There have been discussions in the community about renovating Mullinix Park. Returning the pool to a full functioning pool, renovating the bathroom, pavilion, and building an amphitheater. These improvements would ensure that Mullinix Park is more than just a green space, but a destination where memories are made where the spirit of the community can truly flourish. 

Would you support the renovation of Mullinix Park, a park that truly belongs to everyone?

Mayoral Responses

• Ron Beatie: Yes  "As I am not yet in office, I would review proposals subject to budgetary review."

• Michael O'Connor: Yes  "We have funded a capital improvement project for this purpose and the consultant has begun its work which will include community engagement on desired improvements."

• Tom Trott: Yes  "Yes to keeping it a useful community park. The pool was converted to a splash park some years ago to get more use. This appears to be a success. I support enhancing Mullinix Park."

At Large Responses 

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "The last renovation at Mullinix Park and Diggs Pool occurred 20 years ago, it’s time for an update."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "Yes, I support revitalizing Mullinix Park. Investing in this space would give nearby residents a safe, welcoming place to gather, play, and celebrate community. Parks like this are essential for fostering connection, promoting equity, and creating a more inclusive Frederick."

• Derek Shackelford: Yes

• Kelly Russell: Yes  "I supported a $1 million master plan for park improvements currently underway using input provided by the community."

• Donna Kuzemchak: N/A   "I have supported renovations to Mullinix Park in the past and plan to do so in the future as long as the neighborhood is involved in the plans."

District Responses

• Katie Nash: Yes

• Cesar Diaz: Yes

• David Schmidt: Yes   "For a generation, we have heavily invested in the beautification and amenities of Baker Park. We should spend the next generation investing in Mullinix, Laboring Sons, and other parks that serve the rest of the community."

• Peter Brehm: Yes

• Joe Adkins: Yes  "It is a great park took my kids there to swim. The City will need to work with budget to create additional amenities within this park."

• Scott Lasher: Yes  "The question does not advocate a particular plan or funding source(s). It is premature, therefore, to define 'support' other than to agree with the general idea of renovating the park."

• Frederik Ventura: Yes  "I support making renovations to the Mullinix Park. But believe that it needs to be done in responsible matter to increase biodiversity, and preserve green spaces that quickly disappearing."

• Ryan Trout: Yes  "A core tenant of my campaign is Vibrant, Community-Focused Arts & Parks. Frederick’s identity is rooted in its creativity. I’ll advocate for investments in neighborhood parks, public art, and cultural programming that reflect our diversity and bring our community together."

• Sarah Hempel Irani: Yes  "I support renovating Mullinix Park. These improvements must be done in collaboration with the Black community and neighborhood residents, with consideration for public art that honors the park’s history and ensures its legacy is visible, valued, and celebrated."

The city council has created one majority-minority district instead of two (2) majority-minority districts, thus diluting people of color's voting power.

Will you take action to amend that matter to implement two (2) majority-minority districts?

Mayoral Responses

• Ron Beatie: Yes  "I will review any reasonable proposal sent to me by the City Council."

• Michael O'Connor: N/A  "I believe fair representation is essential to a health democracy. We will follow all legal requirements in future redistricting and ensure the process includes meaningful community input to district maps reflect the full diversity of our city."  

• Tom Trott: No  "Voting Districts should be race neutral. District boundaries should be regularly shaped, be compact, and represent equal population totals. I will support changes to the boundaries if it meets the above criteria."

At Large Responses 

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "Outside consultants presented a map that did not reflect our traditional neighborhoods. We should have district boundaries that reflect more than just numbers."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "I would support two majority-minority districts."

• Derek Shackelford: N/A  "I supported the current District setup for this upcoming election cycle."

• Kelly Russell: No  "In the future I would be open to reevaluating the districts."

• Donna Kuzemchak: N/A  "The districts that were set up were put together by a professional firm that understood to enhance election involvement. Choosing a completely different map could have easily led us to a long court battle. I am open to looking at new maps drawn up by professional firms."

District Responses

• Katie Nash: No  "I'm committed to creating a new process for redistricting with the organizations listed (one does not exist), draw lines with rationale that compliments majority-minority districts that are legally defensible (research lists federal challenges to race as the sole rationale)."

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "The creation of District 2, which I hope to represent, assured that an area of the city with primarily Latino residents has a voice in city government.  That still leaves 4 of the 5 districts primarily as white dominated . This leaves out other minority groups out of the legislative process."

• David Schmidt: Yes   "Day 1 we need to get to work fixing this mistake. The Council allowed consultant written maps to be implemented without meaningfully engaging the community. I have made this a pillar of my campaign. Our political system disenfranchises large portions of our community. Reform is needed immediately."

• Peter Brehm: Yes  "Understanding that people of color includes latine people, I would first want to meet with consultants / other organizations to review the data before making any changes."

