Name: Carl Henn Residence: Hungerford Age: 47 Top issues: Energy, environment, financial discipline Web site: carlhenn.googlepages.com

Q. What qualities and experiences distinguish you from the other candidates?

I have a stronger focus on energy security issues and have a number of ideas to address the economy, traffic and the environment in ways that will make Rockville a better place to live. I am President of the Hungerford Civic Association, a member of the Rockville Bicycle Advisory Committee, served on the Environment Commission and led an effort that started three community gardens. I have expertise in federal acquisition, a Masters degree in Public Administration and have lived in Rockville for 22 years.

Q. If you are an incumbent, how did you vote on the fiscal 2010 budget and why? If you are not an incumbent, how would you have voted and why?

Had I been on the council I would have supported an effort to renegotiate the union contracts to reduce the salaries. But without a bilateral agreement for such a reduction I would honor our contracts. I suspect that the next few years will be bleak enough that salary and hiring freezes will be necessary.

Q. How should the city proceed with RedGate Golf Course? If it continues to lose money, should the city continue to keep it open?

I am willing to compromise in the amount of overhead costs that the city provides to RedGate and for which we seek repayment. While the value of the overhead is real, eliminating RedGate probably wouldn't allow a commensurate reduction in overhead. I am not willing to provide a subsidy that goes beyond overhead. I would be willing to consider leasing the course to the County if that would allow golf to continue with a reduced City subsidy, though I doubt that prospect is still viable. I would not sell this park regardless of how the golfing question is answered. I'm sure that the driving range alone can operate without subsidy, though I would far prefer that a means be found to keep the whole course operating without subsidy under Rockville management.

Q. What role should the city have played in the negotiations between residents and Montgomery Housing Partnership, the nonprofit that wants to develop Beall's Grant II? Was it a mistake not to move quicker with the process, which some say would have secured state funding sooner rather than later?

The original proposal had excessive neighborhood impacts. The current proposal has less mass and greatly reduced traffic impact. I'm not sure we would have moved to the current proposal without having turned down the first one. So while the opportunity was lost, the project was improved. If that project now founders due to budget cutbacks, no good will have come from the delay. MHP should consider selling more units at market rate in order to move forward with the project without the subsidy which may not be forthcoming.

Q. Did the city's recent compromise with Town Square merchants provide an ample solution to the discussions on whether to extend the hours patrons should pay to park in the three city-owned garages? How can the city make up the money that it might have received if it extended the paid-parking hours as they had originally been proposed?

The compromise will bring in more revenue than was the case last year, yet is limited enough that it shouldn't be an insupportable burden to Town Center businesses. The City should aggressively market parking to Metro users, using flyers handed to passengers boarding at Shady Grove and Rockville. Both stations fill early in the morning. Perhaps using the slogan "Go ahead – sleep in. We'll keep your parking space till 10:00." Then set the price to ensure that space remains available till at least 10:00. As the Metro users learn about its availability, we will be able to increase the price as demand rises. I don't think that alone will raise enough money to pay the parking garage debt. We need to develop the block north of Beall without building any public garage space and without requiring the private users to build beyond a bare minimum. Then that block can use the 355 lot, increasing demand so that public payments can be eliminated.

Q. How well does the city (elected officials and staff) communication with its residents? Are there ways it can improve, and if so, how?

Overall, they communicate well. Staff and Council are accessible and citizens have multiple means to communicate to the City and vice versa. I think bringing back walking town meetings is a good idea. I support doing an "Imagine Rockville" planning effort again. One area that must be improved – Council members should not attack citizens who come before the council to offer their advice.

Q. Many have complained that the council has lacked civility toward each other and the residents who come before it. How would you guarantee that civility becomes a priority in the next two years?

I would act with civility toward staff, fellow Council members and citizens. I can't guarantee how other Council members will act, but hope that the atmosphere will improve.