Diane Fouché for Frederick County

PROTECT FREDERICK. PLAN GROWTH. RESTORE TRUST.

Sugarloaf: “treasured landscape”?

Frederick, we are at a turning point. We have to do better. We have to be Strong.

PROTECT FREDERICK… 

Restore balance.  Preserve Frederick.  Honor the plan.

  • We need to restore balance between the government and the people.
    • Frederick County has exciting cities and peaceful countryside. This perfect blend of urban and rural is what makes Frederick who we are. We have to keep our cities welcoming, active, exciting, engaged.  At the same time we have to protect our farmland, small towns, and open spaces.  Preserve our agricultural and rural lands as economic assets and part of our identity — they are not future industrial zones.
    • ACTION: I will protect more of our land through preservation. I will put forward legislation that does not allow surprise rezoning of our farmlands. I will also work with the Division of Permits and Planning to ensure that changes are clearly and publicly made allowing access to everyone by QR coding the signs and publishing the changes on an easy to find website.
  • We have to act to preserve the character of Frederick.
    • Frederick County welcomes business. We want businesses to thrive alongside our residents. But it cannot be at the expense of traffic gridlock, overcrowded schools, or strain on our emergency services. Careful, considerate growth is essential to maintaining our character.
    • ACTION: I will hold developers accountable for the cost of infrastructure and hold the funding until requirements are achieved.  I will insist that the County hold the costs that will cover the work and that the County has a voice in the contractor selection process.
  • We have to honor our comprehensive plan.
    • Frederick County has a well thought-out, publicly-considered, and award-winning plan for its future. Any new policies that will change pr significantly alter this plan need to reflect long-term community vision, not short-term development pressure. 
    • ACTION: I will allow changes to be publicly debated in an open forum. And I will attend these meetings alongside the directors so that real answers can come in real time. And if there are questions that can’t be answered, I’ll ensure that the County provide responses for every question, every time.  Additionally, in the interest of true transparency, questions and answers will be published for public viewing.

PLAN GROWTH… 

Infrastructure first, always.  Right growth, right place.  Open Communication.

  • We have to insist on infrastructure first, always.
    • The county should not allow major development to move forward unless schools, roads, water, and public safety are fully planned and funded ahead of time.
    • ACTION: I will require contracts to include infrastructure first, always.  I will insist on thorough feasibility studies.  I further commit to providing the results of these studies for public feedback.
  • We need to reassure our residents that we’re planning the right growth in the right place.
    • Frederick County needs to focus new development where infrastructure already exists instead of pushing sprawl into rural and agricultural areas.  If we move forward with datacenters it will be under strict scrutiny, strong zoning, and restrictive criteria for growth.  But we’re not ready for them.
    • ACTION:  I will support a moratorium on adding growth for a minimum of one year, so that we can ensure infrastructure needs are met before we move forward.  And when growth does occur, it will be with all public knowledge.
  • Government needs to provide true transparency through open communication.
    • Residents need to be invited to the discussion early. There must be an opportunity for meaningful public input before approvals, not after decisions are effectively made. 
    • ACTION: I will ensure that the Public Information Act requests are fulfilled, not fought off.  I will require that the public be informed of growth before it happens and that they have an opportunity to weigh in on decisions made by the county.

RESTORE TRUST… 

Earn the people’s trust.  Open public discussion.  Live within our means.

  • Our government needs to earn the people’s trust.
    • Frederick County needs to focus on welcoming the voices of the people, not banning them. 
    • ACTION:  I will enforce an open door policy that welcomes the voices of the citizens.  I will insist that major projects and incentives be discussed far enough in advance that no one is shocked when change happens.  Listening is not action.
  • Our government needs to answer to the people with open public discussion.
    • Frederick County needs to be honest about budget, tax incentives, and expenditures. Charter government should not mean that the County Executive operates with complete independence – this person must be accountable to our citizens.
    • ACTION:  I will utilize FCG-TV for accountability and open conversation. Our residents need to know where their tax dollars are going with the ability to give their voice.  I will begin open announcements regarding bid expenditures, division permissions, and projects that impact the residents.  The people deserve this honesty.
  • We have to live within our means.
    • Frederick County requires budgeting that fulfills requirements, meets the needs of residents, and projects thoughtfully. No need for additional taxes! Communication of intent and expenditure provides the fiduciary accountability that the public desires. We need a budget that allows us to plan accordingly and live within our means.
    • ACTION:  I will allow residents to weigh in on budget decisions.  I will require divisions to publicly announce their requests for budget increases and will provide time for public feedback of these requests.  When the final budget request is released, I’ll hold explanation sessions so that the residents can better understand the solutions being offered.