By Jasmine Jernberg

Special To The Sentinel

Next Tuesday Montgomery County voters in District 4 will head to the polls in a special election for the County Council. The seat, vacated by late Council member Marilyn Praisner, will be filled either by Praisner's husband, Democrat Don Praisner, or his opponent, Republican Mark D. Fennel.

The candidates for the District 4 seat were selected in a special primary held April 15, after Council member Praisner passed away in February after 27 years on the council. It is an important position to fill because the Montgomery County Council, unlike many others, requires at least five votes to pass a measure, regardless of how many people are seated.

Don Praisner, though he acknowledges his previous lack of political aspirations, now claims he is the best man to fill the position vacated by the death earlier this year of his wife. He wants to carry on her role as the council member who stood up for the rights of the people over private interests.

In his campaign, Praisner's main issues include support for public education, growth management, fiscal prudence and environmental protection.

Republican Mark D. Fennel is in his second race for the district seat, first running in the 2006 election. He claims the council needs a change in direction, moving away from "symbolic posturing" on issues like trans fats and corporate investment in Sudan to issues that are more important to residents. He would like the council to tackle concerns like education, hunger, housing and healthcare.

Fennel also thinks the taxes in Montgomery County have gotten out of control and vows not to exceed the county's Charter Amendment limiting property tax increases. His goal is to make Montgomery County a more affordable place to live.

Election officials said they expect turnout for the special election to be below normal levels, but both they and the candidates have been working to attract voters. According to Legislative Information Officer Neil H. Greenberger, the candidates have been campaigning hard to drum up interest and the council has been getting out the word in news releases and on County Cable Montgomery.

"The more people that participate, regardless of how it turns out, the better," Greenberger said.

Because it is a special election, schools will not be closed and polling places will be consolidated. Greenberger emphasizes that voters should check for any location changes at the election Web site at www.777vote.org.

At this point it has not been determined when the new council member will be sworn in. According to Greenberger, Council President Mike Knapp has not figured out the logistics, but the council's two-week break after May 22 will ease the transition.

Polling will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday in Aspen Hill, Burtonsville, Calverton, Cloverly, Colesville, Derwood, Fairland. Olney, Sandy Spring, Silver Spring, Spencerville, Wheaton and White Oak. Results, polling locations or other information about the election can be found online at www.777vote.org.