Priorities

Affordability & Accountability

Esther Wells will lead with measurable goals, fiscal stewardship, and transparent government—centered on affordability, accountability and private sector growth.

Operating Budget

  • Fiscal Discipline: Streamline Government Operations to include automation of services, restructure County departments & implement AI tools to reduce costs by an estimated 20%
  • Government Accountability & Audits of $7.6B Operating Budget to identify waste & mismanagement of Taxpayer funds
  • Zero-based budgeting to shift focus to delivering results, improving transparency, efficiency and oversight
  • Evaluate whether county employees’ salary pay scales are competitive, equitable & sustainable
  • Fund MoCo Economic Development Corp’ (MCEDC) Strategic plan based on performance & outcomes

Economic Development

  • Open for Growth: Reverse Montgomery County’s reputation of being “closed for business” to being the premier destination for global corporations & visionary developers by offering speed, certainty, and world-class incentives.
  • Energy Choice: Champion a mix of safe, affordable and reliable energy sources
  • Eliminate Energy Mandates: Block or weaken all-electric energy mandates to protect property owners from high compliance costs & penalties
  • Broaden the tax base: attract new corporate headquarters & high-paying jobs to allow us to lower property & income tax rates for everyone while increasing the revenue we need
  • Improve marketing & tourism of the County

Public Safety

  • Prioritize fully staffing our police department to improve response times
  • Improve officer morale through enhanced wellness resources
  • Restore funding for School Resource Officers (SROs) in MCPS to provide crisis support and safety during emergencies
  • Strengthen juvenile justice laws to address repeat offenders
  • Enhance coordination between police and residents to ensure every neighborhood feels safe and heard

Housing Supply & Affordability

  • Streamline the permitting process
  • Reverse the recent 4.7% property tax rate hike
  • Reduce annual property assessment increases by 50% of cap, aligning the county with surrounding jurisdictions
  • Protect Single-Family Zoning by opposing “by-right” high-density rezoning
  • Reduce restrictive zoning rules & regulatory costs that hinder new home construction
  • Block or weaken rent control laws to stimulate new construction & grow the assessable base for property tax revenue.
  • Expand exemptions & make it significantly easier for Landlords to qualify for Fair Return Petitions.

Health & Human Services

  • Prioritize fiscal accountability, oversight and transparency of Taxpayers’ funds
  • Close the structural deficit by sun-setting temporary COVID-19 programs that was never meant to be permanent
  • Streamline services between State, County and local government
  • Empower non-profit partners and faith-based partners to deliver services more efficiently
  • Provide workforce development, upskilling for residents and financial counseling as requirements for receiving social services

Education

  • Improve Outcomes for Students
  • Redirect focus toward “Student First” policies, ensuring budget increases translate into classroom success rather than administrative growth.
  • Independent Inspector General reporting to MCPS Board of Education
  • Fully fund school resource officers (SROs) in every MCPS High School
  • Temper MCPS’ request for funding to reflect current economic conditions and changing student enrollment
  • Re-align MCPS’ employee benefits to mirror surrounding school districts in Maryland
GET INVOLVED

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Gallery

A selection of campaign photos and downloadable materials.

Volunteer Spotlight

Real supporters. Real stories. Here’s why volunteers are stepping up for Esther Wells.

★★★★★

“I’m volunteering because Esther brings integrity and competence to every conversation.”

Volunteer team at a sign-up table

Jordan M.

Volunteer Captain

★★★★★

“This campaign is organized, optimistic, and focused on results—exactly what we need.”

Supporters greeting each other at a campaign event

Priya S.

Phone Bank Volunteer

★★★★★

“I donated and signed up to help because Esther’s plan is clear and grounded in service.”

Microphone at a podium representing civic engagement

Carlos R.

First-Time Volunteer

In the Press

Coverage and mentions from local and national media.

Help Elect Esther Wells

Chip in today and join a campaign built on integrity, competence, and service.

Endorsements

A few early supporters and community voices backing Esther’s leadership.

★★★★★

“A candidate with morals, integrity, value, and character to stand for what is right, good, and decent for all peoples regardless of race, color, creed, gender orientation, or religion!!”

Valerie

Small Business Owner

A Record of Excellence, A Vision for Change

Experienced professional. Dedicated mother. Ready to lead our County into a new era of prosperity.

Citizens for Esther Wells

Official campaign committee supporting Esther Wells for County Executive in Montgomery County.

Esther for County Executive

Trusted, proven leadership focused on accountability, public safety, and better outcomes for families.

Meet Esther Wells

CPA with a Masters in Taxation and a proven record of delivering multi‑million‑dollar savings—plus a lifelong commitment to Montgomery County as a mom of two.

Key Priorities

Fiscal Discipline & Government Accountability of a $7.6B Budget
Private Sector Growth & Deregulation
Reduce Tax Burden on Residents
Attract & Retain High‑Income Earners
Improve Outcomes for Students
Improve Public Safety & First Responder Wellness
Reduce Cost of Living & Improve Quality of Life
Energy Security & Reduce Utility Costs

Join the movement!

Volunteer, share updates, and help power the campaign forward.

Authority

Citizens for Esther Wells, Kara McNulty, Treasurer

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