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Frederick's aldermanic race has gained three new candidates.

Carol Krimm

Krimm, 58, is the most recent candidate to file her paperwork. The Democrat has been a prevalent figure lately advocating for the city at Frederick County commissioners meetings and for city residents at City Hall. She said she is ready to campaign for a reigning voice in local government.

The 30-year resident said that she is ready to put her more than 10 years in Maryland state government to use. She is currently on the legislative staff for Del. Galen R. Clagett (D-Dist. 3A), where she said she has acquired a wealth of knowledge.

Krimm holds a master's of business administration and bachelor's degree in political science from Frostburg University. She also has a paralegal certificate from the University of Maryland.

Krimm said she plans to draw on her background to help the city make responsible spending decisions, capitalize on the state's smart growth priorities and help maximize economic development opportunities.

Of most concern to Krimm is the city's doubling of its capital debt, the financially flawed early buyout program and the city not following state law on the tax equity program with Frederick County. "We need more and better scrutiny by leaders in these economic times," Krimm said. "Taxpayers are being squeezed from all directions. In this economic time, local government should be keeping taxpayers' dollars in taxpayers' pockets."

John Daniels

Daniels, 62, is a regular at Mayor and Board of Aldermen workshops and meetings. The Democrat has joined the race as a new resident of Frederick city, but a concerned one. He and his wife moved to Frederick in March 2008, after living on a boat in the Caribbean for about 10 years. He said he is more than ready to trade in sandy beaches for City Hall. Daniels retired from the Navy in 1987.

When he settled in Frederick, he found that local government was the avenue to becoming more politically involved. Being a frequent face at the mayor and Board of Aldermen meetings for the last few months is what he credits, in part, as his encouragement for seeking public office.

Daniels said that he has taken a strong interest in the city's business, particularly manageable growth, sustainability and responsible decision-making. "We're going to get to the future whether we want to or not, it's just a matter of how we look when we get there," Daniels said.

Daniels will make his official announcement at 4 p.m., today at the Baker Park gazebo, where he said he will elaborate on his platform.

John W. Shupe

Shupe, 61, a taxi driver for Yellow Cab of Frederick, has also joined the race as a concerned citizen, with the intent to speak up for those who sometimes can only air their grievances from the backseat of a taxi cab.

Shupe would like to be referred to as an unaffiliated independent, but joined the alderman race as a Republican due to missing the city's May 1 filing deadline for independents. He filed as a Republican, he said, because he strongly admires local Republicans Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, Frederick Mayor W. Jeff Holtzinger, and U.S. Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett (Dist. 6).

Shupe moved to Frederick in 1979, and said he has had experiences that could benefit residents from all walks of life. He also proudly proclaims his sobriety from drugs and alcohol for the last eight years.

Shupe said that he would like to see the mayor and Board of Aldermen come together to work for the same party: Frederick residents. "I owe no allegiance to any one political party, but owe my allegiance to all parties of Frederick. Right now, we have five people who are going in all different directions, trying to please special interests."

Having driven a cab for Yellow Cab of Frederick for more than 13 years on and off, Shupe said that he would be a strong advocate for "everyday people."

He plans to advocate for issues such as lack of public transportation, wasted taxpayer dollars and historic preservation for all of the city's assets, including its residents. "We need to take care of the old, at-risk people, forget about the old houses," Shupe said.

These candidates join the following others on the ballot: Republican Senitta Conyers; Democrats Andrew Kotkin, Donna Kuzemchak (incumbent), Karen Lewis Young, Michael O'Connor and Kelly Russell. The filing deadline for candidates is July 7; the primary is Sept.15; the general is Nov. 3.

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