Germantown county board candidates stress housing and workforce as top economic priorities

Candidates for three Washington County board seats met at a Germantown Chamber forum to answer community-submitted questions about economic development, housing and public services.

Stephanie Lel Erdman, running in District 16, said maintaining strong schools and keeping long-term residents from being “taxed out” are top local priorities, and urged local decision-making: “what happens in this room with the trustees is the most important way of developing Germantown, not at the county level.” Carol Murray, the District 17 incumbent, warned that a large new Port Washington facility could pull workers away from local employers and said the county must address both labor supply and affordable housing. Jeff Schlife, who said he has served as county board chairman, pointed to the county27s two‑year budgeting practice and said it helped lower the county portion of last year27s tax bill.

The three candidates agreed housing is the central constraint on workforce growth. Murray described the need to provide ‘‘places for young couples to live’’ near jobs; Schlife said the county27s “next generation housing” effort — a 10‑year goal of 1,000 homes — is roughly a quarter complete and must continue. Lel Erdman emphasized investment in schools and local amenities to keep Germantown attractive.

On why they serve, each candidate pointed to family histories of local civic involvement and long experience on boards and committees. Schlife cited his background leading several county committees and said those experiences show the county can manage costs while delivering services. Murray and Lel Erdman framed their candidacies as continuations of community service and local stewardship.

The forum was run by the Germantown Chamber; candidates took rotating turns answering questions submitted in advance by residents. The next steps for voters are local outreach events and the April 7th election date noted by candidates.