I served 16 years as a Montgomery County career firefighter, responding to emergencies and working directly with residents in every type of neighborhood. That experience taught me how county decisions affect real people. After an injury ended my service, I became a small business owner. I understand budgeting, managing employees, and solving problems. I will bring a practical, service focused perspective to the Council.
Montgomery County must expand housing options so working families can afford to live here. I support increasing housing supply near transit, streamlining permitting, and encouraging responsible development that includes workforce housing. We must also preserve existing affordable housing and reduce barriers that slow construction. Teachers, firefighters, nurses, and service workers should be able to live in the communities they serve.
The county budget should prioritize the core services residents rely on every day. I support strong funding for public safety, education, infrastructure, and programs that help vulnerable residents. At the same time, we must carefully review spending, eliminate inefficiencies, and ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly. A disciplined budget protects services while keeping Montgomery County economically competitive.
A strong county makes sure residents can get help during difficult times. I support investments in food security, housing stability, mental health services, and job training. The county should strengthen partnerships with nonprofits and community organizations that already serve residents effectively. Services must be accessible in every part of the county so families can get support before problems become crises.
Public safety requires strong staffing, training, and community trust. I support fully staffing fire and rescue services, ensuring police have the resources and training they need, and expanding behavioral health crisis response programs. We should invest in prevention, coordination between agencies, and community engagement so residents in every neighborhood feel safe and supported.
Campaign Twitter
votesharif2026
Campaign Phone
240-876-1825
Campaign Instagram
SharifHidayat320
My background and experience includes over twenty years of public service working with HOA's, Civic Associations and Non-profit organizations to ameliorate public safety and quality of life issues. I have a proven track record of collaborating with community members, local businesses and non-profits to solve complex issues. Our campaign is self funded. Therefore, I'll be able to truly represent District 7 residents vs. the typical "pay for play" politician that District 7 has been used to.
I would partner with organizations like Habitat for Humanity. I would mobilize local volunteers and fundraising through donations rather than taxes, this model supports low-income households while fostering community involvement. I will donate my time to help dig the ditches and hammer the nails to provide affordable housing for those most in need. There is no need for taxpayers to flip the bill for affordable housing when there are so many of use that are willing to donate our time for free.
Public Safety and Education will see increases in their budgets for the obvious. We have to have safe streets and safe communities to live in and work. Funding for education is always a good investment for our community. Youth development will also see an increase in spending. MCPS's procurement office will be getting a rude awaking if I am elected. MCPS has squandered millions of dollars from taxpayers with no real accountability. Google moco school electric bus scandal to know what I mean.
Having served as a Police Officer, I know first hand the importance of ensuring that our Safety Net Services remain fully funded. The Crisis Center, Mobile Crisis Unit, and Family Justice Center will continue to receive funding for the important work that they do. Montgomery County is fortunate to have an extensive network of non-profits, faith based organizations and civic associations that provide the heavy lifting when it comes to food insecurities and social services.
I support public safety policies that keep residents informed, engaged and accountable. Montgomery County is fortunate to have a police force that is as diverse as the community it serves. Policies that cultivate community trust and engagement are policies I support. Policies that alienate or handicap officers from doing their jobs effectively are policies that I won't support. Holding Criminals accountable to the community should remain the primary focus of law enforcement professionals.
Campaign Phone
4438782954
Campaign Instagram
@dawnluedtke4moco
My prior experience as both a private practice attorney and Assistant Attorney General, as well as my nine years service in executive branch of State government have informed my work in my first term on the County Council. My education and workforce experience as well as my personal life experience assist with my decision-making, my attention to detail, my focus on the rule of law, my community engagement and outreach about the role of local government, and my passion for serving the community.
I have already supported and will continue to support 1) strategic zoning changes to allow for flexibility in housing types along major corridors and near transit; 2) office to residential conversion; 3) funding our Housing Production Fund for development in public/private partnership of affordable multifamily dwelling units, and 4) working to insist on clear, articulable standards and processes with the Department of Permitting Services to ensure easier time to delivery of units.
My assessment of our operating budget focuses on making sure the County continues to deliver core government services which means ensuring salaries and operating capacity for those services, while evaluating the departments to ensure there's no duplication of services, assess overhead vs. benefit costs to make more of the tax investment go directly to services to residents, and hold the executive branch agencies accountable for fiscally sound decision-making in the delivery of services.
My priority safety net services focus on bolstering our food insecurity programs, investments in our services to end and prevent homelessness to reduce instability for our children and families at-risk of becoming homeless or for those entering permanent supportive housing, and for our primary care coalition/Montgomery Cares partners providing health and dental services to our uninsured/underinsured residents emphasizing preventive care and minimizing ER visits for residents of all ages.
I have been a staunch supporter of our entire public safety ecosystem and will continue to support recruitment and retention efforts, community engagement and outreach with our public safety professionals, ensuring they have the appropriate resources to perform their work, and to support force multiplier resources like the Drone as First Responder and Real Time Intelligence Center programs for MCPD, and our mobile med and mobile crisis services for MCFRS and our behavioral health unit in DHHS.
Campaign Twitter
https://x.com/MocoResistance
Campaign Phone
301-710-7888
Campaign Instagram
www.instagram.com/mocoresistance/
My background as an economist, with specialization in fiscal policy, an intelligence professional, and project manager has prepared me to evaluate complex policy, financial, and economic issues. I have produced economic analysis used by senior decision-makers and managed multimillion-dollar federal programs and teams. This experience gives me the analytical discipline, fiscal oversight, and leadership needed to make responsible policy decisions and ensure effective use of taxpayer resources.
My experience analyzing economic systems and housing markets shows that increasing supply is the most effective way to reduce housing costs. I support expanding diverse housing options, streamlining zoning and permitting, and encouraging transit-oriented development to increase supply where infrastructure already exists. I would also support public-private partnerships and incentives that help developers build quality housing while protecting fiscal responsibility and economic stability.
I support creating a county fiscal accountability office modeled on a “DOGE-style” efficiency review/audit (without mass layoffs) that uses data to audit programs and identify waste, duplication, and underperforming spending. Funds from reduced or inefficient programs should be redirected to core priorities like public safety, schools, infrastructure, and housing supply. I would focus on growing revenue through economic growth and business investment rather than increasing taxes on residents.
I support strengthening the county's safety-net services while improving accountability and access for residents who need them most. This includes better coordination between county agencies and community organizations so families can more easily access housing, food, and family assistance programs. I also believe the strongest long-term safety net is economic opportunity, so I would support policies that encourage job creation, small business growth, and workforce development across the county.
Crime is out of hand in the county and based on this reality, I'd support strengthening law enforcement resources and ensuring officers have the staffing, tools, and support necessary to respond effectively to crime. I'd increase the police budget and start removing the Accountability Board that impedes police work. Finally, I'd prioritize manpower in the police force rather than the drone program as I feel police presence is the best deterrent for crime.