• Joe Adkins: Yes   "It would require additional study on how the districts were established. I am not opposed to it but at the same time I wouldn’t want the City to change districts every four years as demographics change."

• Scott Lasher: No  "The City Council approved its district boundaries in February 2025 based on the work of a consulting firm and after extensive public input. To change the districting after such a short period of time and after a major districting effort would require substantial new information."

• Frederik Ventura: No  "I would have to do further research. My understanding is that ACLU wrote a letter praising the redistricting in an effort to acknowledge and represent the cities growing diverse population."

• Ryan Trout: Yes  "I will work to ensure that all city residents have equal representation in our new form of government."

• Sarah Hempel Irani: Yes  "I support creating two majority-minority districts. As Frederick adopts district-based representation, we must revisit lines to ensure fairness. I’ll advocate for a transparent, community-led process—collaborating with minority communities to better reflect our city’s diversity."

Wage disparity continues to be an issue for minorities and immigrants. Black and Latino workers are significantly less likely to earn middle and upper wages compared to other groups. A recent report by the Maryland State Comptroller shows that there would be a worker deficit if not for immigrant workers. 

Will you introduce or support an ordinance to ensure fair wages for all in Frederick City — regardless of race, ethnicity, or immigration status? Furthermore will you commit to ensuring all of your actions on the city council support this?

Mayoral Responses 

• Ron Beatie: Yes

• Michael O'Connor: N/A  "Frederick approved a wage scale for full-time employees guaranteeing a starting wage this fiscal year of $23.54. We are committed to setting an example first, and second, through our Office of Opportunity and Transformation, identifying workforce development, childcare, and transportation programs we can support to assist our residents as well."

• Tom Trott: No  "This is not an issue over which local government has any authority."

At Large Responses 

• Jennifer Dougherty: No  "The City follows State law and we do not currently have the ability to perform this task."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "Yes, I would support an ordinance to ensure fair wages for all. In today’s climate, we must reject discrimination. Immigrants and people of the global majority are essential to Frederick’s economy and deserve equitable pay and opportunity."

• Derek Shackelford: Yes

• Kelly Russell: N/A  "I sponsored Resolution 20-17 establishing Equity as a Fundamental Value."

• Donna Kuzemchak: N/A  "I worked toward this by raising the minimum wage paid by the City to $20/hour. That same year, we increased COLA by a specific number instead of a percentage. I would like support to do the same every year in the future. I will support fair wage legislation."

District Responses

• Katie Nash: Yes  "Wage theft is the place to begin this conversation. This is the denial of earned wages or benefits. Union representation should also be discussed and I am committed to introducing collective bargaining with binding arbitration for city workers and encouraging the unionization of service personnel." 

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "Wage disparity is a huge hurdle that prevents Black and Latino workers and their families from improving their financial situation.  Improving fair wages will be a priority for me when I am on the council."

• David Schmidt: Yes  "At this moment, I am unaware of the legal mechanism we could use at the city level to ensure fair wages for our working families. If possible though, we should find and pull that lever. This is why collective bargaining and community organizing is so important. Together we are powerful."

• Peter Brehm: Yes  "Sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression must be added to this. Philosophically, yes, and any ordinance must not harm City businesses or economic development. I also do not understand what "ensuring all of your actions" means in the last sentence."

• Joe Adkins: No  "I believe this is a State issue."

• Scott Lasher: Yes  "What is supportable is an effort to eliminate wage disparity that is dependent on factors such as race, ethnicity, or immigration status. As to a guarantee of a fair wage, that requires a definition of 'fair wage' to assess."

• Frederik Ventura: Yes

• Ryan Trout: Yes  "As a member of the current cohort of the Government Alliance for Racial Equity I know we far to go on ensuring equity in our community but I am committed to making change and applying an equity framework to decision making in City Hall."

• Sarah Hempel Irani: Yes  "I believe that every person has inherent value, diversity is our strength, and good government expands opportunity and advances justice—especially for those systemically excluded. As a Council member, I will advocate for greater wage equity and ensure Frederick leads with fairness and dignity."

Many jurisdictions, have adopted “Ranked Choice” voting, allowing greater choice and effort of one’s vote. 

Do you support ranked choice voting for the City of Frederick?

Mayoral Responses 

• Ron Beatie: Yes

• Michael O'Connor: N/A  "The Charter Review Committee recommended exploring ranked choice voting, and I support continuing the conversation to better understand how it could be implemented to expand voter choice and strengthen our elections."

• Tom Trott: No  "This complicates elections and can lead to results that put a person in office who did not win a majority of votes in the first round."

At Large Responses 

• Jennifer Dougherty: No  "Not at this time, we need to recruit more candidates before we get to ranked choice. I would like to see Unaffiliated voters to participate in our Primaries."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "Yes, I support ranked choice voting. It encourages more civil campaigns by rewarding candidates who build broad, respectful coalitions. It also ensures winners have majority support, not just a plurality, and can create space for a more diverse slate of candidates to run—and win."

