?
As your County Executive, I will ensure that the redevelopment of the COMSAT site is a world-class destination that respects our history and drives economic growth. I will ensure the Boyds community has a seat at the table. We will audit the redevelopment plans to guarantee they include the necessary infrastructure and school capacity before a single shovel hits the ground. While the main building may not have a historic label, I will push for a public-private partnership to save key architectural elements, like the iconic front portico and lobby, repurposing them as community pavilions or high-tech coworking spaces. I will hold developers to a higher standard. I want the COMSAT campus to become a hub for innovation in the Clarksburg Gateway, blending tech-sector jobs with high-quality retail and housing that fits the Boyds character. Let’s turn the COMSAT property into a landmark of innovation and accountability.

8. Hoyle’s Mill: The MARC station parking and bus facility is advancing through permitting without provisions for septic capacity to support use of the county-owned historic Hoyle’s Mill How would you ensure it becomes a vibrant asset to the community?
The County is moving forward with a $5.6 million investment at the Boyds Transit Center while leaving the historic Hoyle’s mill building without the septic capacity it needs for community use. I will focus on three things: fiscal efficiency, stakeholder engagement and preservation: I will mandate that the MARC station project and the Mill preservation effort share a single, robust septic system by requiring the Department of Transportation and the Planning Department to align their permits. It is significantly cheaper to install this capacity now, while the ground is open than to come back years later on a separate, taxpayer-funded contract. Boyds Civic Association have already identified these flaws. I will give local voices a seat at the table to ensure our tax dollars create integrated, multi-use spaces that respect our history. By solving the septic issue now, we clear the way for a local coffee shop, a community center, or an educational space that finally brings life back to the heart of Boyds. I’ll ensure your tax dollars are spent on projects that are finished, functional, and respectful of our heritage.
9. County Budget: The county faces revenue shortfalls. Do you support the 6.3 cent property tax + 1% income tax hike, and if not, which specific programs or services do you propose trimming or omitting?
I do not support the property or income tax hikes. Nor do I support creating a structural deficit from use of one-time funds for ongoing expenditures, which is projected to require another 9.85 cent tax hike next year to close the deficit. We don’t have a revenue problem in Montgomery County; we have a leadership problem and a spending addiction. Personal income growth for taxpayers is stagnant at 1.09%, yet this budget proposes pay adjustments between 6% and 8.75%. I would require employee raises to be based on a comparative review of worker salaries and in-line with Montgomery County personal income growth of Taxpayers. We must temper pay adjustments to reflect the actual economic conditions of our residents. I will eliminate vacant positions, outside of Public safety, that have been funded and unfilled year after year. Latest estimate is over 10K Full-time positions at around $22M. Lastly, Government Accountability & forensic Audits of our Operating Budget to identify waste & mismanagement of Taxpayer funds.
10. County Economy: The county employment base relies on the federal government and the inter-related biotech sector. What actions would you take to strengthen economic diversity and long-term stability?
As a CPA, I know that over-reliance on any single sector is a risk we can no longer afford. To strengthen our long-term stability and economic diversity in Boyds. I will reverse our reputation of being ‘closed for business.’ My administration will aggressively recruit corporate headquarters in technology, cyber-security, and logistics. By offering speed, certainty, and world-class incentives, we can broaden our tax base and create high-paying jobs that don’t depend on federal grants. In Boyds, our Agricultural Reserve is a unique economic engine. I will push to expand marketing and tourism for our rural businesses, ensuring that local food production and agritourism have the regulatory breathing room to thrive. We must stop ‘picking winners and losers’ with high taxes and burdensome regulations. I will cut the red tape that prevents small, local businesses, the backbone of our economy, from growing and diversifying our job market. Let’s build a competitive, diverse economy through pro-growth policies, not just more taxes.

QUESTIONNAIRE: Montgomery for All 2026 County Executive Candidate
2026-04-10 00:00 - 23:59
2026 Montgomery County Candidate Questionnaire Montgomery for All
Section 1: Housing Leadership

In your view, why are many Montgomery County residents struggling to afford housing?

