Democrat

Candidate name: Duchy Trachtenberg

Place of residence: North Bethesda

Date of birth: March 17, 1954

Place of birth: New York City

Current occupation: Social worker with a specialty in adolescent addiction

Education: M.S.W., University of Maryland; B.A., New York University

Community associations, involvement: President, Maryland NOW and Mid-Atlantic regional director, NOW National Board; Board of Directors, Progressive Maryland; past vice chairwoman, Montgomery County Council Advisory Committee on Mental Health; past chairwoman, Board of Education’s Advisory Committee on Counseling and Guidance; past president, Montgomery County NOW

Professional associations: Past section chairwoman and governing councilor, American Public Health Association; NAMI

Family: Married to Alan I Trachtenberg; two adult children, Scarlett and Walter

Campaign office address and telephone: 11212 Empire Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852, 301-984-5831

Web site: www.voteduchy.org

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

My top priorities include the reform of the county public health system, specifically mental health care; the improvement of public transportation, including the construction of the Inner Purple Line; and future investments in our education system, so teachers have the tools to get the job done and students (and their families) have equitable access to both opportunities and services.

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

In terms of the rapid growth and social services in this county, I would rate the current Council’s land-use and service decisions as ‘‘fair”. Their attention to the budget would garner a ‘‘good” rating, although there is room for improvement given our growth and the multi-layered challenges we face as a community.

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

Our rate is too fast as most county residents are concerned over our rapid growth and the intersection of that growth with the delivery of services, specifically transportation initiatives, our school programs and health care services.

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

The Council should have a larger role in the oversight of the county planning process. In particular, the process must be more transparent and inclusive of input from both the civic community and the development industry.

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

More oversight would have helped and also a more timely and efficient response from both the Council and the Park and Planning staff (once local civic advocates uncovered problems) would have made an enormous difference. Rather than point fingers, I’m intent on establishing an appropriate protocol in such matters — one that allows for community input and improves accountability on every level.

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

Smart growth projects need to be expanded recognizing the tremendous needs that exist for county employees, our senior population and the disability community. A reasonable stock of affordable rental units must be part of this housing focus. In addition, creative and innovative programs will need to be defined by working closely with the development industry and the community at-large.

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?

I am particularly concerned over the growing needs of our community in this regard. Whether we’re talking about the unavailability of affordable housing or inadequate school services for students from immigrant homes, it is clear we do not have adequate resources to respond effectively to community needs. Our county needs to continue to explore creative solutions, recognizing the unique role our business community can play in these solutions. Additionally, the challenges to provide both ESOL services and baseline health services can be infused with greater federal grant funding.

Do you support Montgomery County’s day laborer centers?

Yes, especially given the continued increase in our immigrant community.

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

I am particularly interested in initiating additional youth programs, targeting the unmet needs of immigrant youth and those middle and high school students with learning challenges. These programs can be funded to a large degree with both federal dollars and foundation grant awards.

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

Like many other jurisdictions and even the business sector, there have been repeated problems with the performance and cost of large-scale information technology programs. Sound management policy of the county government requires that any savings obtained be subject to the discipline of the regular budget process in which spending needs are balanced and unnecessary expenses are avoided.

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

I believe there is wisdom in the current system providing for an independent School Board. Nonetheless, the Council does have a responsibility to ensure that defined education objectives are achieved and budget dollars spent wisely. Several weeks back, I had the pleasure of signing onto an agreement of collaboration between several Council candidates and Board candidates. Regular and ongoing dialogue between both bodies is essential so needs, accountability and challenges are discussed on a year-round basis.

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

The current system for renovation is fundamentally inadequate. A comprehensive plan must be drawn up, outlining both priorities and a reasonable timetable for these improvements. The entire school community recognizes the urgent need for accountability in this area.

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

Our public safety concerns are two-fold; they include the increase in gang violence and the need for adequate resources in the event of an emergency (9⁄11-type) crisis. Innovative programs (within both DHHS and MCPS) addressing youth challenges must be initiated with the help of additional federal grant funding and foundation dollars. Our Juvenile Justice program and the county jail must no longer serve as the primary treatment option for our youth afflicted with mental illness and substance abuse. Emergency preparedness needs must also be re-evaluated by our emergency workers, public health personnel, and the Council recognizing that additional funding and program support can be secured through specific federal programs.

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

I am a strong supporter of the proposed Inner Purple Line. Connecting the vibrant business districts of Silver Spring and Bethesda is vital to our community. Expansion of this line to provide service to College Park would be an enormous benefit to our growing student population.

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

I support the program although I do have concerns about accountability. In terms of our public health system, I am specifically interested in having the benefit of a thorough needs assessment done by a public health academic setting and the establishment of an outcome measurement protocol. These steps will ensure both the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of all programs, including Montgomery Cares.

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

Given the lack of adequate federal and state funding for mental health services, our county has continued to face challenges in delivering these services. Our non-profit community has done a good job of filling treatment gaps and providing whatever safety net it can. However, our mental health system is in need of dramatic reform and improvements. Specifically, our system of care is fragmented; best practices are not consistently utilized, most notably in the area of addiction care. While a needs assessment can help us allocate resources more strategically, we must secure additional federal funding as we are currently under-funded by federal grants in comparison to other large and diverse communities.