Reardon Sullivan, a Rockville-based engineer, is running as a Republican for Montgomery County Council District 1 in the Nov. 3 general election. He faces Democratic candidate Julie Yang, according to BallotReady election data.

Sullivan, who says he chairs the Stop the Spend ballot petition committee, said on his campaign website that he wants to cap county spending growth. His petition would amend the county charter to limit annual increases to the prior year's rate of inflation. Sullivan has also said he would donate 30 percent of his net council salary to the MoCo Police Foundation or UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO if elected.

Candidate information

  • Party: Republican
  • Residence: Rockville, Maryland
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering, University of Maryland (1982); T.S. Wootton High School (1977)
  • Credentials: Licensed professional engineer; LEED accredited professional
  • Occupation: Principal, WFT Engineering, Inc. (since 1995)

Experience and public service

Sullivan has held two civic roles, according to his campaign website. He said he chairs the Stop the Spend Ballot Petition Committee, which seeks to cap county spending growth. He also said he was the architect and organizer of the Montgomery County Term Limits Ballot Petition.

On the issues

The following positions are drawn from Sullivan's campaign website and his BallotReady questionnaire responses. All statements reflect the candidate's own claims.

Taxes and budget

Sullivan said he would oppose income tax increases and demand transparency in county spending. He said he wants to investigate waste and prioritize spending that benefits residents. His Stop the Spend petition would amend the county charter to tie annual spending increases to the inflation rate.

Transportation and infrastructure

Sullivan said he opposes Bus Rapid Transit and wants a total review of the county bus system, including AI modeling, to increase efficiency instead. He said he supports right turns on red. He also said he would defund bike lanes and fix Little Falls Parkway.

Housing

Sullivan said he supports building housing near Metro stations and creating affordable housing for first responders through what he calls a Guardian House initiative. He said he opposes what he describes as N.O.W. overreach in housing policy.

Public safety

Sullivan said he would fully fund police. He said he wants to reform the Police Accountability Board for fairness and effectiveness and restore School Resource Officers in every high school.

Education

Sullivan said he supports charter schools, transparency about student performance and allowing homeschooled children to participate in public school extracurricular activities. He said he opposes busing for social engineering and wants to streamline central office operations.

Candidate positions were compiled from Sullivan's campaign website and his BallotReady questionnaire responses. The Bethesda Beacon did not interview the candidate for this profile.