Arian Borghei – Candidate for Montgomery County Council District 2 (Moderately MOCO Candidate Introduction Series)

This post is part of the Moderately MOCO Candidate Introduction Series. Candidates who did not receive the questionnaire via email or need more information can get access through our contact form. The information in this post was submitted directly by the candidate and does not represent the views of Moderately MOCO or its publication.

Basic Information

Political Party: Republican

Campaign Website: https://sites.google.com/view/arianfordistrict2-com/home?authuser=0

Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/arianb5/

Why Are You Running For Office?

I’m running for county council I am a committed local resident bringing fresh leadership in hope for a change to District 2. Focused on accountability, opportunities for everyone and even our young generation, and solutions for affordable housing, always will be and had been a Voice for the Black Community (Attended BLM Protests etc.) (Attended anti Ice protests, spoke up at events at school. Will take action to prevent another shooting like what happened to Wotton High School, ensure money goes into education more and work for a better future for our community and our kids.I aim to bring fresh energy, new visions and strong commitment to public service. A senior in high school, and recently got accepted to Hood College, I alredy demonstrated leadership in working at Calmra.Inc a non profit organization, helped people with disabilities and much more, Arian also recently spoke at a school walkout in support of immigrants and all communities and against the administration and against ICE policies.

What Is The Biggest Issue Facing Voters In This Race?

In my opinion the major issues facing voters in this race are:Rapid Growth vs. Overdevelopment The problem is thatThere is Fast growth in Germantown/Clarksburg there is the Fear of losing rural character in western areas and Infrastructure not keeping up. My solution to this problem is for me to Tie new development approvals to infrastructure readiness, advocate and work for No major housing projects unless roads, schools, and utilities are funded first, work to Protect the Agricultural Reserve with strict zoning enforcement, I will also Focus new growth in already-developed corridors instead of rural land. Because Growth should happen where infrastructure already exists not where it doesn’t.Another problem facing voters currently is the Traffic & Congestion along the I 270 corridor the problem that voters have currently and want to see resolved are: Long commutes and daily congestion, and the fact that Growth has outpaced transportation upgrades. And my solution to this approach is to Expand bus rapid transit (BRT) and commuter options, work to Target road improvements at key bottlenecks (not just widening everything), I will also Encourage mixed-use development so people live closer to work. I’m aiming to do this because I aim to Reduce the need to commute, not just the traffic itself.The third problem facing our community and voters alike including students and parents is: School Overcrowding. Right now the problem is that Schools in Germantown/Clarksburg are over capacity and at the same time there is the Slow construction of new schools. And my solution to this approach is to: Require developers to fund school capacity (impact fees), Advocate and work to Accelerate school construction timelines, and to Use temporary solutions (like modular classrooms) only as short-term fixes. I aim to do this because we can’t have No new neighborhoods without space for students.The fourth problem facing voters in this election is in November is the Cost of Living & Housing, we are seeing Rising housing prices, we see and hear that People getting priced out of the county. My solution to this is for me to work to Increase moderately priced housing (not just luxury units), make it possible for a Incentivize workforce housing near transit and job centers, and I will always Review property tax impacts on residents. And I believe that with your support we can together Make it possible for working families to stay in Montgomery County.The 5th problem that voters are facing is that we want to Protect our Rural Communities. The problem we are facing right now is the fact that Pressure to develop farmland and Data Centers, which is resulting the Loss of open space and agricultural economy. My solution to this issue is simple, I will fight to Permanently protect agricultural land through zoning, I will always like in doing now Support local farms (tax incentives, local food programs), and finally I will work hard to Limit large-scale suburban expansion into rural zones. I will advocate for this issue weather or not I’m elected in November because I want to help Preserve what makes western Montgomery County unique.The final problem facing every single one of us currently is Public Safety. There are Concerns about crime and response times, most times it takes too long for an ambulance to or law enforcement to arrive at a scene or even other first responders. And my solution to wok towards the approach is to Ensure adequate police staffing, I will also be Focusing on community-based policing, and I will always Invest in prevention (youth programs, local engagement). I’m not just a random candidate who promises and won’t do anything in the candies who wants to see Safe communities through both enforcement and prevention.

What Experience Best Prepares You For This Role?

The experience that best prepares me for this role if elected is me helping out the community, speaking at protests, advocating for these issues before, and working at a nonprofit that helps solve these issues. While working with people with disabilities who are no different because we are all the same and we should respect and help each other, it’s also important to help the disabled community because they are going through a tough time because of the administration and most republicans.

What Would You Like Voters To Know About You Personally?

I would like voters to Know that I’m open minded, I’m not a maga republican or conservative, instead I’m a moderate who believes in working with all parties, including with democrats and independents, I hear your voices and concerns, I’ll help solve them, I’m not a career politician like my opponent but here’s what I know if we want a change I will be the choice for all residents and voters because I am a outsider with ideas and experience that reach out to everyone. I am not lying, I myself am tired of being under represented my family is too, we reside in Germantown, I used to be a Harris Supporter, Governor Moore Supporter, Biden Supporter and Bernie Sanders supporter this is who I am, and the things I believe in. I want to let voters know what I was born here in the US, but I am Iranian American I will also represent the Iranian community too alongside with all communities.

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