David W. Horner
How would you characterize the quality of civic engagement in Montgomery County, and what do you think should be done to improve it?
In my opinion the quality of civic engagement in Montgomery County is very low as indicated by the small number of candidates for County Offices. As a one-party County that is dominated by a few vocal, one-theme community activists who do not have the interests of the majority of county residents at heart, we have very expensive and inept County Government. I would urge more county residents to run for public office.
What role do you think the Council and County Executive should play in setting education policy and providing oversight of the Montgomery County Public Schools?
Setting education policy and providing oversight of the public school system should belong to the Board of Education. But under our current structure the Board has no fiscal responsibility or control. This responsibility and control has moved to the County Council. In my opinion the County Council does a poor job of providing oversight to the public school system. They are dominated by the Teachers Union. However, given the current County government structure, I would support eliminating the Board of Education as they have no authority and this would save the cost of the School Board.
What steps should the county take to maintain or improve public safety at a time when budget pressures are forcing cuts to spending on police and social services?
Continue to support our excellent police force.
What, if any, changes to the structure of the county's tax system should we be considering?
Any new taxes or fees or tax increases must be submitted to the voters for approval. My opponent wants to add a "progressive" property tax in place of the current flat rate property tax. I oppose this type of tax. My opponent voted for the utility tax increases this spring. I oppose these new taxes. They not only hurt the average citizen but they really hurt the small businesses. My mechanic may have to close because of the new higher taxes. We need to control spending.
What should we expect Montgomery County's transportation network to look like in 30 years, and how will that affect where and how we live and work?
If my opponent and her ilk have their way, we will all be unemployed as there will be no profit making businesses in the County; or we will have moved out of the County. What transportation that remains will be broken down bus lines. My opponent grew up in Venezuela in a society that produced the dictator Hugo Chavez. That type of socialist society only benefits those in power and destroys the wealth of everyone else. The automobile and private transportation have provided the average US citizen with amazing freedom -- the freedom to change employment and work anywhere. We do not live in company towns like the old coal towns in West Virginia, my home state. But socialists like my opponent want everyone to live close to their employment and perhaps even walk to work. That is the model of a company town. Walking to work sounds great when we are setting in traffic, but it is not very nice when you cannot change employment because your residence is tied to your employment and you cannot drive to another job.
How will Montgomery County be different four years from now if you are elected?
It will be more friendly to businesses and it will no longer be separated into those who speak English and those who speak Spanish. My opponent wants to destroy for profit businesses and emphasize "tax-exempt" (non-profit) entities that are fed by our public tax dollars. I want to see the county become business friendly with lower taxes and fees as well as streamlining or eliminating much of our redundant approval processes. My opponent wants to maintain a lower class of Spanish speakers who are segregated and dependent on community activists for their guidance and direction. I want a county where everyone can benefit and rise as high as their talents enable them.
David W. Horner
District 4
Republican
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