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Incumbent Mayor Sidney A. Katz and Gaithersburg City Council members Henry F. Marraffa Jr. and Michael A. Sesma have the knowledge and experience to serve the city well over the next four years.

Katz, 59, began public service on the Planning Commission in 1976. That was followed by 10 years as council member, which ended with his appointment to fill the last two years of the late Ed Bohrer's term as mayor in 1998. The lifelong resident is known for shepherding important initiatives. Projects that will transform the city over the next 30 years, such as the annexation and approval of the Crown Farm development, were approved under his watch.

That skill will be essential as Gaithersburg continues to grow — the population is roughly 60,000, an increase of more than 10 percent since 1990. For example, a proactive approach by the mayor would help counter the stagnation of the aging Lakeforest mall and offer direction for property owners along the Frederick Avenue corridor. A successful economic development effort would help the pay-as-you-go city keep from dipping into its strategic reserve, as it has for the past three years.

Hard budget choices and modifications are coming. Katz, who does not have a vote, has shown he is not afraid to use the veto, threatening to spike the fiscal 2008 budget over a $250,000 program for tenants displaced by redevelopment projects. He argued that firm guidelines and a funding source were needed, and about $150,000 was added to the budget.

Katz takes a wait-and-see approach on initiatives and programs; he wants to improve transportation and alleviate school overcrowding, but has not provided specifics. Still, he has deep connections in many levels of government, which will be useful if he can develop into a transformative figure like Bohrer, his mentor.

Kentlands resident Richard Koch, 55, a real estate developer, is making his first electoral bid in challenging Katz. Koch has great understanding of the city's development review process, which he believes is cumbersome and creates an anti-business climate. While the process may need revisions, Koch isn't as knowledgeable about other areas of city business, such as the role of the city in school system funding and decisions. Koch, who has the backing of the city's Fraternal Order of Police, may be a better fit for council before making the leap to mayor.

Koch has billed himself as a more hands-on leader than Katz, whose role is somewhat restricted in Gaithersburg's council-manager form of government. His economic development strategy includes breaking contracts for two parcels in Olde Towne and offering ground leases to add to the city's coffers. He also advocates for shifting the alignment of the Corridor Cities Transitway or exploring transit options for the Frederick Avenue corridor as a means of stimulating the economy.

In the council race, Henry F. Marraffa Jr., 71, with four terms, is well-versed in business and development issues. One innovative proposal from Marraffa is a "community bank" where the city can purchase CDs to be used as backing for loans to Gaithersburg businesses.

Michael A. Sesma, 56, who was elected to his first term on a reasonable growth platform in 2005, has delivered. The city has green building initiatives and a stricter Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance than the county. The city also passed a policy that requires new housing projects with 20 units or more to include 15 percent affordable housing. He urges government transparency and responsiveness.

Tom Rowse, 39, brings enthusiasm and positivity to the campaign. He has passion, but lacks the technical knowledge of issues, such as the CCT, expansion of Interstate 270 and the Gaithersburg West Master Plan, needed on the council. Rowse could not provide specifics about the budget, claiming that incumbents have better access to that information. Those documents are public, and with a bit more initiative, Rowse could be a viable candidate in the future.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 3.