• Derek Shackelford: Yes

• Kelly Russell: N/A  "I am open to the idea."

• Donna Kuzemchak: Yes

District Responses

• Katie Nash: No  "I was willing to move the conversation forward because we need more information (and am in the media quoted for this; Republican activists countered heatedly at our meetings). Again, this isn’t a yes or a no but I want to learn more and document public education efforts before 'yes'."

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "The establishment of City Council Districts was a good first step to allow more direct representation for residents.  Ranked Choice voting is the next step to allow individual voters to have their vote carry more weight.  This needs to happen in Frederick before the 2029 city elections"

• David Schmidt: Yes  "Ranked choice is a tremendous tool to give more power to the community. However, it is very different and could be confusing for voters that have never experienced it before. If passed, we will need a significant community effort to educate and train our residents to ensure their voices are heard."

• Peter Brehm: Yes

• Joe Adkins: Yes  "With low voter turnout and just a handful of candidates, I don’t know if this would make a substantial difference. With a third of the voters as independents, I would like to see an open primary."

• Scott Lasher: No  

• Frederik Ventura: Yes  "RCV is a good way to make one feel like their vote counts. It's definitely worth finding a way to test and implementing this new system."

• Ryan Trout: Yes

• Sarah Hempel Irani: Yes "Ranked choice voting empowers voters to rank candidates by preference, vote their conscience without fear of 'wasting their vote,' and helps third parties gain validity. It's a step toward breaking down the two-party system and better reflecting the will of the people."

A growing number of immigrants feel disenfranchised with attacks on residency, citizenship, and due process at the Federal level of government.

Will you use your position to allay those feelings and make sure immigrants are protected in Frederick?

Mayoral Responses 

• Ron Beatie: Yes

• Michael O'Connor: Yes  "I was the first local elected official to speak out in support of our immigrant community and push back against the Trump Administration. We have budgeted funds to support organizations that support our immigrants and are committed to continuing advocacy."

• Tom Trott: Yes  "I will look to make Frederick a welcoming place for everyone."

At Large Responses 

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "My industry relies heavily on immigrants. My understanding of some of their concerns is first hand."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "City Council and the City of Frederick have an obligation to ensure that all residents feel safe and welcome. City hall should have strong messaging and offer support to the immigrant communities and those impacted by the Federal administration."

• Derek Shackelford: Yes  

• Kelly Russell: Yes  "All our residents should be and feel safe and supported."

• Donna Kuzemchak: N/A  "I believe we as a City are open, welcome and affirming to all. We don’t assist in raids by the Federal Government and I have no plans to support assisting them in the future. I am open to any ideas that ensure immigrants (and others) are protected."

District Responses

• Katie Nash: Yes

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "The pressures faced by immigrants is a major priority in my District, so it is a major priority for me.  The city needs to increase the funding it provides for legal aid to immigrants.  Legal assistance is the number 1 question I get from immigrant residents in my district."

• David Schmidt: Yes  "To me, this is the very core responsibility of public office. If elected, your focus should be on advocating for the most vulnerable, and safeguarding and ensuring that everyone's rights are protected. I served in the USMC to protect the rights of my neighbors, I see elected office no differently."

• Peter Brehm: Yes

• Joe Adkins: Yes

• Scott Lasher: Yes  "The question is too vague. There are limits to which city government can 'protect' immigrants, depending on immigration status, for example. However, there are due process rights which are provided by the US Constitution and there are rights afforded US citizens. There are also anti-discriminatory laws with respect to housing."

• Frederik Ventura: Yes

• Ryan Trout: Yes  "I support efforts to ensure all people, regardless of immigration status, feel safe in our city."

• Sarah Hempel Irani: Yes  "I support the Frederick Police Department’s practice of not asking about immigration status. Immigrants are vital members of our community. I will continue to advocate for policies that ensure Frederick is a place where all residents, regardless of status, feel safe, valued, and protected."

Mayoral Responses 

• Ron Beatie: Yes

• Michael O'Connor: Yes  "I have testified in support of legislation in Annapolis that would do this and will continue to support."

• Tom Trott: No 

At Large Responses 

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "The FPD delivers arrestees to the County Jail. Nearly 60% of those in the Jail are from the County and nearly 60% of those were arrested for traffic violations. The system is flawed." 

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "I recognize the harm 287(g) agreements can cause by eroding trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. Local resources should focus on safety, not immigration enforcement. I support moving away from these agreements and would consider advocacy efforts that align with those principles."

• Derek Shackelford: N/A  "I have always disagreed with the 287g program and how it is implemented. I have communicated with our Delegation my opposition to 287(g)."

