Indian Spring resident Evan Glass won the most votes (263,275) in the Nov. 6 general election for an at-large position on the County Council.

Prior to the primary earlier this year, Glass was one of the many candidates who responded to a questionnaire from Source of the Spring that asked contestants why they were running, as well as about policies and programs they would pursue to expand the county’s tax base.

In an interview this week with the Source, Glass revisited some of those answers in light of the fact that he would now be serving on the council. Here are some excerpts from that interview:

On improving Montgomery County Public Schools:

“I’m committed to making sure that every child received the best education possible regardless of the zip code that the child lives in. When one-third of Montgomery County Public School students are eligible for free and reduced [price] meals, we know that improving educational prospects means more than just looking at the MCPS budget. We need to support the whole child and make sure that students are well equipped in the classroom and outside of the classroom.”

On transportation and public transit:

“My husband and I had one car for nearly 10 years. I had to get a second car in order to run for County Council. So I understand how our public transportation system works and how it doesn’t, and I am committed to improving it all for everybody. And I am committed to taking public transportation to Rockville as often as I’m able.”

On protecting the environment at the county level:

“An overwhelming majority of greenhouse emissions in Montgomery County emanate from transportation—from vehicles—and from our buildings. Those are the two areas where I would look to reduce our carbon footprint. And as the community continues to grow, [also] ensure that there are enough green spaces to accommodate the growing population.”

On streamlining the Department of Permitting Services to better serve small business:

“In my capacity as a nonprofit executive director [of Gandhi Youth Media Brigade], I have seen first hand the problems with the Department of Permitting Services as my organization has sought approval for projects. I know the problem is real . . . In order to make Montgomery County a better place for small businesses, we need to help them navigate the permitting system so that our small businesses and restaurateurs can go about their daily work and, hopefully, grow in the process.”

On reforming the Department of Liquor Control:

“I am interested in ensuring the Department of Liquor Control operates as effectively as possible while also allowing our small businesses timely and reliable access to its products . . . That is an inter-jurisdictional thing, and all these liquor-related issues need to be dealt with at the state level. Over the last six years, I have been advocating for a more efficient DLC.”

The four new councilmembers will be sworn in on Dec. 3, and the first new council session will be held the next day. Members will vote on a new council president (expected to be current vice president, Councilmember Nancy Navarro [D-District 4]), who will make council committee assignments.

The Source asked Glass if he had any preferences for his assignments. He replied, “I want to make sure that our transportation structure works for everybody and that our social safety net is strengthened. What’s great about the County Council is that with nine members and six committees, we can all work on many issues, regardless of our committee assignments.”

Photo courtesy Evan Glass campaign.