The unrelenting property Tax Burden: Residents are struggling to afford housing because our current County Council and County Executive Elrich are taxing them out of their own homes. Young adults are moving out of the County because starter homes are out of reach. Property value assessments have surged; recent cycles saw increases of 21% (Group 3), 17.7% (Group 1), and 12.2% (Group 2). On top of rising property assessment values, the County Executive and County Council imposed a 4.7% property tax rate hike in 2024. This year’s proposed FY2027 operating budget includes another 6.3 cent property tax rate hike and personal income tax hike, fees and charges. In addition, high interest rates and insurance premiums are also affordability factors that are beyond local policy maker control, but will moderate over time due to market forces. These costs aren’t just for homeowners; they are passed directly to renters as landlords raise prices to cover the skyrocketing tax bills.
Rent Control: The 2023 rent control law has been a disaster for housing availability. Real estate developers have essentially “redlined” the county, refusing to fund projects where revenue is artificially capped while costs (like taxes) remain unlimited. We have seen an all-out collapse in multifamily permits, making us an outlier in the region. You cannot “stabilize” prices through policy when the underlying issue is scarcity.

What is one housing initiative you would plan to spearhead, if elected?

My plan focuses on restoring affordability by growing the economy, not the tax burden. I would reverse the 4.7% property tax rate hike from FY2024 and cap annual assessment increases at 50% of the current limit to be comparable to the region. I would repeal Rent Control to stimulate new construction by removing price caps that drive away investment. Lastly, I would streamline the permitting process to cut the red tape in the permitting process to get shovels in the ground faster.

Section 2: Zoning, Supply, and Housing Prices

In your view, how does current zoning policy in Montgomery County affect the supply and price of housing?

Current zoning policy in Montgomery County acts as a structural barrier that artificially restricts the supply of homes, driving prices to levels that are unattainable for the average family. Onerous zoning rules and high regulatory costs hinder new home construction, making it nearly impossible for smaller developers to enter the market. While I am a firm advocate for reducing overall restrictive rules, I believe we must Protect Single-Family Zoning by opposing ‘by-right’ high-density rezoning. There are tens of thousands of units already developable under current laws that have been ignored. By prioritizing rigid, outdated regulations over market flexibility, the county has created a scarcity crisis that punishes taxpayers and discourages the very investment we need.

What changes would you support to Montgomery County’s zoning policies to support greater housing affordability? Please feel free to provide detail on topics including, but not limited to: home types; location of zoning changes; timeline and conditions of development approval.

I support greater affordability through a ‘smart growth’ strategy that focuses density along transit corridors and commercial centers, while slashing the red tape that makes building anything in this county far too slow and expensive. We do not need to “upzone” every quiet street to solve our housing shortage. oppose ‘by-right’ high-density rezoning of existing single-family neighborhoods. We must respect the choices of residents who invested in these communities while focusing our growth in areas already equipped with the necessary infrastructure.
I support zoning changes that encourage high-density, mixed-use development along major transit hubs and commercial corridors (e.g., Georgia Avenue and Connecticut Avenue). I support more middle housing such as duplexes, triplexes, and townhomes, specifically within Priority Housing Districts near Metro and Purple Line stations.
The current review and permitting process is a primary driver of high prices. Time is money, and the County is currently wasting both. I support creating a “Fast-Track” approval lane for projects that meet specific affordability and density criteria in growth zones. I support clear, objective design pattern books so developers know exactly what is required from day one, reducing the lengthy and uncertain review process. For smaller attainable housing like duplexes in designated growth areas, I support by-right development that adheres to pre-approved standards, bypassing months of bureaucratic hearings.

Section 3: Affordable & Market-Rate Housing
Please explain what you see as the role that each of these types of housing play in the housing landscape in Montgomery County, and the needs they fill for Montgomery County residents:

Affordable (subsidized) housing

Subsidized housing should be a focused tool reserved for those whom the market cannot reach, such as seniors on fixed incomes, residents with disabilities, and our lowest-income workers. I believe we must prioritize accountability, transparency and oversight of the $8B county budget to ensure subsidies are reaching the people they are intended for, rather than being swallowed up by bureaucratic overhead or inefficient development projects. Subsidized units should serve as a foundation for residents to achieve personal and economic growth, eventually transitioning into the market-rate landscape as they build stability.