• Kelly Russell: N/A  "I advocate for issues with our delegation that benefit our residents."

• Donna Kuzemchak: N/A  "Gladly."

District Responses

• Katie Nash: Yes  "I have testified in Annapolis several times and spoke at rallies to pass the legislation."

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "287(g) agreements need to be eliminated.  Period.  They are a discriminatory, do not make our city safer and cost taxpayers money.  I have advocated for the elimination of 287(g) agreements before I was a candidate and will continue to do so until they are eliminated in Maryland."

• David Schmidt:  Yes  "Our local law enforcement should be focused on building trust with the residents. There is tremendous, justified, fear in our immigrant communities. Repealing 287g is one of many steps we need to take to rebuild that trust."

• Peter Brehm: Yes

• Joe Adkins: Yes  "The best way to address the 287 (g) program is to elect a sheriff that is opposed to the program."

• Scott Lasher: Yes

• Frederik Ventura: Yes

• Ryan Trout: Yes

• Sarah Hempel Irani: Yes  "Frederick should be a place where all residents feel safe and protected—not targeted. I will advocate for policies that uphold dignity, due process, and fairness for everyone who calls our city home."

Mayoral Responses 

• Ron Beatie: Yes

• Michael O'Connor: Yes  "Violence or hate against any community or group of people is unacceptable. We will continue working to ensure Muslim residents, and all residents, feel safe, welcomed, and included in Frederick."

• Tom Trott: Yes  "My policies will be religion neutral, making sure that all City residents feel safe and included regardless of religion."

At Large Responses 

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "My experience in office post 9/11 led to an immediate relationship with some of the leaders in the Muslim community. I will work with the Council to strengthen our relationship."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "Yes, I support policies that ensure the safety and inclusion of Muslim residents. This includes improving hate crime reporting, offering cultural competency training for city staff, and building stronger partnerships with Muslim community organizations to promote trust, understanding, and belonging."

• Derek Shackelford: Yes

• Kelly Russell: N/A  "All our residents should be and feel safe and supported."

• Donna Kuzemchak: N/A  "Crimes against Muslims are considered hate crimes in the City. I’m not sure what more you are looking for, but of course I support ensuring the safety of Muslim residents and residents of all religious beliefs who may be persecuted."

District Responses

• Katie Nash: Yes

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "The cities Muslim population needs to be protected from hate and racism.  They are a vital part of our city and  like all other residents they have the right to have a safe and secure city for their families."

• David Schmidt:  Yes  "Yes, full stop. Every member of our community deserves an equal seat at the table devoid of prejudice."

• Peter Brehm: Yes  "While on a macro level I support inclusion of everyone, this term and what it pertains to needs to be fleshed out."

• Joe Adkins: Yes  "Hate crimes are wrong against any segment of the population. All hate crimes should be addressed in the courts. I am unsure what kind of policies could be created to address only the Muslim residents."

• Scott Lasher: Yes  "Not until I am confident that current policies are insufficient to provide the protection of Muslim residents that all residents of Frederick should be afforded." 

• Frederik Ventura: Yes

• Ryan Trout: Yes  "I support efforts to ensure all people, of all faiths, feel safe in our city." 

• Sarah Hempel Irani: Yes  "I don’t presume to speak for the Muslim community—I believe in working in partnership with those most impacted to identify meaningful, community-informed solutions that promote safety, belonging, and respect for all."

Mayoral Responses 

• Ron Beatie: No  "I support everything in this question except the TOTAL cessation of military assistance to Israel which I feel is unrealistic and jeopardizes national security but I do support possible sanctions against Israel for their atrocities in Gaza."

• Michael O'Connor: N/A  "I support a total cease fire and the unrestricted access to humanitarian aid in Gaza for the Palestinian people. I also believe Israel should be able to defend itself from Iran. We should ensure US resources only support those defensive capabilities."

• Tom Trott: No  "This is not a local government function."

At Large Responses 

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "The situation is out of control. One City Council voice matters little, but if we all speak up, it starts to be noticed."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "I recognize the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and mourn the loss of innocent lives. I support efforts that prioritize peace, protect civilians, and ensure access to humanitarian aid. I hope for a just and lasting resolution that upholds human rights and safety for all people in the region."

• Derek Shackelford: N/A  "I have met with interested parties regarding a Ceasefire Resolution. The interested parties wanted the Resolution they submitted as the proposed resolution with no flexibility. When mentioning Resolutions from other municipalities. This Resolution is not the same. The City needs to enact a process regarding Resolutions for National and Global issues. Humanitarian aid should be a right to Gaza and nothing should be preventing the humanitarian aid." 

• Kelly Russell: No  "I have not."

• Donna Kuzemchak: N/A  "I put a resolution forward a month ago calling for Frederick to join other jurisdictions in fighting for peace in the Gaza as well as no longer supporting the war machine and the war economy. This resolution should be heard and voted on in the next few weeks."

