Topics
Click the links below to find out Sharon's positions on:
Click to view Montgomery County, Maryland - Election 2010 Scorecard
Jobs
Adequate incomes contribute to stable communities. We need jobs, not just for Bio-Tech and highly skilled scientists, but we also need to expand our ability to attract an educated workforce for mid-level and support positions. Our economic development department must work with local and national businesses to provide a climate where business can flourish and create new opportunities. As a county we must also attract wages that allow these workers to afford to live in our community. In many cases the ability to live where one works reduces traffic, expenses, and infra-structure needs throughout the area. We need jobs in growth areas not only in Germantown, but also in Gaithersburg and in the East County. Do you agree with me that jobs should be created throughout the county?
Click here to let me know your thoughts on jobs.
Growth & Environment
As a county – we will grow – that is a given. However we must grow in a manner that is sustainable such as with buildings that follow green design (LEEDS) principles. We need to preserve the Agricultural Reserve as well as maintain the vitality of our urban centers. Our area is among the most fragile in the county as large portions of it are compelled to use well and septic, making protections of the aquifer under the upcounty a vital concern. We can cherish our heritage, revitalize tired areas and innovate established communities. The county needs to have workable plans that help us grow strategically and intelligently; turning us away from the policies of sprawl and gridlock. I will work to protect our environmental air and water quality for future generations.
Please share with me your ideas about future growth for our county.
Transportation
We need to look more closely at where we are today as a result of transportation decisions made a generation ago. We cannot continue to ignore the realities of needing an East – West Metro transit mode (Purple line) for the down county and the long discussed Corridor Cities Transit way (CCT) for the up county. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is another solution on the horizon along with the proposed reversible high occupancy lanes on Interstate 270. Each transit suggestion is quite expensive and cannot happen without State and Federal assistance. I would be an advocate for these changes. Whether or not excessively high tolls, such as those proposed currently for the Inter-County Connector (ICC) are in 270s’ future is unclear, however I would make every effort to have public input and access to these discussions and would advocate for modest fees. Development decisions that do not include staging of transit options are improbable. Do you agree with me that doing nothing for transportation is no longer acceptable?
ICC sign designs are scaled back
Let me know your thoughts here.
Education
In our county education has been the equalizer for many; it has allowed some leveling of the playing field for our increasingly diverse student population. Montgomery County must continue to work to maintain excellence in education and keep it’s standards high. The education budget takes half of each tax dollar so we must reach out to be sure that the needs of all students are met; not only the students in the vast middle but also those at either end of the spectrum of learning skills. Every parent and each student should expect no less. The child with cultural, linguistic, emotional or physical challenges still needs to be well educated by our educational system. Teachers in the classrooms need our support; their jobs are not getting easier. As a former instructor in workforce education at Montgomery College, I know first hand about the good job that is done there and will continue to support these efforts. I would work to expand internships and partnering with our upcounty educational facilities, incubators and bio-tech companies. Won’t you help me ensure that good education and adequate schools continue to be here for all children?
Let me know your suggestions for continued excellence in education.
Budget Fiscal Responsibility
As a county and a nation, we are coming through some very tough financial years. Groups that had recently hoped for expansion of their programs are now praying to just hold the line on previous grants. As a healthcare professional, I understand how important county provided health clinics are for our residents. County employees are trying to do more with less as vacancies are unfilled, raises are on hold, and furloughs loom. It is tough in some ways to live here now, because we cannot realize each of our dreams. But still, in most cases the county is getting the job done – the police, fire and rescue teams are there when needed; parks and libraries are open, the streets are plowed – mostly – except for blizzards – and this must improve. Our traffic lights work – usually – except when they quit and cause unexpected gridlock. We need to maintain our infrastructure – because when we don’t we end up with happenings such as devastating water main breaks on River Road and elsewhere. I would review data about outcomes and discontinue ineffective or outdated programs and work to find efficiencies in others. It will be hard to tell some groups no and discontinue some programs – but if that is what is necessary to balance the county budget and keep our credit rating strong, that is what I will do. I will work to place the people’s business first and strive to keep cohesion on the council. I will keep in touch with District 2 voters and others to hear what you have to say. I want to hear from you about your priorities in the budget.
Give me your feedback now on programs that should be continued and tell me why.