Market-rate (unsubsidized) housing

The vast majority of our residents, including young professionals and middle-class families, should be served by a robust, unsubsidized market. Market-rate development grows our assessable tax base, providing the revenue needed for essential services without requiring the recent 4.7% property tax hike or the proposed FY2027 6.3 cent property tax hike that the current administration has favored.

What is one policy change in each area that you would pursue, if elected?

Affordable (subsidized) housing

I believe the path to true affordability isn’t just about spending more, but about spending smarter. One critical policy change I would pursue is the introduction of rigorous fiscal accountability and oversight requirements for organizations receiving county housing subsidies. I would implement a policy requiring financial counseling and workforce development upskilling as a condition for receiving certain social and housing services. This ensures that subsidized housing serves as a “springboard” to self-sufficiency rather than a permanent ceiling. As a CPA, I will mandate comprehensive oversight and transparency of taxpayer funds. This includes regular performance audits of the Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) and non-profit partners to ensure they are meeting clear, data-driven benchmarks for housing delivery. I will work to streamline services between the state, county, and local governments to eliminate the redundant administrative layers that delay the construction of affordable units and inflate their final cost.

Market-rate (unsubsidized) housing

One policy change that I would pursue would be to remove barriers like rent control. That way, we encourage the private sector to build the 200,000 units needed over the next 25 years, preventing the current trend where market-rate units become so scarce they are indistinguishable from “luxury” pricing.

Section 4: Transportation & Smart Growth

What would you do to prioritize transit frequency and access if elected?

As County Executive, I am committed to a transit system that is efficient, accountable, reliable, and focused on the needs of every resident. To prioritize frequency and access, I will:

Expand Weekend Service for Upcounty & Poolesville: Residents shouldn’t be stranded on Saturdays and Sundays. I will prioritize funding to ensure consistent weekend schedules, allowing families and workers in the Upcounty and Poolesville areas to travel reliably seven days a week.
Expand to All-Day, Two-Way, and Weekend MARC Service: The Brunswick Line is a vital artery for our county. I will advocate for and prioritize the transition to all-day, two-way MARC service, along with the introduction of weekend service. Commuters and families shouldn’t be restricted by a “peak-only” schedule; they deserve a rail system that works for their lives, seven days a week.
Establish a Metro-MTA MARC MOU: I will take the lead in creating a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with WMATA and the MTA to reinstate the Metro-MARC transfer specifically for the Emergency Ride Home program. Commuters need the peace of mind that they can get home in an emergency, regardless of which transit system they use.
Bring RideOn Flex to Poolesville: I will launch high-frequency RideOn Flex on-demand service in Poolesville. This will provide a direct, flexible link for residents, connecting them quickly and efficiently to the nearest major transit centers.
Redesign Upcounty Transit Routes: The current “hub-and-spoke” model is outdated. I will initiate a route redesign focused on shortening travel times and reducing the number of transfers required to get to work or school, making the bus a competitive alternative to sitting in traffic.
Ensure Fiscal Accountability: As a CPA, I will fund these improvements by auditing the current $7.6 billion budget to cut waste and redirect existing funds toward these essential services.

2. What would you do to ensure safe walking and biking access to transit, stores, schools and services for residents of existing and new housing?

As Montgomery County Executive, my approach to infrastructure is rooted in fiscal accountability and ensuring that every dollar serves the actual needs of our residents. To ensure safe walking and biking access to transit, schools, and services, I will implement the following plan:

Universal School Access: I am committing to a “Safety First” mandate for our students. Every MCPS school will be equipped with complete sidewalks and clearly marked crosswalks to ensure that walkers have a dedicated, secure path from their front door to the classroom.
Data-Driven Bike Lane Evaluation: We must stop spending blindly. I will initiate a rigorous cost-benefit analysis of all current bike lanes to evaluate actual utilization rates. If specific lanes are underused and causing unnecessary congestion or maintenance drains, we will pivot those resources to projects that offer a higher return on safety and mobility for the “silent majority” of taxpayers.
Optimizing Bikeshare: To increase the ROI on our existing programs, I will improve the marketing of bikeshare memberships by partnering directly with county employers and launching targeted social media education campaigns. We need to ensure residents actually know how to use these tools effectively before we consider further expansion.
Enhanced Transit Integration: To truly support multi-modal travel, I will ensure that the RideOn bus fleet is fully equipped with functional, high-capacity bike racks that meet current demand. This ensures a seamless link between biking and public transit for commuters.