District Responses

• Katie Nash: No

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "What is happening in Gaza is genocide.  As members of a free society it is imperative that we stand against genocide where ever it occurs,  Frederick City needs to take a stand against these atrocities."

• David Schmidt:  Yes  "There is a humanitarian crisis occurring, children do not deserve to be starved or murdered for any reason whatsoever. In asymmetric warfare, it is the absolute responsibility of the advanced military to not just minimize, but to prevent atrocities."

• Peter Brehm: Yes  "While a balanced resolution would be helpful, I suggest any resolution be crafted by a group that includes a wider range of representatives of Frederick's faith community, including our Jewish siblings."

• Joe Adkins: Yes  "All conflicts end up killing millions of innocent lives and leaves countless others in unbelievable conditions. I would expand the resolution to call for the end of most conflicts."

• Scott Lasher: No  "A resolution concerning foreign policy is outside of the purview of the council. It would take an inordinate amount of time and energy to assess the current situation in the region and would take away from the primary obligation of city council. Indeed, experts committed to such an assessment could not agree on the appropriateness or wording of such a resolution." 

• Frederik Ventura: Yes  "I believe this gesture even if just symphonic, would show the Palestinian people in our community solidarity and support."

• Ryan Trout: Yes  "I would need to review any resolution to understand the intended audience as the city has no role in setting foreign policy." 

• Sarah Hempel Irani: Yes  "As someone committed to nonviolence, I support this resolution. For me this isn’t about taking sides—it’s about affirming the sacred worth of every human life and speaking out against war, suffering, and injustice wherever it exists."

The growing wealth inequality in our community often disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations such as seniors, people with disabilities, and the unhoused.

Will you support affordable housing legislation in Frederick City, including but not limited to: establishing a Community Land Trust, modular construction, rezoning, rent-stabilization, ensuring city agencies enforce State fair housing rules, and performing an assessment of affordable housing in Frederick City?

Mayoral Responses 

• Ron Beatie: Yes

• Michael O'Connor: N/A  "We are undertaking a housing needs assessment with Frederick County and some, maybe all, of the list above will need to be considered. I will support the work of staff, the Council, and the community in identifying the best options to address affordability for Frederick."

• Tom Trott: No  "I would look at City policies to see how adjusting certain policies might address this. This is a very difficult and complicated issue that is not easily resolved. As Mayor, I will be working to improve housing affordability."

At Large Responses 

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "I am proposing a 90-Day Housing Work Group for short and long-term solutions that can be included in our first budget."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "I began my career supporting those most impacted by housing insecurity and became a policy analyst to address these systemic challenges. I support bold solutions like land trusts, rent stabilization, and fair zoning to ensure everyone in Frederick has access to safe, affordable, and stable housing."

• Derek Shackelford: Yes

• Kelly Russell: Yes  "I am committed and eager to find the right solutions that work for Frederick."

• Donna Kuzemchak: N/A  "We’ve started to move toward affordable housing legislation in the City, and have provided extra funding with money collected through rental licensing. I am willing to look at all options and support those that make the most sense in the City."

District Responses

• Katie Nash: No  "I have an aggressive housing agenda that is reflected in our legislative Housing Work Plan - happy to provide a status to anyone. I have outlined housing solutions by income and we are working through those now in the Housing Committee that meets twice a month."

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "Affordable housing needs to be a priority for the City Council.  It is going to take different strategies to solve this problem and that starts with an assessment of the current state of affordable housing."

• David Schmidt:  Yes  "I have made rent stabilization a priority of my campaign. See my many public writings on affordable housing. 50 words is not enough to explain how important each of these steps are to ensuring that everyone in our community can afford to live in our city. I will fight for each of these proposals."

• Peter Brehm: Yes  "The affordable housing "tools" listed have merit; requiring that I support all of them without studying them is not appropriate. I will commit to giving all of them serious consideration and will work with civic, religious, City, County, State, Federal, and developer representatives in this effort."

• Joe Adkins: Yes  "The City will collect $17 million at the current rate in MDPU fee in lieu of funds. The Council, the Administration, and HHS need to discuss the plans for these funds. Once that happens a plan can be developed on how to best address the additional needs."

• Scott Lasher: Yes  "Yes. That is a general statement with general concepts that requires specific legislation upon which to act." 

• Frederik Ventura: Yes  "Yes, finding a way to make housing more affordable send to the a top priority for many candidates."

• Ryan Trout: Yes  "Addressing affordable housing is not just a cornerstone of my campaign, but is the driving force of my career. If elected, I will work collaboratively to develop a comprehensive legislative package which provides a broad and detailed approach to combatting housing affordability." 

