Look to our future, look out for ourselves

In reading the article by Meg Tully in the Frederick News Post “Commissioner objects to $25,000 economic grant”, I couldn’t help but wonder how it is that the county didn’t have enough money to reimburse our tax equity payments, but was able to fund a grant for a privately owned, multi-million dollar company? Was this a maneuver to make right on the tax equity because the company is expanding into Frederick? Maybe, but we did learn one thing. We can no longer take for granted that our money paid to the county for duplicate services will come back to us for future budgets, as our current budget shortfalls are evidence.

If we are to be in the driver’s seat of our own future, we need to have City leaders that know the value of small and big business’ alike. If elected, I will look to foster a climate that will allow for smarter economic development through the attraction of small business’ focused on technology and the arts. The prosperity of these companies will have a direct impact on the residential tax base, easing the burdens of our residents.

The ability to “work where you live” is not just a catch phrase anymore. It is integral to how I envision Frederick’s future. If a population of this size has the ability to live, work, and play in the same place than the economic and environmental benefits will become a reality. This can only be achieved by a “smarter growth” plan. Concentrate on infill and density by using what is already existing and available to us now. Once we are economically and environmentally stable, then we can revisit the notion of adding another three or four thousand homes to balloon our population through annexation.

I live, work and play here in Frederick and whenever possible, spend my money here as well. A vote for me for Alderman will be a vote for Frederick’s future prosperity. A vote for me is a vote for a Frederick our children will thank us for when they have the ability to live, work and play here, as we hope to now.

Five Points

Andrew Kotkin’s Five Points

Quality of life, what does it mean to me?

For some, this means a good nights’ sleep. For others, it means beautiful parks to play in with their families. It means many different things to many different people and is usually born out of one’s own experiences. For me, it means all of those things and one more: a city government that listens to its’ citizens. It is one thing to listen when running for office, it is entirely different, however, to do so when one is in a position to act for the ones you represent. A request or concern no matter how insignificant it may seem, merits full consideration for the simple fact that it comes from a resident. If our local elected leaders can’t or won’t hear us, then they should be taken to task and asked, “Why haven’t you heard us?”

Hey pal, can you spare a dime? Sure, but tell me what you’re going to do with it first.

Spending money in an economy like this is crazy, isn’t it? Well, maybe, but not all spending is bad, especially when it is done smartly and incrementally. That was not the case during the last round of “What can we spend our money on next?” I don’t remember being asked; Andy, what do you think if the Mayor and Alderman did this? Were you asked? Any action of the city government that effects the local tax base (ie. its’ citizens and their homes) should show much more effort in hearing what the people think about the idea before it is put forth into action. Furthermore, it takes an Alderman to stand up and act as the people’s voice in these matters and if they feel they cannot act as that voice then they should question why they are there in the first place.

It keeps growing and growing and growing…

This beautiful city of ours is growing by leaps and bounds. With more places being made available to live, more people are going to come. This can and should be a good thing for the city of Frederick, if it is done smartly. Smart growth is a buzz phrase you hear a lot of lately. What does it mean? To me, it means having roads enough to handle an increased population. It means having local businesses and jobs here so that the impact on the infrastructure is kept to a minimum. Biking or walking to work would be an alternative that many of us would really appreciate. It means making those jobs pay enough to be attractive to keep residents here. It means bringing both out of town and local owners of properties that are derelict or empty to the table and have them tell us why we should continue to turn a blind eye, year after year to their negligence. Much can be done with what already exists. All it takes is a little thought, ingenuity and a willingness to listen to new ideas, no matter what their origin. It means being a friend to the local businesses that have proven that they take working in Frederick seriously, not because it’s where they can make the most profit, but rather because it is their community too. Before long, it won’t seem like growth anymore. It will seem like the city is the way we all thought it was supposed to be. Open, friendly and most of all, encouraging, is how I see Frederick.

Can I get some help over here?

With an increasing population, Frederick will be burdened with an ever increasing demand on its police force. There needs to be real discussion involving what steps are going to be taken to ensure that we have enough policy and money in place to handle this burden. An increase in personnel comes to mind first. Get our local community college involved in helping with the recruitment. Highlight the advantages of a career in law enforcement. Chief Dine does an incredible job for us now and he should be given every reason to believe that the city he serves and protects is willing to do what is necessary to allow him to continue his efforts. I would like to see a specific patrol shift, call it “The bar Shift” that would concentrate its efforts specifically on the occurrences and problems that arise as local bars and restaurants all over the city close their doors. It can grow to be a proactive effort to stop petty crimes, vandalism, fights and disturbances. Police presence alone can go very far. Many people have complaints about things like gangs, drugs, fighting, general disturbances of the peace, and not least of all, speeding. In my mind, these quality of life issues can be handled by our very capable police department, but only if they have the funds, personnel and equipment to permit it. Help them to help us. We are going to need it.

“The futures’ so bright, I gotta wear shades”

We are, as Maryland’s’ second largest city, on the verge of an incredible future fraught with possibilities. There is no reason to look back in an attempt to finger point and chest pump to see how we got here, but rather it is a time to put our best collective feet forward and bring a measure of openness and community involvement to our city government. I believe this to be the single most important aspect of running a city, especially one like our beautiful Frederick. The city must always maintain its voice. But more importantly, it must always have its ears open as well. Get your sunglasses folks, it’s only going to get brighter!