Republican

Candidate name: Tom Reinheimer

Place of residence: Boyds

Date of birth: April 1959

Place of birth: New York State

Current occupation: Information security analyst

Education: B.S. in Business Administration

Community associations, involvement: Manchester Farm Swim Team; Marylanders for a Second Crossing; ICC Master Plan Advocates; Montgomery County Republican Party

Professional associations: CPA; CISA; CISSP; CISM; CAP

Family: Wife, Lilibeth; children Michelle, Michael, Patrick, Matthew

Campaign office, telephone: 18303 Crestmount Road, Boyds, MD 20841, 301 351-1898

Campaign Web site: www.ReinheimerForCouncil.com

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

*Taxpayer Advocate because 3 of the last 4 years the council has exceeded spending guidelines.

*Education — we need more choices.

*Transportation — Actions have not met ‘‘End Gridlock” rhetoric.

How would you rate the performance of the current council: excellent, good, fair or poor? Why?

Poor because the council has voted 3 out of 4 years to exceed the charter tax limits, failed in the oversight of the executive branch and Park and Planning, and have failed to address current and future transportation needs.

Is the rate of growth in Montgomery County too fast, too slow or just right?

The growth rate must be balanced with the growth in regional jobs and the desire to provide affordable housing. The current idea that government restricts growth while also mandating affordable housing are in direct conflict. If the desire is affordable housing, then we must find a way to to ensure adequate facilities like schools and transportation are provided as the growth occurs. If housing supply is not keeping up with demand, the market price of housing will price most middle class out of the market and the attempt by government to keep housing affordable will be futile and inadequate.

Who should have more control over the planning process, the council or the executive and why?

The planning process is the responsibility of the Park and Planning Commission who is appointed by the council. Once the plans are approved by the Park and Planning, the executive Department of Permitting Services should ensure permits are issued in accordance with the approved plans.

What should have been done to avoid the development problems that happened in Clarksburg?

There should have been clearer understanding of responsibilities of the County Executive departments and the Park and Planning Commission. There seems to have been an atrophy of a once competent Park and Planning due to failed leadership. There is also missing critical oversight of various departments.

What’s your plan to provide more affordable housing in Montgomery County?

A major component of housing prices is supply and demand. If the demand pressures are far greater than the supply, prices will increase and force lower income buyers to further destinations where prices are lower. Another component is the cost of regulation and regulatory delays. The process and regulatory mandates in Montgomery add significant cost to homes. The county must find a way to accommodate the growth that comes with economic success and streamline and reduce excessive regulatory mandates that increase the cost of housing.

Do you think the county is doing enough to meet the needs of its growing diverse population? If not, what do you think the county needs to do?

More needs to be done to reduce the tax burden on those already living here in the county. The county should not be taking money from families who have been here decades while providing resources to illegal immigrants. The county does not need to encourage more arrivals of those requiring government services to assimilate.

Do you support Montgomery County’s day laborer centers?

When communities have better police services and our schools don’t require portable classrooms, then we can review the need to spend taxpayer dollars for such facilities. Another concern is where to locate these centers. They should not be forced into neighborhoods and must be located where the community accepts them.

What programs would you add to the budget, and how would you pay for them?

Our county’s budget is growing out of control. Let’s get the budget under control and then take a look at adding to it. Tax reduction should be a priority before adding more to the budget. Despite record windfalls from high property value appreciation, the people who spend other peoples’ money never seem to get enough.

Are there any programs, taxes or fees that should be cut? What would you do with the money from the savings?

The entire county budget needs top to bottom review in the context of priorities and cost⁄benefit. The state of Maryland reduced the size of government 7% and I would look at similar ways of limiting the growth of our budget. Taxes are growing out of control and I would look at reducing property taxes and energy taxes.

Does council have too much, not enough or the right amount of oversight of the school system?

The council has enough oversight over the school system. They have the ability to review financial transactions and provide budget funding.

Do you think the current system for renovating schools is adequate, or does it need changing?

Renovating schools is a school board issue. The funding of renovations is the council’s and state’s job. I believe the state needs to provide more funding in this area.

What is the No. 1 public safety concern for Montgomery County? What would you do about it?

The growing crime rate and gangs growth is the number one safety issue. We need to toughen enforcement of existing laws to ensure gangs are eliminated as soon as they are found. Illegal aliens found in gang involvement should be incarcerated for the maximum period of time and then deported.

Do you support an east-west Metro link, and where should it go?

The Bi-County Transitway is being studied with about six different scenarios being evaluated including light rail and bus rapid transit. These scenarios will help determine where the route should go and which mode will be most beneficial and cost effective.

Do you support the Montgomery Cares program, and are adequate audit controls in place for accountability?

Montgomery Cares is new entitlement expected to grow from $5 million to $20 million dollars in several years. I haven’t seen the cost⁄benefit of this program and how it translates into savings for the taxpayer. It is doubtful that adequate audit controls are in place as is likely the case with many county government programs. The IG staff is too small and should be looking into these programs rather than the school board’s performance.

Health care became more unaffordable when the Democratically controlled General Assembly increased the HMO tax and failed to implement tort reform. We need to push Annapolis to make health care more affordable to all consumers.

What should be the county’s role in mental health?

The county’s role in mental health should be the same as other health issues. The county needs to ensure that the state’s program is provided to those who need it.