Candidate Profile: Marilyn Balcombe For MoCo Council In District 1

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Marilyn Balcombe is the president and CEO of the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce, where she's been a member for 17 years.

Balcombe is running against Lorna Phillips Forde and William Robert for the soon-to-be-vacant District 2 seat on the Montgomery County Council. Craig Rice, who currently represents the district is term limited. The winner of Tuesday's primary will represent the Democratic Party on the Nov. 8 general election.

There is currently no Republican challenger in District 2 for the Nov. 8 general election.

Patch has asked each of the candidates running in select races to fill out a questionnaire, sharing facts about themselves and why voters should choose them to represent their party in November.

Name

Marilyn Balcombe

Campaign website

Marilyn Balcombe.com

City or town of residence

Germantown

Office sought

County Council District 2

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

I have a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology; Masters in Mental Health Counseling; Bachelors is Accounting

Occupation

I am the President & CEO of the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce. I have been there for 17 years.

Family

I have an adult daughter, Emily.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

Age

Previous public office, appointive or elective

I have been appointed to a number of County and State committees and advisory groups throughout my career including the Great Seneca Science Corridor Implementation Advisory Committee and the Upcounty Citizen's Advisory Board.

Why are you seeking this office?

The Upcounty often does not get its fair share of services. We need a strong voice to ensure we get the schools, transportation, recreation and social services we need. I have been working on these issues for almost 30 years. We have a great community and we need to ensure the high quality of life for future generations. I have the knowledge, skill and ability to make that happen.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

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

I have a long history of working in my community, for my community. While others may say what they are going to do, I have the results to show for it. My track record speaks for itself. I was instrumental in opening BlackRock Center for the Arts, the Germantown Library, the Town Center Park. I was an integral part of the team advocating for the Watkins Mill Interchange. I have advocated for every school, road, fire station, and library that has been built in the past 25 years.

I also have a long list of endorsements including the Washington Post, the Sierra Club, the Fraternal Order of Police, Moms Demand Action (distinction), as well as local leaders including the two incumbents from the newly formed District 2 - Councilmember Craig Rice (D2) and Councilmember Andrew Friedson (D1). Others include former County Executive Ike Leggett, former Councilmembers Mike Knapp, Nancy Floreen, and Mike Subin. I have endorsements from State Senators Cheryl Kagan, Brian Feldman, and Nancy King as well as from Delegates from D15, 17, 39 - the Upcounty districts.

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

There is no incumbent in my race.

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

Jobs and the economy, transportation, early care and education. We also need to protect the Agricultural Reserve and do what we can to mitigate climate change.

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

As mentioned above, I have been a community activist for almost 30 years with great success. My educational background and my professional experience gives me the knowledge and the skill necessary for the job.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Always be true to who you are.

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

Please see my website for a detailed listing of my accomplishments and my plans for the future.

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