• Sarah Hempel Irani: Yes  "I support affordable housing legislation that addresses inequality and expands housing options for all income levels. I’m committed to working with community partners to create people-centered neighborhoods and lasting stability for seniors, artists, people with disabilities, and unhoused residents."

Mayoral Responses 

• Ron Beatie: Yes

• Michael O'Connor: Yes  "This is a priority for our Department of Housing and Human Services under my direction. Working with our new director we are undertaking development of new permanent supportive housing and improvements to the Community Table (Soup Kitchen). And we expanded food bank operations."

• Tom Trott: Yes  "I will work with our Housing and Human Servies department to propose and implement new initiatives to serve our unhoused and downtrodden citizens."

At Large Responses 

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "Identify 100 units including vacant properties and temporary modular homes."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "Introduce zoning changes to increase housing options. I also support the Continuum of Care system and believe the city should invest in and encourage collaboration among local organizations to provide housing, rehabilitation, and support services for our most vulnerable residents."

• Derek Shackelford: Yes  "Will continue to sponsor/support legislation to support the City’s Housing and Human Services while also collaborating with community partners."

• Kelly Russell: No  "As one who was previously unhoused, I understand and have always advocated for more resources, including housing and shelter."

• Donna Kuzemchak: N/A

District Responses

• Katie Nash: Yes 

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "The city needs to take an assessment of exactly what the unhoused and financially disadvantaged population and their needs are, then concrete steps need to be taken to address those issues.  this needs to be a priority, not a long term aspirational goal."

• David Schmidt: Yes  "We have too much, we are too blessed for anyone to be left behind or homeless. We need a "Quality of Life" Department/Director. A central clearinghouse for services made available by our amazing non-profits. We need to be better organized and the city should be responsible for that coordination."

• Peter Brehm: Yes  "Drawing on the study now underway, create a task force to create a comprhensive plan to address affordable housing for each tier. I will also make sure the City's Rental Licensing and MPDU fees are being invested into rental support, weatherization, and affordable housing programs."

• Joe Adkins: Yes  "Once the Council reviews how the funds from the MPDU program is being allocated, then we can work to see how to address the needs of others."

• Scott Lasher: No  "Rehabilitation services and support for the homeless and other individuals are priorities and I will address them as I gain better knowledge of the current situation and options."

• Frederik Ventura: No  "If elected, I want to wait and work as a collective with the council to address or curve this issue."

• Ryan Trout: Yes  "I would support expanding our Housing First program to magnify its impact. By providing permanent, stable housing without preconditions, we treat housing as a human right. Once housed, services are offered voluntarily, helping people stay housed and improving outcomes."

• Sarah Hempel Irani: No  "Our nonprofits do great work supporting people who are unhoused. The city should fill gaps in collaboration with them. I’ll advocate for a walkable, transit-connected daytime center that offers dignity, stability, and pathways to recovery, independence, and belonging."

Mayoral Responses 

• Ron Beatie: Yes

• Michael O'Connor: Yes

• Tom Trott: No  "This is not a City Government issue."

At Large Responses 

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "Fair treatment for all."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "I support maintaining the policy. It’s essential to protect our students and ensure their safety, especially as federal protections face uncertainty. Every student deserves to feel respected and supported in their school environment, regardless of gender identity or expression."

• Derek Shackelford: Yes

• Kelly Russell: N/A  "All our residents should be and feel safe and supported."

• Donna Kuzemchak: N/A  "I’m happy to do that. I wish I’d thought of it myself."

District Responses

• Katie Nash: Yes

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "All students deserve to be treated with respect and have the opportunity to get a good education.  Gender non-conforming and transgendered students need to feel safe and secure in their school.  This is a basic human right."

• David Schmidt: Yes  "Most of you have probably already seen my testimony to the BoE in support of Policy 443. Our values of fairness and kindness and respect mean nothing unless they are given to every single child."

• Peter Brehm: Yes

• Joe Adkins: Yes  "All students should feel safe in school."

• Scott Lasher: Yes

• Frederik Ventura: No  "I think that the policy needs to be revised and edited to better serve the community. I think there can be a healthy medium where we protects trans and gender non conforming youth, and ease concern amongst parents."

• Ryan Trout: Yes

• Sarah Hempel Irani: Yes  "Yes, unequivocally. I will support a resolution urging the School Board to maintain Policy 443. Every student deserves safety, dignity, and the freedom to be who they are. As a City leader, I will stand firmly with our trans and gender non-conforming youth and protect their rights."

Minority communities are oftentimes disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. 

Will you introduce or support an ordinance detailing steps Frederick will take to remain committed to carbon neutrality by 2050 despite budget constraints and federal government hostility to climate actions?

Mayoral Responses 

• Ron Beatie: Yes

• Michael O'Connor: Yes  "The foundation of this work is the City’s Sustainability Plan."