Section 5: Community Input & Stakeholder Engagement

What organizations, stakeholders, datasets, or other sources of information would you turn to, to understand the nuts and bolts of housing policy implementation, and how to craft effective policies that meet Montgomery County’s housing needs?

To craft effective housing policies for Montgomery County, I am committed to a collaborative approach that balances fiscal accountability with the diverse needs of our community. I will engage with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including those representing our vibrant minority communities, to ensure housing implementation is practical, sustainable, and results-oriented.

Montgomery County Taxpayers League: I will ensure that housing initiatives are fiscally responsible and do not lead to unsustainable tax hikes.
Montgomery Housing Alliance (MHA), MHP, and Habitat for Humanity: I will collaborate with these non-profit developers to find innovative ways to preserve and build affordable units.
Montgomery Planning Research: I will utilize the Research & Strategic Projects data to track housing market trends and supply gaps.
MCPS Capacity Reports: I will monitor school capacity data to ensure that housing growth is matched by the necessary investment in our schools and public safety.
Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and Civic Associations: I will engage directly with HOA boards and the Montgomery County Civic Federation to ensure new housing developments are compatible with existing neighborhoods and do not overwhelm local infrastructure.
Caribbean American Advisory Group (CAAG): I will work with the CAAG to understand the unique housing barriers facing our Caribbean American residents.
Being Well While Black and The Black Collective: I will turn to these organizations to ensure housing policy supports community wellness and addresses historical inequities in housing stability
Chambers of Commerce: I will consult with the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Silver Spring Chamber, and the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber to understand how housing availability impacts workforce recruitment and our local economy.
The Developer Community: Engaging with groups like the Maryland Building Industry Association (MBIA) and the Apartment and Office Building Association (AOBA) is critical to identifying the specific “red tape” and regulatory hurdles that drive up the cost of construction.
Affordable Housing Conference
Coalition for Smarter Growth
Housing Initiative Partnership
Housing Opportunities Commission
Housing unlimited, Inc
Interfaith Works
Latino Economic Development Center
Victory Housing
Rebuilding Together

REPLAY: FY2027 Montgomery County Council Hearing on Proposed $8B Operating budget
2026-04-09 13:00 - 15:00
Esther Wells’ public comments on Thursday April 9th, 2026, regarding Elrich’s FY2027 proposed $8B operating budget. I do not support the 6.3% property tax hike & the 3% income tax hike. I also do not support creating a projected structural deficit of over $257 million next year, requiring another 9.85 cent tax increase next year to close the deficit.
https://voteforesther.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-09-FY2027-Operating-Budget-Public-Comments.mp4
Taxpayers cannot afford 4 more years of Elrich under a Jawando Administration. Vote for Esther, County Executive.

QUESTIONNAIRE: Bethesda Today Voter Guide
2026-03-31 00:00 - 23:59 | Bethesda Today
Bethesda Today Voter Guide Montgomery County Executive
Where you live: Montgomery Village
Current occupation and employer: Senior Tax Manager, Public Utility
Political experience: N/A
Website: VoteforEsther.com
Email: VoteforEsther@gmail.com
Social media: @ VoteforEsther
Why are you running for this office? (100 words maximum)
It’s too expensive to live here! My priorities include fiscal discipline, government accountability, strengthening the economy, improving public safety and expanding opportunity through education to reduce cost of living in Montgomery County.
As a CPA, I have the financial expertise and leadership experience to move Montgomery County forward. My career leading tax strategies for multi-national Corporations has generated multi-million-dollar savings. I will apply this rigorous private-sector discipline to balance costs with growth objectives.
As President of the Montgomery County Taxpayers League, I’ve advocated for county taxpayers by supporting appropriate actions to achieve greater efficiency & effectiveness in our county government.
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words maximum)
Families are being crushed by a crisis of affordability and accountability. To address this, I will implement:

