John Zittrauer Runs For Montgomery County Council In District 4

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 4 candidate John Zittrauer participated in our survey. Zittrauer's responses are posted below.

Name

John F Zittrauer

Campaign website

www.friendsofjohnzittrauer.com

City or town of residence

Silver Spring

Office sought

County Council, District 4

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

Some college

Occupation

Bartender/Server, 9 years

Family

Meg (spouse)

Age

40

Previous public office, appointive or elective

no

Why are you seeking this office?

I've lived in this county for over a decade, and worked in retail and hospitality for all of my adult life. Like a lot of people in these and other industries, I've lived paycheck-to-paycheck for that whole time. This life experience brings a new perspective into local politics, where we spotlight diversity in all demographics except income and status. This campaign is about uplifting our community by helping those of us who struggle, and giving a platform to people who have felt neglected by their government.

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

My experience living below the median household income has put me in touch with the issues facing many of our constituents, and given me empathy towards their struggles.

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

• Frequent, reliable public transportation that is free to ride will get cars off the road; this includes dedicated BRT lanes.
• A county that is safe to walk and bike, which includes protected bike lanes and more sidewalks
• Expanded rail and bus service up-county.
• Covered, shaded bus stops for inclement weather and commuters with disabilities.
• Abolish cash bail and no-knock warrants, and decriminalize poverty, drug use, and mental illness in this county.
• Get police out of schools.
• End homelessness in the county.

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

My experience in the hospitality industry has taught me how to work in a team environment and deal with stressful situations while maintaining composure. I work with the public on a daily basis, and now I have the chance to do more to help the community.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

One of the other candidates in this race reminded me to take a day off occasionally, and that has been valuable for my mental and physical health.

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

Our county has seen an increase in fatal overdoses over the last couple of years, and we can stop that trend with supervised consumption sites. I will advocate for harm reduction techniques like this to go along with decriminalization.