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Incumbent Rockville Mayor Susan Hoffman and City Council members John Britton and Piotr Gajewski have the knowledge and experience to serve the city well over the next two years. Mayor Hoffmann saw through the completion of Town Square, has been outspoken in her desire to increase affordable housing and stood by her decision to give contractual salary increases, despite a backlash from fiscal conservatives. Britton immersed himself in the fiscal 2010 budget and been steadfast in his decision to approve it despite criticism from some residents. And Gajewski has demonstrated ongoing support that city government be transparent.

It's been 14 years since Rockville voters had two open seats on the council, as longtime Councilwoman Anne M. Robbins is not seeking re-election and two-term council member Phyllis R. Marcuccio is seeking Hoffmann's seat. Tom Moore and Mark Pierzchala are best suited to fill those seats. Moore was an ardent advocate that the county provide funding for a new Rockville library in its 2000 capital budget and Pierzchala is known for his knowledge of the intricacies of the city budget.

Hoffmann understands that decisions must be made even when they are not popular. She knows leaders at all levels of government, and is willing to leverage those connections to draw attention to Rockville. She has lived up to her campaign promise of 2007 by guiding the city toward 60 percent use of wind power and its soon-to-be-implemented green building initiatives. Her main drawback is that she seems overly confident about the city's finances, repeatedly noting that the city is not in a crisis. That may be true, but budget projections for next year are not yet available, so her confidence may be short-lived.

Britton, an attorney, guided the city into focusing on pedestrian issues and made sure the city installed high-tech pedestrian crossing signals at several intersections. He supports subsidizing RedGate Golf Course, which has lost money for several years, and believes the next council should have a serious discussion on whether more members will be needed to serve the growing city.

Gajewski helped ensure that city residents received a 1-cent reduction in the property tax rate in 2009, to 29 cents per $100 assessed value — the third consecutive year for a decrease. He also held quarterly town hall meetings independent of other elected leaders and was instrumental in creating an in-house office of the city attorney.

Pierzchala, a fellow at a social policy research group who analyzes computer data collection systems, is committed to reining in the city's $101.8 million budget. The former mathematical statistician wants the city to begin budget discussions earlier in the cycle, perhaps right after the election, and attach expected costs to all projects, in an effort to prioritize them in the budget. The College Gardens resident, who ran for mayor two years ago, has stayed focused on the issues facing the city and attended most council meetings since then. He also believes city retreats should not be held off camera and is an environmentalist who bikes year-round to the Metro station.

Moore, a resident of the West End, has served on the Traffic and Transportation and Compensation commissions and with the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department. A journalist-turned-attorney, he is disappointed an affordable housing project proposed for North Washington Street and Beall Avenue became diluted by public opposition and lost about 30 units.

It is worthwhile to note two other standouts, Max van Balgooy and Virginia Onley. A Twinbrook resident and historic preservationist, van Balgooy believes it is critical to draw in residents to participate in government, especially with changing demographics. He also believes new technology should be used to effectively disseminate information.

Onley, a resident of downtown Rockville, has long been involved in boards and commissions, most recently the Compensation Commission, which recommends stipends for the mayor and council. She also has served on the Human Rights Commission, Rockville Seniors Inc. and Rockville Housing Enterprises. The 34-year employee of IBM has a strong connection to residents based on years of attending meetings and community events and is willing to speak her mind, even when her opinion is not popular.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 3.