Fiscal Discipline: Streamline Government Operations to include automation of services, restructure County departments to reduce costs by 20%
Government Accountability & Audits of $7.6B Operating Budget, focused on procurement, contracts & grants, to eliminate waste, mismanagement, and misuse of Taxpayers’ funds
Reverse the 4.7% property tax rate hike
Reverse 6.3% property and 3% income tax hike proposed FY2027 Operating Budget
Reduce annual property assessment increases by 50%

My plan delivers essential tax relief by ensuring every dollar is linked to measurable results.
What is one major issue that has been handled poorly and what would you have done differently? (100 words maximum)
MCPS’s prolonged COVID-19 school closures severely impacted student well-being and academic success. As one of the last districts to return to in-person learning, the delay disproportionately harmed students with disabilities, who lacked essential individualized support.
State test scores highlight a widening achievement gap: while white and Asian students maintained proficiency levels around 80% (English) and 60% (Math), African American and Hispanic proficiency plummeted to 15.7%–22.9% in Math. Furthermore, virtual learning triggered a mental health crisis, increasing anxiety and depression. The lack of structure also fueled chronic absenteeism, disorderly conduct, and community violence, underscoring schools’ vital role in social development.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words maximum)

Maryland CPA with financial expertise and leadership experience leading tax strategies for multi-national Corporations, which has generated multi-million-dollar savings.
President, Montgomery County Taxpayers League where I’ve supported appropriate actions to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in Montgomery County government.
NAACP Parent Council Representative, serving to empower minority parents to become active advocates for their children’s education, ensuring equitable treatment and academic success.
President/Chair of the Board of Trustees of a local faith-based non-profit. Focused on legal and operational oversight, approving the annual operating/capital budget, ensuring fiduciary duty compliance and leading strategic planning to advance the non-profit’s mission and financial sustainability.

QUESTIONNAIRE: Caribbean-American Political Action Committee (C-PAC) 2026 Candidate Questionnaire
2026-03-31 00:00 - 23:59
Caribbean-American Political Action Committee (C-PAC)
2026 Candidate Questionnaire

Office Sought: County Executive
Candidate’s Name: Esther Wells
Current Occupation: Senior Tax Manager, CPA
Party: Republican
******************************************************************************

If elected, how would you proactively and consistently engage with Caribbean-American constituents, groups, local leaders, and organizations in your constituency?

As a Caribbean-American, I will utilize the existing Caribbean American Advisory Group (CAAG) to ensure it provides actionable feedback on the needs and concerns of Caribbean Americans living or working in the county.
Regional Collaboration: I will regularly host Community town halls, advisory meetings specifically targeted at Caribbean-American residents to seek input on critical issues like the county’s operating budget, Student achievement and outcomes, public safety, economic development, Homeownership, entrepreneurship, Health & Human Services, civic engagement and voter participation.
Dedicated Community Liaisons: The Office of Community Partnerships (OCP) will continue to employ a dedicated Caribbean Community Liaison to serve as a bridge between the government and Caribbean-American residents.

How would your office address barriers Caribbean immigrants face when accessing public services such as healthcare, safe, affordable housing, education or social programs that disproportionately affect them?

We must move beyond the current one-time “supplemental appropriation” model and focus on reducing the cost of living and fostering a business-friendly environment to create high-paying jobs and long-term financial stability for Caribbean-Americans.
Housing Affordability: Reverse the 4.7% property tax rate hike, reverse the 6.3% property tax hike and the 3% income tax hike proposed FY2027 Operating Budget, and reduce the annual property assessment increases by 50% of cap, aligning the county with surrounding jurisdictions.
Housing Stability: Instead of just increasing rental assistance, I will help Caribbean Americans build generational wealth and lasting stability through pathways to homeownership. I will streamline the permitting process for new construction, which will increase the supply of homes, naturally lower costs and provide more entry-level opportunities for first-time buyers.
Service Streamlining: My office will conduct a comprehensive audit of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to eliminate procedural failures and ensure resources reach eligible residents without bureaucratic delay. I will provide workforce development, upskilling for residents and financial counseling as requirements for receiving social services.
Education: Like my Caribbean-American family, I will prioritize high academic standards and upward mobility to ensure that tax dollars directly improve the graduation rates, literacy rates, proficiency rates and college readiness of Caribbean students, rather than funding central office positions in MCPS. I will ensure that the record-high MCPS budget is actually reaching the schools in diverse areas (like Silver Spring, Wheaton, and Gaithersburg) where many Caribbean immigrants reside, ensuring our children aren’t left in under-resourced facilities.

