Community Ministries of Rockville, a coalition of 21 faith communities, have asked all the candidates to respond to a questionnaire, a tradition they’ve followed since 1980. They’re due today and will be distributed to their members the weekend before the election, but I thought you’d like to see their interests and concerns:

1. Since 1980, every member of the Mayor and Council has guaranteed residents of Rockville that basic human needs such as food, shelter and healthcare would be assured through the Rockville Emergency Assistance Program. Will you maintain this promise?
2. Affordable housing is a top priority because it is good for business, it attracts younger people to an aging community, and it improves the quality of life for everyone. What do you propose be done during the next term to increase affordable housing in Rockville?
3. Rockville is becoming increasingly diverse in its ethnic, racial and religious composition. What will you do to encourage effective assimilation, participation and celebration of their various gifts?
4. What role do you think religious institutions should play in their respective neighborhoods and throughout the greater Rockville community?
5. The City of Rockville has a human services policy that may require additional resources as we face growing human needs and dwindling charitable and government funding, e.g., federal, state and county. Would you approve increased support for human service programs under these circumstances? If not, how would you maintain the commitment to human service programs?
6. What is the most significant issue facing Rockville today, and what do you think should be done about it?

Good questions; how would you respond?