Issues

As a candidate for Gaithersburg City Council, I am committed to building a city that is more connected, manages its growth thoughtfully, and ensures a high quality of life for all residents, particularly by addressing the urgent need for housing security. My platform is built on the principles of accessible transit, strategic growth, and robust renter protections, while also addressing critical local issues like infrastructure, public safety, and taxation.

Connecting Our Communities:

• True connectivity in Gaithersburg goes beyond regional links. While Montgomery County provides essential transit frameworks, we must prioritize improving connectivity within our city and with our immediate neighbors like Rockville.

• The current difficulty in traveling between different parts of Gaithersburg by public transit discourages its use, leading to increased traffic and parking issues.

• I will advocate for enhanced, convenient transit options within Gaithersburg and stronger connections to neighboring jurisdictions, facilitating easier access to jobs, amenities, and community resources, thereby strengthening our local economy and social ties.

• Furthermore, I fundamentally oppose the current county council's approach to transportation, specifically the plan for managed toll lanes on I-270 and I-495 that would toll existing, publicly funded lanes without meaningful expansion.

• I will work collaboratively with the county to demand transit solutions that are reliable, convenient, and directly address the travel needs of Gaithersburg residents.

Growing Gaithersburg Cohesively:

• Gaithersburg's growth presents both opportunities and challenges. To ensure sustainable development and a cohesive community identity, we must take a proactive approach to managing expansion.

• I propose thoughtfully and strategically expanding the city's corporate limits into designated adjacent neighborhoods within our Maximum Expansion Limits (MEL).

• This will allow Gaithersburg to implement its comprehensive Master Plan in these areas, ensuring:

  • Unified planning

  • Coordinated infrastructure investment (including advocating for necessary improvements on county and state roads)

  • Consistent delivery of city services

• Bringing adjacent neighborhoods into the city fosters a shared identity, enhances access to city resources, and allows for thoughtful development that prioritizes community input and creates walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods.

• A larger, more unified Gaithersburg will also have a stronger voice in regional planning and when advocating for a fair share of county and state resources.

Protecting Our Renters:

• The escalating cost of housing in Gaithersburg is a crisis demanding immediate action.

• With rents reportedly soaring by over 100% in the past decade and frequent, significant annual increases, housing affordability is a major challenge for half of our population – our renters.

• The current exemption of Gaithersburg from Montgomery County's rent stabilization law creates an inequitable situation.

• Renters are a vital part of our community's culture, economy, and social fabric, yet their concerns are often underrepresented. Young residents are being priced out, threatening the future of our community.

• It is time for Gaithersburg to adopt Montgomery County's rent stabilization law to provide much-needed stability, prevent displacement, and ensure Gaithersburg remains a diverse, accessible, and thriving city for all income levels.

Investing in Our Community and Ensuring Accountability:

• Beyond these core areas, my vision for Gaithersburg includes a commitment to improving our infrastructure and ensuring accountable public services.

• I support the undergrounding of power lines to enhance reliability and community aesthetics.

• I am also dedicated to revitalizing Old Town Gaithersburg, preserving its unique character while fostering economic growth.

• Furthermore, I believe in protecting our community through accountable policing, ensuring trust and transparency between law enforcement and residents.

• Finally, I will actively oppose measures that disproportionately impact our residents' wallets, including the imposition of a meal and beverage tax of up to two percent, which are positions currently endorsed by the council.

• My focus is on smart, resident-focused solutions that build a stronger, more equitable, and more connected Gaithersburg for everyone.