How do you ensure culturally responsive services for Caribbean-American residents across agencies (e.g., health, education, law enforcement, etc.)?

I will maintain the African American Health Program (AAHP) as the primary vehicle for reaching residents of African and Caribbean descent while ensuring every taxpayer dollar is tied to measurable health outcomes.
Professional Standards: Rather than creating new administrative layers, I will mandate that all county agencies, from DHHS to MCPD, integrate existing translation services more effectively into their daily operations. Also, I will focus on health literacy, ensuring residents understand how to manage their own care.
Fiscal Responsibility: I will audit existing health programs for waste, mismanagement and outcomes to ensure that funds intended for community clinics actually reach patients in high-density Caribbean neighborhoods.
Vocational Training: I will expand vocational and technical programs to provide immediate pathways to economic independence for Caribbean immigrant youth, bypassing the debt associated with traditional four-year degrees.
Community Policing: I will establish direct communication links through bicultural liaisons to ensure culturally responsive policing where police are visible, accessible, and protective of the neighborhoods they serve.
Independent Inspector General: I will ensure the office of inspector general monitors all county departments, including health and education, to ensure that culturally responsive initiatives aren’t just empty labels but are delivering measurable results for Caribbean-American residents.
Ombudsman Programs: I will create a county ombudsman to provide Caribbean-American residents with a direct, non-partisan channel to report issues with agency services or police conduct, ensuring the government remains accountable to residents.

What initiatives will you lead and/or support that benefit Caribbean-American small business owners and workers, particularly in industries where they are heavily represented?

Economic Drivers: My administration will work with the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) to launch a “Strategic Growth Initiative” that provides Caribbean-American entrepreneurs with better access to private capital by strengthening the SBA’s Microloan and Community Advantage Programs, rather than relying on government-managed grants.
Regulatory Reform: I will work to eliminate redundant permits and fees that disproportionately hurt small, minority-owned startups in industries like construction, retail, and food service.
Occupational Licensing Reform: I will lead the initiative to streamline our reciprocity-base occupational licenses, which would benefit Caribbean immigrants with professional backgrounds, allowing them to enter the workforce faster in skilled trades or healthcare without costly re-certification.
I will reform the Minority, Female and Disabled-Owned (MFD) Business Program to focus on results rather than just certification.

What support would you provide for Caribbean-American students and parents, including language assistance and help navigating the school system?

Focus on Core Competencies: I will advocate for a return to rigorous instruction in math, science, and literacy. Culturally responsive education should mean ensuring every student masters the skills needed for high-paying careers, rather than social experimentation.
School Choice: I will lead an initiative to provide vouchers or education savings accounts. This allows Caribbean-American parents to move their children out of underperforming neighborhood schools and into private schools that better align with their cultural and educational values.
Parental Empowerment: I will expand the Newcomers Initiative with a focus on helping Caribbean-American parents navigate the school system and advocating for vocational-technical training as a viable path for students.
Simplified Portals: I will work with MCPS leaders to implement a more user-friendly, multilingual digital “Parent Portal” to help families track grades, attendance, and graduation requirements without needing to navigate a complex physical bureaucracy.
With the MCPS budget now exceeding $3.7 billion, I will demand greater accountability for how these funds support immigrant families.

How would you advance partnerships with Caribbean-American community organizations to promote mental health, chronic disease prevention, or other wellness initiatives?

Empowering Faith-Based and Community Organizations: I will ensure culturally responsive care, delivered best by those already trusted within the community. Instead of creating new government-run clinics, I will increase the role of faith-based organizations and community-led nonprofits. These groups are often the first point of contact for Caribbean-American residents facing mental health challenges or chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
Outcome-Based Partnerships: Contracts with community organizations will be tied to measurable health outcomes (e.g., lower rates of uncontrolled hypertension or increased mental health service utilization) rather than just the number of people reached.
Health Literacy and Prevention: I will form partnerships to focus on health literacy programs that teach nutrition, exercise, and preventative care tailored to the Caribbean diet and lifestyle.
Private-Public Screenings: I will encourage partnerships with local pharmacies and private clinics to host mobile screening events in neighborhoods with high Caribbean populations, making chronic disease detection accessible without expanding the public health bureaucracy.
Community-Led MHPSS: I will support Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) initiatives that respect Caribbean cultural values, such as the importance of extended family networks in the healing process.