• Tom Trott: No  "This is an issue that is not within the control of local government. Expending resources on pursuing such a policy does not constitute good stewardship of City taxpayer money. I will seek to lower our carbon footprint when it is cost effective."

At Large Responses 

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "Cover parking lots with solar panels, introduce geo-thermal for new construction, cover bus shelters with pollinator gardens."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "I would support strong climate action. We need creative, community-driven solutions and funding strategies that prioritize equity and resilience, especially for those most affected by climate change. Frederick can lead locally, even when federal support falls short."

• Derek Shackelford: Yes  "Have supported Climate Change initiatives previously and will continue to do so with benchmarks, collaborative efforts and goal measurements."

• Kelly Russell: N/A  "As a founding member of the Sustainability Committee, I have always supported our commitment to reducing our footprint."

• Donna Kuzemchak: N/A  "Not only will I support an ordinance for carbon neutrality, I will work to ensure the changes don’t negatively affect those with lower wages and financial abilities. Many climate change issues are expensive, and we need to ensure lower income households aren’t paying a higher percent than they can afford."

District Responses

• Katie Nash: Yes  

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "Climate change is an immediate and long term challenge that needs to be addressed. With the federal government's hostility towards dealing with climate change, local jurisdictions need to address how they will minimize the impact.  Climate impact should be a part of all decisions made by the council."

• David Schmidt: Yes  "Years ago I served on the 'Green Team' which formed today's City Sustainability Commission. I have extensive experience in the building trades and have worked as an energy auditor. We do have some requirements already passed to ensure climate resiliency, we just need to actually enforce them."

• Peter Brehm: Yes  "As with the equitable pay issue, this will require study and intentionality."

• Joe Adkins: Yes  "The City will need to establish priorities and goals that can be communicated easily. With uncertainty of funding from both the Federal and State levels, the City will need to work within our fiscal constraints to address these priorities."

• Scott Lasher: Yes

• Frederik Ventura: Yes

• Ryan Trout: Yes  "I would need to review any proposed ordinance and its impacts on our community prior to signing on."

• Sarah Hempel Irani: Yes  "I will support or introduce legislation to uphold Frederick’s carbon neutrality goals by 2050. We must expand multimodal transportation and grow the tree canopy in underserved neighborhoods, and consider equity in every step of our local climate response."

Mayoral Responses 

• Ron Beatie: Yes

• Michael O'Connor: Yes

• Tom Trott: Yes  "Government policies will be religious neutral. All religions will be respected and treated equally."

At Large Responses 

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "See #7."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "I will support efforts that ensure Muslim residents feel seen, respected, and included in Frederick. That includes addressing zoning, access to halal food, and meaningful recognition. A truly inclusive city reflects and accommodates the diversity of its people in our decision making."

• Derek Shackelford: N/A  "Yes, I will support the religious and cultural needs ensuring that no discriminatory practices or barriers prevent our Muslim population from unfair treatment."

• Kelly Russell: N/A  "All our residents should be and feel safe and supported."

• Donna Kuzemchak: N/A  "Again, I’m not sure how this question is different than supporting various religious preferences. I believe all are equal, and should be treated as such: Christian, Judaism, Muslim, Buddhism, Hinduism atheists, etc. I support recognizing all religions or no religion, but not one over another."

District Responses

• Katie Nash: Yes

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "The Muslim population deserves the same respect as other religious groups, and that includes zoning consideration, halal food access and the recognition of Islamic holidays by the schools."

• David Schmidt: Yes "Everyone deserves equitable treatment in any governmental interaction. There should be no barriers to any particular religion's building. But, while any student should be excused for religious observations, I generally disagree with codifying any religion's holidays into our government calendars."

• Peter Brehm: Yes  "Yes, understanding that these important goals must be reviewed for secondary order impacts, and that issues like school holidays are not the purview of City Council."

• Joe Adkins: Yes  "The zoning ordinance only addresses places of worship. So as long as a project can address those requirements, it should move forward. The BOE sets the school calendar and holidays and this issue should be addressed with them."

• Scott Lasher: Yes

• Frederik Ventura: Yes

• Ryan Trout: Yes  "I support efforts to ensure all people, of all faiths, feel safe and welcome in our city."

• Sarah Hempel Irani: Yes  "I support equitable zoning for all faith communities, including mosques. I welcome the idea of offering halal and vegetarian options—especially meals that honor many traditions—at public events. I will advance flexible policies so City employees can take the time they need for religious observance."

Granting the church’s request would not only demonstrate respect for its vital role in the community but also align city policy with principles of inclusion and equal treatment. 

Mayoral Responses 

• Ron Beatie: Yes

• Michael O'Connor: N/A  "Areas marked for 'no parking' would need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure allowing parking in those areas would not create a safety hazard. For the submitting church, I would like to further discuss this request to better understand the issue."

