Montgomery County Council District 4

What’s the job: The legislative branch of Maryland’s county governments. Responsible for introducing and voting on legislation, approving county spending and providing oversight of county operations. Elected to a four-year term.

Democratic

Name: Paula Bienenfeld

Candidate did not respond to The Banner’s voter guide questionnaire.

Name: Kate Stewart

Age: 56

Personal: Married, two adult children.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, history, Haverford College; master’s degree, survey methodology, University of Maryland.

Experience: Member, Montgomery County Council, District 4 (2022-present); president, Montgomery County Council (2024-2025); chair, Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee (2022-present); Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments chair (2022-2023), vice chair (2020-2022), secretary-treasurer (2017-2020); mayor, City of Takoma Park (2015-2022); co-chair, National League of Cities Race Equity and Leadership Council (2018-2020).

Questionnaire

Q: The county is facing increased economic strain in part due to mass layoffs and budget cuts at federal agencies. What are the best ways for the county to work to bounce back from these federal changes?

Q: With increased maintenance costs, lower enrollment, and other expenses rising, what do you think is the best approach to address the growing budget needs for county schools?

Q: Do you believe the county’s rent stabilization policy has been effective in addressing the local affordable housing crisis?

Q: Do you believe increased development can be effective in addressing the local affordable housing crisis?

Q: How should the county handle potential data center development while assessing potential unintended consequences?

Q: Should the county keep the Dickerson trash incinerator open, or do you believe there is an alternative path forward for waste disposal in the county?

Q: What do you believe is the county’s role in protecting immigrants? Do you support legislation that restricts ICE’s actions in the county?

Q: Why should voters elect you for county council?

Name: Peter “Rocky” Whitesell

Age: 32

Personal: Grew up on the Eastern Shore in Easton and am a renter in Silver Spring.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, biochemistry, St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

Experience: Policy analyst, National Institutes of Health (Office of Research Services); contractor, Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Questionnaire

Q: The county is facing increased economic strain in part due to mass layoffs and budget cuts at federal agencies. What are the best ways for the county to work to bounce back from these federal changes?

Q: With increased maintenance costs, lower enrollment, and other expenses rising, what do you think is the best approach to address the growing budget needs for county schools?

Q: Do you believe the county’s rent stabilization policy has been effective in addressing the local affordable housing crisis?

Q: Do you believe increased development can be effective in addressing the local affordable housing crisis?

Q: How should the county handle potential data center development while assessing potential unintended consequences?

Q: Should the county keep the Dickerson trash incinerator open, or do you believe there is an alternative path forward for waste disposal in the county?

Q: What do you believe is the county’s role in protecting immigrants? Do you support legislation that restricts ICE’s actions in the county?

Q: Why should voters elect you for county council?