Meet Montgomery County School Board Candidate: Steve Solomon

SILVER SPRING, MD — When voters cast their ballots in the Nov. 3 elections, they will be asked to select individuals to serve on Montgomery County's Board of Education.

Patch asked each candidate to answer questions to help provide voters with information about who they are and their stances on various issues. We are printing their responses in full, unedited except for spelling or punctuation. Below are the responses from candidate Steve Solomon.

Age (as of Election Day)
44

Town/City of Residence
Silver Spring

Office Sought
County School Board

Party Affiliation
The school board race is nonpartisan, but I am a registered Democrat

Family
None

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
Yes, a few of my family members have worked for the federal government.

Education
Bachelors degrees in Economics and Theater from the University of Maryland College Park

Occupation
20 years as a radio and podcast host/producer

Campaign website
www.VoteSteveSolomon.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office
None

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
Getting students back to in person learning is my priority. It's been done successfully in many jurisdictions around the country and in other counties in the D.C. area. Montgomery County will be one of the last ones to get kids back into school. And being so late on it, we have all these other school districts as the model on how to do it safely and successfully.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?
Solomon declined to answer, saying the topic was too controversial.

What are your thoughts on the campaign to "defund" the police?
Solomon declined to answer, saying the topic was too controversial.

What are your thoughts on the state and national response to the coronavirus pandemic? Do you favor such measures as limiting operation of non-essential businesses or restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a nationwide mask mandate?
Solomon declined to answer.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I'm not a politician, I'm just an average guy trying to make a difference.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?
I respect my opponent. She has done a fine job as a Board of Education member. I am troubled by some of the actions of the board as a whole, that's why I am running for office.

The board's actions that have troubled me are the delayed plan that was set forth in the summer for fall learning. A plan was not finalized until late August for a school semester that started a week later. Parents and students were left not knowing what will happen in the fall semester until the last minute. Also, the lack of a plan to get back safely to in person learning troubles me.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.
1) Expanding vocational and technical programs to more schools.

2) Making all schools safe and modern.

3) Retaining the best teachers at MCPS.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I am proud of my career as a radio and podcast host. Every day I work collaboratively with others to put on a radio show. I can do the same thing working with other board members to make our schools better.

I'm a lifelong resident of Montgomery County and have volunteered for several boards, nonprofits, and campaigns.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?Bringing all Montgomery County students back to in person learning.

Why should voters trust you?
I've spent my career working hard to be on the radio. Every day listeners trust me to tell it like it is and pull no punches. Voters should pick the person that will work hard and do the things they say they're going to do.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?
Montgomery County schools have a $2.7 billion budget. We have to be smart with our spending knowing that money will be much tighter in a post Covid world.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?
No.

The best advice ever shared with me was:
"The best ability is availability." Showing up every day, working hard, and doing your job is very important.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am a lifelong resident of Montgomery County who is running for Board of Education so that I can give back to my community. I believe parents and students want their elected officials to give them real answers and solutions to their problems.

SEE ALSO:

• Meet Montgomery Co. School Board Candidate: Rebecca Smondrowski
• Meet Montgomery County School Board Candidate: Michael Fryar
• Meet Montgomery County School Board Candidate: Dr. Sunil Dasgupta