“Stop Trump” Won’t Fix Montgomery County
On November 3rd, Montgomery County voters will be hiring people to run the County government. We should demand that they explain how they intend to do the job, that they openly debate their opponent and make their case to the voters.
Yet too often, questions about taxes, schools, spending, and economic opportunity are met with the same tired, old, political reflex: “Stop Trump.”
That is a slogan, not a plan.
Donald Trump is not on the November 3 ballot, local candidates are. They should answer for their own records, defend their decisions, and explain what they will do with the authority they are asking us to give them.
Disliking the president is not a qualification for managing our county.
Opposing Trump does not repair a deteriorating school, fix a road, lower a tax bill, or make County government more efficient. Those tasks require priorities, discipline, and the willingness to challenge a political establishment that has grown comfortable.
Washington does not cast the County Council’s budget votes. Local officials do. There are currently no Republicans in local office and no checks on the spending missteps and mis-aligned priorities in the County. Politicians cannot claim credit when things go well and point toward Washington whenever residents demand answers.
Consider the signs proclaiming, “Stop Trump—Vote Yes on Question 3.” Plain and simple, question 3 is about gerrymandering the state to eliminate the only Republican representative from Maryland and deny representation to 40% of the voters. Even The Washington Post’s editorial board opposes the measure.
Anger at Trump should not become a “get out of responsibility card” or blank check for politicians to rewrite the rules for their own advantage. Nor should it become a blank check for County candidates.
If a candidate answers a question about County performance by talking about Trump, ask the question again. If they still dodge the question they haven’t earned your vote.
Candidates should earn your vote. They should face tough questions, participate in debates, and defend their proposals in public. Seeking power while avoiding scrutiny is unacceptable.
On November 3, put qualifications ahead of party loyalty. Demand common sense, accountability, and affordability.