Last night I participated in a Montgomery County Council At-Large candidate forum, sponsored by 17 Asian-American organizations at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville. The debate focused on issues of interest to the Asian American community in Montgomery County.

This debate had the best turnout of the 3 I've been in so far. More actual voters than campaign staff in the audience. It was also the first to cover the issues of education and transportation, although I did not get the transportation question. However, you can read about my transportation plan at www.RobertDyer.net.

I did answer questions about education (I'm the only candidate who supports full Maintenance of Effort funding for MCPS), after school programs, language accessibility, public safety, and was asked to give an example of when I have interacted with the Asian-American community in the county.

The best example, as I discussed in response, was in my advocacy against the attempt by developers to "redevelop" downtown Wheaton. There are many successful small businesses there - many owned by Asian-Americans - and they could be forced out by construction and high rents. Replacing them will be the usual national-chain suspects, of course. I'll talk more about the specifics of this issue in the coming days. But I got some applause when I promised that, if elected, I will ensure that any "redevelopment" benefits those who live and own businesses there now. The benefits should not all go to the developers and some hypothetical group of future residents. The response showed that attendees really did come from all over the county, as opposed to just Rockville. The Wheaton Sector Plan is a huge issue, and it will be decided by the next county council. That makes this a crucial vote for those who live in the Wheaton area (much like those who live in Long Branch, Damascus and the Westbard Sector).

I talked to a lot of voters afterward, and even ran in to a former teacher from high school. The debate was very well organized -they even put a tablecloth on the cafeteria table the candidates sat at. I think those who turned out were able to learn a lot about where the candidates stand, and what we will do if elected. It's great to see 17 groups getting involved in the process, and giving their members a chance to question and hear from those competing to represent them on the council. I strongly encourage other community groups around the county to hold these type of events, so that their voices and concerns can be heard before Election Day.