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Shelley Aloi (R)
The cooperative efforts of the city and county departments of economic development, under the direction of Richard Griffin and Laurie Boyer, respectively, are a model for the state and exemplify the power and cost-effectiveness of directing energies and resources toward a common goal.

These leaders understand the principles of win-win relationships. Likewise, our city and county planning department staffs work well together and agree on important planning issues. I fully support developing similar mutually beneficial relationships between other city departments and their counterparts within the county.

Some topics for discussion could include: increasing streams of revenue and examining additional sources of revenue, traffic solutions, land use, law enforcement and tourism. To encourage this conversation, I support reinstating a regular meeting between Frederick city and Frederick County officials in addition to the meetings already open to all municipalities.

We must establish joint decision-making processes and be proactive and vigilant in our efforts. Bickering and fighting has slowed progress and robbed our valuable time and energy. I commit to bringing teamwork, civility and commonsense to the Board of Aldermen. I will be an alderman who serves, listens and takes action for the good of the City of Frederick.

Amanda Haddaway (R)
There is currently a breakdown of communication between the city and the county over the recent annexations. It is important to remember that the city and county have worked together effectively in the past to accomplish some important infrastructure projects in our area and we must continue to do so going forward.

The next administration will be tasked with repairing this currently strained, but vital relationship. The city and county will most likely continue to have differing perspectives on certain issues, but the two groups must find ways to work for the betterment of our citizens.

I will encourage the next Board of Aldermen to meet very early in the next administration with the county commissioners to adopt "rules of engagement." During these discussions, city and county officials should determine how each party will communicate information about issues that impact both entities. The board should also begin discussions with the county about future tax equity payments and the possibility of pursuing tax differential instead. As alderman, I will further propose regularly scheduled dialogues between the two governmental bodies to strengthen future decision making.

Chris Huckenpoehler (R)
Did not respond in time for inclusion in this edition.

Alan Imhoff (R)
First, as an elected official of The City of Frederick, I have sworn to uphold the laws of the city, the State of Maryland and the United States. Therefore, I am serving and will continue to serve the best interests of the residents and businesses within our corporate boundaries. As has recently been demonstrated, occasionally some other elected officials feel they know what is best for our municipality. Over the 30-some odd years I have been involved here in Frederick County, cooperation and differences ride the cycles of elections of those elected. These cycles are more driven with personalities involved not by sound, long-term planning. Throw in the stress to these individuals of economic conditions they have never had to face, in concert with changing emphasis from the state level, and tensions run high as emotion clouds reasoned dialog. The 160 character blog or text message has replaced good, old honest debate. I will work to restore that good, old-fashioned debate to fashion cooperative long-term planning.

Carol Krimm (D)
The city, county, and state elected leaders worked very well together on Sept. 23, when the governor was in Frederick for "Capital for a Day." I believe we can build on the good relationships and common ground that was evident that day. The city and county have a lot in common, like transportation projects to ease traffic congestion and improve public safety. The expansion of Fort Detrick is another example of common ground for the city and county to work in conjunction with the fort to bring more jobs to the area. Frederick's citizens want their elected leaders to work in a collaborative manner. I have worked with many of our current leaders at all levels of government for several years. I look forward to continuing a good working relationship.

Donna Kuzemchak (D)
I think the city and county generally do have a good relationship. On general issues, the city and county work well to provide daily support. City and county officials simply serve different groups of constituents. County officials need to acknowledge that city constituents are also county constituents. I truly believe this needs to be a cornerstone of the next county election to get true equity for city residents.

Michael O'Connor (D)
City and county officials must be willing to sit down and discuss issues of mutual concern. I do not expect we will always agree, but I do expect communication. What cannot get lost in discussions about city autonomy is that that our citizens are county residents as well. For the same reasons we must maintain strong state and federal relationships as well.

Monthly meetings between countywide municipal leaders and the commissioners are good. However, I believe Frederick city and county elected officials should return to regular city/county meetings, perhaps quarterly, with an agenda focused on mutual concerns. How might the annexation process have progressed differently had such meetings been in place?

My professional life in media has provided me a unique opportunity to see both city and county government functions up close. I will use that experience to be an advocate for city residents while recognizing the county's role. Likewise I have seen through my volunteer efforts with Aspire Frederick and the Frederick County Workforce Development Board how different organizations with different priorities can work together on common goals.

It's about temperament, demeanor, and respect. I firmly believe much can be accomplished if it doesn't matter who gets the credit.

Kelly Russell (D)
Common sense tells us that the key to any good relationship is open communication. However, accomplishing this is often easier said than done. Sometimes discussions become personalized, and when that happens it is often much more difficult to see the issue at hand. We must be diligent in focusing on issues, not personalities, and make the best decisions for our residents.

When the next city administration takes office, it is critical that we be proactive in fostering good communication. I will investigate development of an Intergovernmental Relations Manager to coordinate and advocate for the city's interests in our dealings with the federal, state, and other local governments. I will advocate for a full-time Public Information Officer (PIO), a critical piece that has been missing during this administration. Having a PIO to advise and coordinate official communications from the city helps ensure we get the facts right. If we need other professional help to facilitate productive conversation, the Frederick Community Mediation and Conflict Resolution Center (CALM) is a local nonprofit resource available to us. The fact is this: we must keep talking, face to face, with respect for one another and for the residents we serve.

Paul Smith (R)
Having a good working relationship with county officials depends primarily upon three factors: Understanding each others' vision and plans; cooperating with each other to the extent that our plans coincide; and treating each other with respect. The current city administration has an excellent track record of doing this. That relationship has recently been strained as the county tries to block the city from pursing the longstanding county and city plans (for the city to develop the northern annexation properties). The city has professionally and respectfully spoken up to defend its actions and to correct the erroneous criticisms that have been leveled at us. The county had previously agreed that the city would develop there areas when we signed the Potomac River Water Supply Agreement in 2006 and committed to pay $50 million toward construction of the water lines that would supply these northern properties. But now, after having secured our financial help, they are attempting to block the plans to which they previously agreed.

This type of inconsistency will always cause problems in relationships between the city and county.

Conducting ourselves professionally and respectfully will help us get through this and other times of sharp difference.

Karen Young (D)
The next municipal administration should explore ways to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of city and county government as well as how to more equitably compensate city residents for the duplication in city and county taxes. This will require a high level of cooperation.

The city and county should have ongoing meetings on a quarterly or bimonthly basis. The purpose would be to share goals, objectives and strategies and communicate status frequently. Both government entities should take their direction from citizen input, which can be done inexpensively by posting "Issues Surveys" on the city and county's Web sites.

At a minimum, an ongoing communication process will help ensure that both government entities have the same information.

When there is disagreement between the two organizations, understanding should be worked out in a civil, respectful and professional manner. Disagreement and jockeying for position should not be played out by undermining the other governmental entity or through public theatrics. As public officials, we have a responsibility to conduct ourselves as leaders. If all else fails, professional facilitators can be brought in to encourage collaboration.