Meet The Candidate: Stephen J. Escobar Running For Gaithersburg Mayor

GAITHERSBURG, MD — Gaithersburg voters will have the opportunity to elect a new mayor and two city councilors at the Nov. 2 election this year.

Patch has reached out to all of the candidates and asked them to share with readers why they think they're the best pick on the ballot. Stephen J. Escobar, a candidate for mayor, filled out this survey.

Early voting for the Gaithersburg election will be held at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 23 and 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Regular voting will be on Nov. 2 also at the Activity Center.

Candidate

Stephen J Escobar

Age (as of Election Day)

29

Position sought (mayor, city council, school board, etc.)

Mayor

Party Affiliation

No Affiliation

Family

I am married and have two daughters, years 11 & 4.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Montgomery College

Occupation

Soldier in the Maryland Army National Guard since 2010.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Current Elected President of Bennington Community Association

Campaign website

VoteEscobar.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

The City of Gaithersburg is the most diverse city in the nation, yet thousands of residents are concerned with the upcoming void of representation of the outgoing Council Vice President Michael A. Sesma only Latino and Council Member Laurie–Anne Sayles only female and African American. I seek to fill that potential void of diversity. Now as for the reason for switching over my candidacy from City Council to Mayor on the 4th of July is a simple answer. No politician should ever be unchallenged and definitely not two straight terms, without competition no individual or city will ever reach its full potential. My heart and values are in the right place, that is something that cannot be taught.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Hundreds of residents have voiced their issue on transparency and the city's decision to not fully comply with Maryland's State Ethics Commission requirements. In my first 100 days of office, I pledge to establish with the help of the City Council and staff, that the city fully comply with Maryland's State Ethics Commission requirements.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I would say the most critical difference is my diversity and lived experience.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

I will never speak to a reason on why you should vote against my opponent, only reasons to vote for me. I have knocked on thousands of doors all over the city to ask a simple question. What is your #1 concern here at the city level?

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

As a soldier in the Maryland Army National Guard I was activated on the first day of Larry Hogan's State of Emergency declaration in March of 2020. I worked with County and City governments all over the state for 5 months and experienced first hand the good faith efforts to preserve and save as many lives as possible regardless of race or political affiliation.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Continuing the fight against global warming, diversify job growth, support our small businesses, & improve the infrastructure around Lakeforest mall.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Even though I am not a career politician, I am no stranger to public service. As a soldier in the Maryland Army National, serving my community and the welfare of its citizens is always my first priority. Loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage are the 7 Army Values for which I live by and defend.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Treat others the way you want to be treated."

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Regardless of the outcome of this election, I pledge to stay involved in city affairs and keep advocating for all residents of the city, regardless of whether they have the right to vote.