Bill Bien – Candidate for Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee At Large (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: Democratic

Campaign Website: https://www.billbien.org

Social Media Links: Facebook

Why Are You Running For Office?

Like many of you I’ve worked on campaigns as an activist because Democratic values are my values. Equality. Environmental Health. Economic Empowerment.

Last year I faced the challenge of my life when I came down with lymphoma. I thought there would be no more campaigns, no more candidates to help. I beat my cancer and have redoubled my commitment to our Party.

If elected I would work to change the Party Committee in these ways: 1. Fight for our County: Elections matter because they determine leaders and policies that affect us all. Montgomery County is a great place to live but it is at a crossroads. Many of our residents face an affordability crisis and federal headwinds challenge our values. The Central Committee should support local and state candidates who improve economic opportunities, protect our values and our environment. 2. Voter Engagement: Increase voter registration and turnout across Montgomery County. Target underrepresented communities to ensure every eligible resident has the access and the information required to participate in our democracy. 3. Win Elections for All: Work to elect hardworking Democrats across the entire ballot who mirror our community’s diversity. Expand outreach to underserved areas to strengthen the party’s local presence. Build a permanent grassroots organization that engages our community year-round. 4. Build Coalitions: Partner with unions and grassroots organizations to ensure working families have a voice and that all communities are represented in our party’s decisions.

My volunteer experience in the Democratic Party comes from my life long commitment to economic opportunity for all, equality and diversity, improving environmental health, and to scientific advancement. I have knocked on many voter doors in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, & Iowa because elections influence our communities and values.

What Is The Biggest Issue Facing Voters In This Race?

Whom we elect to office matters so much because we are at a crossroads locally and nationally. Locally, while Montgomery County remains a beacon of equality, progressive values, and scientific research we are facing painful challenges stemming from federal policies, an affordability crisis, slow job growth, and civic division. We need leaders who can bridge these issues and create opportunities and abundance for all while respecting our democracy and individual & progressive rights. Winning elections here and in our neighboring battleground states are where we can make this happen. Generating local activism and voter engagement is critical and only a vibrant and experienced Party Committee can do this. I am running to do this.

What Experience Best Prepares You For This Role?

My campaign and cross cultural leadership experience. For over 20 years I have volunteered as a canvasser, letter writer, policy analyst, GOTV organizer, event manager, and fund raiser. Like many of my neighbors in our great county, all of this is unpaid volunteer work because of the passion I hold for Democratic politics. The impact I’ve had includes organizing over 3,000+ volunteers, having 40,000+ doors knocked, raised funds for candidates, and driving and walking many miles in all types of weather in Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and California.

Professionally, I have led non profit and commercial teams that have tackled complex issues that matter. I’ve decarbonized a global manufacturer in 5 years, as a business leader I helped business people across the world achieve their goals and make their payrolls, and now I focus on helping non-profits improve their services to our neighbors and also lessen their impact on our climate and environment. This has included leading a civil rights commission that focused on improving cross cultural diversity and equity and serving as a volunteer and board member for environmental and climate organizations.

What Would You Like Voters To Know About You Personally?

My wife and I love living in Montgomery County because of its rich diversity and beautiful physical environment. We have raised a wonderful multicultural family and feel right at home here because of the values that MoCo places on respecting people from all backgrounds. I love the outdoors. On the weekends you’ll find us enjoying the trails at Rock Creek Park, the Billy Goat trail, Seneca Creek, or at Sugar Loaf Mt. and at St Johns, our local church. I focus on giving back to our community via Leadership Montgomery, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and our local Rotary Club.

---