Montgomery County councilmembers interviewed its top three candidates Tuesday from a pool of 67 applicants for the seat left vacant by former At-Large Councilmember Gabe Albornoz, who resigned Monday.
Candidates Shebra Evans, Reemberto Rodriguez and Dr. Henry Lee answered a range of questions Tuesday morning concerning their priorities, thoughts on taxes and whether they were willing to take on the responsibility and work for a temporary position that will last less than a year.
The person chosen will serve until voters choose their preference for a permanent at-large councilmember replacement during the November 2026 election. All three candidates agreed they would not seek election past this one-year interim appointment. The Council will select its choice at the Dec. 9 meeting.
Evans served eight years on the Montgomery County Board of Education, including as president. She was not reelected during the November 2024 election.
She said her three priorities would be mental health, the budget and trust, and that she would “make it certain that you are passing a budget that serves all residents.”
As for trust, she vowed to let residents understand her decisions. “I am here because I love this county,” she said. If chosen, she said she would “lead with compassion.”
Evans pointed to her time serving on the school board during the pandemic as proof that she can serve during a crisis.
Lee previously served on the board of education following the resignation of then-Vice President Reginald M. Felton in 2004. He told councilmembers that his life experience would guide him. He described what it was like starting school unable to speak English and having to rely totally on public transportation because his parents did not drive. Lee also shared about his family’s housing struggles.
He said his three priorities, if selected, would be the budget, economic development and affordable housing.
When asked about taxes, Lee replied, “You can’t take raising taxes off the table.” However, he added, when considering a tax hike, “You have to weigh—are you going to lose residents? Are you going to lose businesses?”
“The most important thing is to grow the jobs,” said Lee.
Rodriguez served as director of the Silver Spring Regional Services Center from July 2009 to July 2021 and has a background in planning.
His priorities include affordable housing, economic growth and safety.
