Issue 3: Further city issues - Mayoral candidate responses
Jason Judd (D)
We've had lots of attention in this campaign to infrastructure investments and land use issues, but too little to investments the city makes in people.
Earlier this year, the city tried to cut money for our summer recreation programs. As mayor, you can count on me to make these investments in our familiesthey're as critical as the money we put into water systems or sidewalks.
Two more examples. One, I'll work with schools, parents, the county, state leaders like Gov. O'Malley, and the Board of Public Works to make sure that long overdue renovations at Lincoln Elementary, Frederick High School, and North Frederick move forward. Our kids need 21st-century schools.
Two, let's help organize an education partnership fund with the chambers of commerce and our local colleges to help kids coming out of our high schools go to college hereespecially those kids who may be the first in their familiesand get the skills they need to fill the good jobs we're creating.
In tough budget yearsand they'll all be toughwe need to work smarter. I'll bring leaders together to make investments in people that'll leverage much larger returns, strengthen Frederick's economy, and strengthen Frederick families.
Randy McClement (R)
We have not discussed how the Mayor approaches governing.
The mayor and the board must start running the city more like a business. Rough economic times require people who know how to take a dollar and make it last. We need people who are willing to make the hard decisions to ensure the health and safety of our city.
First item create your organization chart. I have done that and reconfigured the direct reports to be more efficient. My team of department heads will be people who have the knowledge to run their departments and a passion for the city. They will be given clear and direct goals and will keep the residents informed of their status.
I will work with the Board of Alderman to achieve completion of projects they have prioritized. I will listen to their concerns and address them quickly and responsibly.
The mayor must take the role of meeting moderator seriously. He must be able to keep the meeting moving forward effectively while allowing as much input by the Board and residents as possible. Through my 13 years of HOA management and chairing boards for the city, I have vast experience in doing just that.