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In what she called the "worst-kept secret in Frederick politics," former Frederick mayor Jennifer P. Dougherty (D) put rumors to rest Monday, and confirmed she is taking another step in the political ring.

Dougherty announced her candidacy for mayor of the City of Frederick in front of a small crowd Monday morning on the William O. Lee Bridge at Carroll Creek Park in downtown Frederick. She held the city's highest office from 2001 to 2004, losing her re-election bid to former mayor Ron Young in the Democratic primary in 2004.

At the same press conference, Democrat Jack Lynch — who officially became a contender for the mayoral race in January — announced that he would drop out of the race to support Dougherty.

"You got to know when to hold them, and know when to fold them," he said of his decision to drop out of the race. "Sometimes the best man for the job is a woman."

Dougherty's announcement comes one week after she admitted that she had been "heavily considering" another run for mayor after presumed Democratic front-runner and sitting alderman Marcia Hall ( D) said she would not run.

"I think former mayor Dougherty and I share a lot of political views," Hall said of Dougherty's announcement. "I think everyone would agree we have different styles, but our goals have always been very similar.

"The Democrats need a strong choice, and I think that's great that they're going to have one."

During her announcement, Dougherty outlined a campaign platform of fiscal responsibility, economic development and learning from past experiences.

Dougherty condemned recent financial decisions by the mayor and Board of Aldermen, namely the city's financially flawed Early Retirement Incentive Program, the $18 million acquisition of 148 acres of farmland for a regional park, and the recent $121 million in debt the city took on to fund infrastructure projects.

She called the projects and their financial repercussions, "$250 million mistakes that will come back and bite taxpayers and businesses.

"It's not that these projects aren't necessary, but you can't do everything at once," Dougherty said. "You need a mayor who wants to serve as the Chief Executive Officer, not the Director of Engineering, and I think that's the important difference that we have today."

Dougherty most recently lost a bid against incumbent U.S. Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett (R-Dist. 6) last fall, drew on her experience in state politics as a guide for her campaign.

She stressed innovative ideas, such as bringing a Veteran's Rehabilitation Center to Frederick and developing relationships with state and federal agencies to help the city attain alternative and profitable energy choices.

Dougherty said that while her loss in 2004 may have attested to a contentious administration and perceived unpopularity in the city, she said her accomplishments during her last term and her connection to the city will prevail.

"I have listened to my critics and supporters who say we got an awful lot done, but imagine what we could have gotten done if we had gotten along better," Dougherty said. "History is a good judge of things. I'll work hard — that's all I can promise.

"Everyone knows I can show up and do the job," she said. "You don't want to take the chance again of electing someone who doesn't have a vision about what the city can be."

Projects such as the development of Carroll Creek Park, the revitalization of the Golden Mile which created more than 1,000 new jobs, and the hiring of Kim Dine as the city's police chief which resulted in a decrease in crime are what Dougherty said she hopes city residents will focus on in this year's election.

"I think that she has a great chance if people focus on what she did for the city, instead of focusing on the infighting," said Alderman Donna Kuzemchak (D), who served under Dougherty.

"It's time for people to start thinking about what she did and how far forward she put the city."

Dougherty joins Jason Judd on the Democratic ticket for the city's September primary.

E-mail Erica L. Green at egreen@gazette.net.