Paul Schwartz Runs For Montgomery County Council In District 7

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — It's primary election season in Maryland. Early voting runs through Thursday, July 14. Primary election day is Tuesday, July 19. Voters can also return their ballot by mail, or place it in a drop box.

Residents can learn when, where and how to can vote by clicking here. Voters can see which districts they live in by using this tool. Visit this link to see who is running in each district.

Patch asked Montgomery County Council and county executive candidates to complete a questionnaire outlining their priorities.

Montgomery County Council District 7 candidate Paul Schwartz participated in our survey. Schwartz's responses are posted below.

Name

Paul K Schwartz

Campaign website

https://paulkschwartz.com

City or town of residence

Brookeville

Office sought

Montgomery County Council District 7

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

Bachelor of Arts, Brooklyn College of the City University of NY

Occupation

Former federal official

Family

Married, two children (one deceased), seven grandchildren

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

69

Previous public office, appointive or elective

No

Why are you seeking this office?

My vast experience at the federal, state and local levels of government will be a great asset to the County Council as it seeks to address the many issues facing our county. My specific expertise in not just developing legislation but overseeing the implementation of programs to carry out the legislation will be invaluable to this council.

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

My vast experience at all three levels of government which is invaluable as we must rely on all three working together to address the challenges facing our county.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

The previous incumbent was term limited, but during her time in office she ignored the issues facing the so-called "up county" focusing almost entirely on the "down county". With redistricting, there is no longer that separation and full focus will be on the "up county" issues.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Safety — school safety including placing the SRO's back in the schools; hate crimes which are on the rise — we must address it prior to the next attack; building trust between the police and the communities in which they serve by strengthening the Police Accountability Board and building in incentives to attract more qualified police; addressing roadway safety, and so on. Environment - balancing development with protection of our environment; Equity - in education and opportunity as well as in taxation.

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

In addition to being awarded the Commissioner's Award for Innovation while at U.S. Customs and the Administrators Outstanding Individual Award while at FEMA, I take a great deal of pride in my post federal career advocacy work which includes my efforts to see Maryland's Firearms Safety Act passed and which contributed to my being distinguished by Moms Demand Action as a "Gun Sense Candidate for 2022". I also take great pride in my advocacy work as the Chair of NARFE's State Legislation Committee and my relentless pursuit of tax relief which culminated in the passage of the Retirement Tax Reduction Act of 2022 after years of my advocacy on this issue.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

It actually came from an old Chinese proverb which captures my management approach: "Tell me and I will forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I will understand"

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I want them to know that I am not running because I am looking for a new challenge. I am not. I am running because I am completely convinced that this particular county council and the people they represent will benefit greatly by my specific experience and I want very much to share that experience for the benefit of the people of District 7.