• Tom Trott: Yes

At Large Responses 

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "Recognizing the unique placement of some of our churches is a simple solution. Meter bags that say reserved for church parking is one simple solution."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "I would be open to considering this request. It’s important to balance accessibility, safety, and fairness while recognizing the role longstanding community institutions play. If the change doesn’t impact revenue or public safety, it may be a reasonable and inclusive accommodation."

• Derek Shackelford: N/A  "If a church has a specific request. The request should be made and an agreement/solution can be agreed upon with the City and respective church entity."

• Kelly Russell: No  "Parking restrictions on streets are based on safety concerns. An option might be the county owned courthouse parking lot now that FPD has vacated."

• Donna Kuzemchak: N/A  "It would depend why the street is marked 'no parking.' I’m also not sure how this aligns with the principles of inclusion and equal treatment. If we are giving churches preferences we are not giving others, that is a far cry from equal treatment."

District Responses

• Katie Nash: Yes

• Cesar Diaz: Yes 

• David Schmidt: Yes  "This is a conditional yes. I do not know the specific church or streets involved. But no matter what, the organization would need to work together with their neighbors to come to consensus. I believe the city has a role in that mediation."

• Peter Brehm: Yes  "This is a qualified yes. It is an oddly specific request about a situation that is not well described. Which church? Which street? Why can church attendees not use free garage parking? What are the safety implications of parking on a 'No Parking" street?'"

• Joe Adkins: Yes  "This is a very specific question for one place of worship. Given more information I would be willing to look into it to see if a solution could be found for this situation."

• Scott Lasher: Yes  "Yes, provided the parking does not impair the ability of police and fire departments to respond effectively to emergencies or otherwise compromise the provision of city services."

• Frederik Ventura: Yes

• Ryan Trout: No  "Without more information I am uncomfortable committing to such a specific request. I would review any such request within the context of the neighborhood, the community being impacted, and review with an equity lens."

• Sarah Hempel Irani: Yes  "As the City of Clustered Spires, we must collaborate with longstanding faith communities to create site-specific solutions. These should be rooted in equity, dignity, and community input—and part of a broader, multimodal approach to access, transportation, and inclusion in our public spaces."

Mayoral Responses 

• Ron Beatie: Yes

• Michael O'Connor: N/A  "The City already has a Crisis Response model and Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD). This acknowledges that a police officer is not always the right first responder and being jailed is a poor way for someone in crisis to get the help they need. I support expanding these efforts."

• Tom Trott: Yes  "The crisis team involving City Police, EMS personnel and mental health professionals seems to be a good approach."

At Large Responses 

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "The mental health response teams are vital. FPD does. It need to be first on scene and mental health professionals de-escalate more quickly than police officers."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "In a heartbeat."

• Derek Shackelford: Yes  "Have advocated for this previously and will continue to do so as the Crisis Car with partnerships exists with continued financial and personnel support."

• Kelly Russell: No  "Investment in mental health and crisis response is critically important for the community and the police."

• Donna Kuzemchak: N/A  "I’ve already done this by supporting a Crisis car (which we now have, thanks to Chief Lando), and I’ve suggested/requested more. I strongly support this for the future. I’m the person who found over $500k to remove from the Police budget. The Mayor vetoed the change."

District Responses

• Katie Nash: No  "I support 24/7 staffing of the Crisis Car (county partnership) and know we need dedicated funding for mental health resources. I am creating a workgroup to conduct a gap assessment for presentation before the new Council. Our police staffing shortage is further impacted by our growth."

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "Many of the emergency response that the city police deal with are caused by people dealing with mental health issues.  Police are not trained or equipped to deal with people in a mental health crisis.  This is a public safety issue and the police budget is a public safety budget"

• David Schmidt: Yes  "Emphatically yes. Many of the interactions between public safety and the public are not law enforcement actions. We need to heavily invest in mental health services, training, resources, and staff. This ties in directly with the need to have a 'Quality of Life' Department/Director in the City."

• Peter Brehm: Yes  "I believe this is already the case, and this is worth researching. In fact, my understanding is that the City will be taking on the cost of the Social worker because Shepherd Pratt will not longer front this cost."

• Joe Adkins: Yes  "The City of Frederick Police Department currently has a crisis car and it maybe the only one in the State. Once the FPD evaluates its effectiveness, the City can revisit its role and seek ways to improve its response to the residents."

• Scott Lasher: Yes

• Frederik Ventura: Yes

• Ryan Trout: Yes  "Our critical response teams are a partnership of our mental health providers and our police force. I will work to expand access to mental health resources, and ensure our police make everyone feel safe - at work, at home, at our cultural events and even at our protests."

• Sarah Hempel Irani: Yes  "I support reallocating a portion of the police budget to fund mental health programs and crisis response teams. The tri-responder model offers a compassionate, effective, and community-informed approach to public safety and care."