Joe Russek
How would you characterize the quality of civic engagement in Montgomery County, and what do you think should be done to improve it?
It is not very good because the Council and Executive pay absolutely no attention to anything the civic groups say.
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?
Unfortunately, the schools are a State agency and the schools pay no attention to anything the Council and Executive say. They only want money. If the County is to pay for a State agency, the County should have a say in how the schools are run. For example, over half of the teachers do not deal with students. The overblown central staff should be cut. However, when the Council cuts the budget, classroom teachers are cut.
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?
We already have false safety measures that do absolutely no good. The islands in the middle of residential streets only cause traffic backups that can extend over half a mile while providing no safety for pedestrians at all. The same goes for roundabouts. Extending no parking to 55+ from corners only cause hardships on motorists while not providing help for pedestrians. Millions for an elevated walkway on Veirs Mill Rd is just plain stupid - a red light would be much cheaper.
What, if any, changes to the structure of the county's tax system should we be considering?
I am in favor of reducing County spending and reducing taxes and fees that are an extreme burden.
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 the County is to grow we must not concentrate everything in a small area or businesses and residents can not afford to be here.
How will Montgomery County be different four years from now if you are elected?
I believe people should be free to spend their own money and have as little interference from government as possible
Joe Russek
District 5
Republican