How will you build trust and conduct robust oversight on local, law enforcement to protect the rights, security, and safety of Caribbean-American residents?

I will prioritize full funding for the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) to address staffing shortages while supporting the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) model.
Bicultural Recruitment: I will support aggressive recruitment within the Caribbean-American community to ensure the police force reflects the demographics of the neighborhoods they serve, reducing cultural and language barriers.
Effective Oversight: I will work with the Public Safety Committee to ensure oversight is transparent and focuses on building trust through neighborhood engagement and crime reduction, not just administrative review.
Public Access to Data: I will support initiatives that make crime statistics and officer conduct data publicly available online. This allows the community to hold the department accountable through measurable results rather than political rhetoric

What programs, funding opportunities, or policy efforts will you champion that are aimed at improving outcomes for Caribbean-American communities?

Stable Property Taxes: I will prioritize stabilizing property taxes and oppose further income tax increases to prevent Caribbean-American homeowners from being “priced out” of their homes as property values rise, thereby protecting generational wealth.
Public Safety as Economic Infrastructure: I will advocate for fully funding the police and School Resource Officers (SROs) to create safe commercial hubs. This policy ensures that Caribbean-owned businesses can thrive in a secure environment, protecting both customers and owners from theft, carjacking, vandalism.
I will champion the use of Opportunity Zones to revitalize Caribbean-American business corridors like those in East County and Silver Spring.

QUESTIONNAIRE: Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington (JCRC)
2026-03-26 00:00 - 23:59
Candidate Questions

What are the three most important issues to you and how will you address each?
How will you confront antisemitism and other forms of hatred?
How will you handle pressure from groups urging you to avoid working with Jewish organizations that support a Jewish, democratic State of Israel (“Zionism”)?
How will you work to support the immigrant community?
How will you work to enhance both public and independent schools?
How would you enhance the availability of funding for nonprofit agencies that provide social services?

Spotlight on Wheaton: A County Executive Candidate Forum
2026-03-25 18:30 - 21:00 | Wheaton Rec Center – Social Hall, 2nd Floor, 11701 Georgia Avenue, Wheaton, MD, 20902, United States

RECAP: PWRC Leprechauns & Patriots: Meet & Speak & Be Social
2026-03-23 17:00 - 19:30 | Quincy’s Bar and Grille, 616 Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
You are invited to attend our March event on Monday, March 16th, 5pm-7:30pm at Quincy’s in Gaithersburg. This is our annual PWRC Leprechauns & Patriots event – a wonderful pre-St. Patrick’s Day social. See the attached flyer. Our plan is to provide the spotlight on our candidates and their campaigns.

QUESTIONNAIRE: ACT COMMITTEE for TRANSIT
2026-03-20 00:00 - 23:59 | ACT COMMITTEE for TRANSIT
Questionnaire for County Council & Executive Candidates

Would you have voted (or did you vote) yes or no on the following:

the Thrive 2050 master plan
the More Housing O.W. Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA 25-02)
the University Boulevard Corridor plan

a) Do you support the Transit and Housing Opportunity Act (SB389) to facilitate transit-oriented development near train stations, including the Red and Purple Line stations in Montgomery County?
b) Do you support amending the bill to include WMATA-owned land next to stations on the same basis as state-owned land?

Do you support reallocating road space from car lanes to sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and/or bus lanes to increase safety for all road users in these locations?

Old Georgetown Road (as currently implemented)
University Boulevard near Blair High School (per newly adopted master plan)
Frederick Road (MD 355) between Middlebrook Road and MD 124
County roads where walking and cycling are similarly difficult & dangerous

Do you support building all the Purple Line sidewalks recommended by the Purple Line Bicycle and Pedestrian Area (BiPPA) program before the line’s scheduled opening in December 2027, streamlining the planning process as needed to make this happen? (This includes previously rejected sidewalks near the Takoma-Langley station.)

