Democrat Benjamin Kramer offers pragmatic approach to solving problems; Republican Louis August, understands the issues; Green Party's George Gluck is unopposed.

The residents of Montgomery County's Fourth District will go the polls this month and next to elect someone to fill a vacant seat on the County Council for the second time in one year. Following the death of longtime Councilwoman Marilyn J. Praisner in February 2008, her husband, Don Praisner, won the opportunity to finish his wife's term that would have ended in 2010. A few months ago, Mr. Praisner died, leaving the seat vacant yet again.

Six Democrats, three Republicans and one Green Party candidate are hoping to be the ninth member of a council that is faced with tough choices amidst a staggering budget deficit and a downturned economy. Although only District 4 residents will cast their votes to elect the next council member, the impact of the election will be felt around the county. On an elected body where most issues are evenly divided among its members, the new council member could play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the county.

In the Democratic race, two candidates have the name recognition and endorsements to qualify them as the front-runners: state Del. Benjamin F. Kramer, who represents the county's District 19 in the General Assembly, and Nancy Navarro, a member and former president of the county Board of Education. Others in the race include funeral director Michael Bigler, attorney Robert Goldman, information technology developer Thomas Hardman and former Montgomery County Civic Federation president Cary Lamari.

Ms. Navarro brings an understanding of the diversity of District 4 and sees herself as an advocate of diversity issues and quality education for all.

Mr. Kramer comes from a brief state legislative tenure where the nexus of limited government resources and community need have been played out in Annapolis. He also has a business background and offers a pragmatic approach to solving problems with a focus on government that is accountable and finding solutions that work.

We believe that Mr. Kramer is best qualified for the council and endorse him in the Democratic primary on April 21.

In the Republican race, the choices are limited: Andrew Padula, a candidate whose resume is not deep in experience, but who has lived in the county for nearly his entire life; Robin Ficker, a candidate who runs on the issue of taxation and recently moved back into District 4 to seek the office; and Louis August, a candidate who seems to understand the issues and offer practical solutions to the problems, but has lived in the county for a half-dozen years.

Mr. August is an unknown in most county circles, but seems to be a viable candidate. A nonprofit executive who has operated technology camps for at-risk youths, he believes in a community joining forces with the government, even as volunteers, to make it through tough times when the budget, including the county's workforce, faces reductions.

The Green Party candidate, George Gluck, is the lone candidate representing his party and will advance to the May 19 general election.