Do you support these highway expansions?

Midcounty Highway Extended
Widening American Legion Bridge & adjoining section of Beltway with toll lanes
Widening I-270 with toll lanes
Widening Beltway between I-270 and Prince George’s County with toll lanes
Observation Drive Extended
Montrose Parkway East

Should the county give a higher priority to frequency of current bus service or to planning and preparation for future BRT infrastructure construction?

REPLAY: WAMU DEM County Executive Forum with Kojo Nnamdi
2026-03-13 11:15 - 13:15 | Silver Spring Civic Building, 1 Veterans Pl, Silver Spring, United States
WAMU DEM County Executive Candidate Forum, PT 1
WAMU DEM County Executive Candidate Forum, PT 2 — a live broadcast filled with sharp political insight, candid conversation, and Montgomery County Executive Primary Candidates:

Event Details

Friday, March 13
11:15 a.m. Arrival | 12:00 p.m. Start
Silver Spring Civic Building
1 Veterans Pl, Silver Spring, MD

RECAP: Leisure World Republican Club - Candidate Extravaganza
2026-03-11 13:30 - 15:00 | Crystal Ballroom, Leisure World, MD, United States
Join us for a Candidate Extravaganza hosted by the Leisure World Republican Club, in association with the Montgomery County Republican Party. This forum is open to Democrats, independents, and Republicans and provides voters the opportunity to hear directly from candidates on the issues that matter most to Maryland residents.

Public safety and crime
Cost of living
taxes and government spending
Energy and utility costs
Government accountability

QUESTIONNAIRE: League of Women Voters
2026-03-11 00:00 - 23:59
LWV Questionnaire: Candidate responses, limited to 500 characters, each question.

QUALIFICATIONS: How do your background and experience prepare you to be County Executive?

As a Maryland CPA with a Master’s in Taxation, I have the financial expertise and leadership experience to move Montgomery County forward. My career leading tax strategies for multi-national Corporations has generated multi-million-dollar savings. I will apply this rigorous private-sector discipline to balance costs with growth objectives, something Montgomery County needs. I plan to identify efficiencies, ensure fiscal discipline, accountability, transparency and oversight in our Government.

HOUSING: What initiatives will you support to increase an affordable housing supply countywide?

I will focus on streamlining the permitting process, reverse the recent 4.7% property tax rate hike, cut the annual cap on property assessment increases by 50% to align the county with surrounding jurisdictions, protect Single-Family Zoning, weaken rent control laws to stimulate new construction and grow the assessable base for property tax revenue. Housing becomes more affordable when Montgomery County Residents see their wages increase, and their taxes, fees and costs of living decrease.

BUDGET PRIORITIES: Which operating budget revenue and spending items will you seek to increase and decrease and why?

Living in Montgomery County is quickly becoming financially unsustainable for our middle class. I will decrease the personal income tax rate from 3.2% to the state-mandated minimum of 2.25%, phase-out the local Working Families Income Supplement, decrease the County Fuel Energy Tax by 75% to lower utility costs, eliminate vacant positions, scale back Blueprint for education mandates that lack proven results, increase investments in public safety and economic development to attract businesses.

SAFETY NET SERVICES: What initiatives will you support, if any, to ensure that residents across the county receive safety net services?

We have a moral obligation to ensure our safety net doesn’t foster long-term dependency. I will prioritize fiscal accountability, oversight and transparency of Taxpayers’ funds, audit current spending to eliminate waste and abuse, streamline services within County government, empower non-profit partners to deliver services more efficiently, promote economic growth, provide workforce development and financial counseling as requirements for receiving social services.

PUBLIC SAFETY: What policies will you support to ensure the safety of our large and diverse population?

I will prioritize fully staffing our police department to improve response times, improve officer morale through enhanced wellness resources, restore funding for School resource Officers (SROs) in MCPS to provide crisis support and safety during emergencies, strengthen juvenile justice laws to address repeat offenders, enhance coordination between police and residents to ensure every neighborhood feels safe and heard.

REPLAY: Wootton High School PTSA - County Executive Candidate Forum
2026-02-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Wootton High School, Rockville, MD, United States
