At Large Candidates

There have been discussions in the community about renovating Mullinix Park. Returning the pool to a full functioning pool, renovating the bathroom, pavilion, and building an amphitheater. These improvements would ensure that Mullinix Park is more than just a green space, but a destination where memories are made where the spirit of the community can truly flourish. 

Would you support the renovation of Mullinix Park, a park that truly belongs to everyone?

At Large Responses 

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "The last renovation at Mullinix Park and Diggs Pool occurred 20 years ago, it’s time for an update."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "Yes, I support revitalizing Mullinix Park. Investing in this space would give nearby residents a safe, welcoming place to gather, play, and celebrate community. Parks like this are essential for fostering connection, promoting equity, and creating a more inclusive Frederick."

• Derek Shackelford: Yes

• Kelly Russell: Yes  "I supported a $1 million master plan for park improvements currently underway using input provided by the community."

• Donna Kuzemchak: Yes   "I have supported renovations to Mullinix Park in the past and plan to do so in the future as long as the neighborhood is involved in the plans."

The city council has created one majority-minority district instead of two (2) majority-minority districts, thus diluting people of color's voting power.

Will you take action to amend that matter to implement two (2) majority-minority districts?

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "Outside consultants presented a map that did not reflect our traditional neighborhoods. We should have district boundaries that reflect more than just numbers."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "I would support two majority-minority districts."

• Derek Shackelford: N/A  "I supported the current District setup for this upcoming election cycle."

• Kelly Russell: No  "In the future I would be open to reevaluating the districts."

• Donna Kuzemchak: No  "The districts that were set up were put together by a professional firm that understood to enhance election involvement. Choosing a completely different map could have easily led us to a long court battle. I am open to looking at new maps drawn up by professional firms."

Wage disparity continues to be an issue for minorities and immigrants. Black and Latino workers are significantly less likely to earn middle and upper wages compared to other groups. A recent report by the Maryland State Comptroller shows that there would be a worker deficit if not for immigrant workers. 

Will you introduce or support an ordinance to ensure fair wages for all in Frederick City — regardless of race, ethnicity, or immigration status? Furthermore will you commit to ensuring all of your actions on the city council support this?

• Jennifer Dougherty: No  "The City follows State law and we do not currently have the ability to perform this task."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "Yes, I would support an ordinance to ensure fair wages for all. In today’s climate, we must reject discrimination. Immigrants and people of the global majority are essential to Frederick’s economy and deserve equitable pay and opportunity."

• Derek Shackelford: Yes

• Kelly Russell: N/A  "I sponsored Resolution 20-17 establishing Equity as a Fundamental Value."

• Donna Kuzemchak: Yes  "I worked toward this by raising the minimum wage paid by the City to $20/hour. That same year, we increased COLA by a specific number instead of a percentage. I would like support to do the same every year in the future. I will support fair wage legislation."

Many jurisdictions, have adopted “Ranked Choice” voting, allowing greater choice and effort of one’s vote. 

Do you support ranked choice voting for the City of Frederick?

• Jennifer Dougherty: No  "Not at this time, we need to recruit more candidates before we get to ranked choice. I would like to see Unaffiliated voters to participate in our Primaries."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "Yes, I support ranked choice voting. It encourages more civil campaigns by rewarding candidates who build broad, respectful coalitions. It also ensures winners have majority support, not just a plurality, and can create space for a more diverse slate of candidates to run—and win."

• Derek Shackelford: Yes

• Kelly Russell: N/A  "I am open to the idea."

• Donna Kuzemchak: Yes

A growing number of immigrants feel disenfranchised with attacks on residency, citizenship, and due process at the Federal level of government.

Will you use your position to allay those feelings and make sure immigrants are protected in Frederick?

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "My industry relies heavily on immigrants. My understanding of some of their concerns is first hand."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "City Council and the City of Frederick have an obligation to ensure that all residents feel safe and welcome. City hall should have strong messaging and offer support to the immigrant communities and those impacted by the Federal administration."

• Derek Shackelford: Yes  

• Kelly Russell: Yes  "All our residents should be and feel safe and supported."

• Donna Kuzemchak: Yes  "I believe we as a City are open, welcome and affirming to all. We don’t assist in raids by the Federal Government and I have no plans to support assisting them in the future. I am open to any ideas that ensure immigrants (and others) are protected."

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "The FPD delivers arrestees to the County Jail. Nearly 60% of those in the Jail are from the County and nearly 60% of those were arrested for traffic violations. The system is flawed." 

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "I recognize the harm 287(g) agreements can cause by eroding trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. Local resources should focus on safety, not immigration enforcement. I support moving away from these agreements and would consider advocacy efforts that align with those principles."

• Derek Shackelford: N/A  "I have always disagreed with the 287g program and how it is implemented. I have communicated with our Delegation my opposition to 287(g)."

• Kelly Russell: N/A  "I advocate for issues with our delegation that benefit our residents."

• Donna Kuzemchak: Yes  "Gladly."

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "My experience in office post 9/11 led to an immediate relationship with some of the leaders in the Muslim community. I will work with the Council to strengthen our relationship."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "Yes, I support policies that ensure the safety and inclusion of Muslim residents. This includes improving hate crime reporting, offering cultural competency training for city staff, and building stronger partnerships with Muslim community organizations to promote trust, understanding, and belonging."

• Derek Shackelford: Yes

• Kelly Russell: N/A  "All our residents should be and feel safe and supported."

• Donna Kuzemchak: Yes  "Crimes against Muslims are considered hate crimes in the City. I’m not sure what more you are looking for, but of course I support ensuring the safety of Muslim residents and residents of all religious beliefs who may be persecuted."

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "The situation is out of control. One City Council voice matters little, but if we all speak up, it starts to be noticed."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "I recognize the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and mourn the loss of innocent lives. I support efforts that prioritize peace, protect civilians, and ensure access to humanitarian aid. I hope for a just and lasting resolution that upholds human rights and safety for all people in the region."

• Derek Shackelford: N/A  "I have met with interested parties regarding a Ceasefire Resolution. The interested parties wanted the Resolution they submitted as the proposed resolution with no flexibility. When mentioning Resolutions from other municipalities. This Resolution is not the same. The City needs to enact a process regarding Resolutions for National and Global issues. Humanitarian aid should be a right to Gaza and nothing should be preventing the humanitarian aid." 

• Kelly Russell: No  "I have not."

• Donna Kuzemchak: Yes  "I put a resolution forward a month ago calling for Frederick to join other jurisdictions in fighting for peace in the Gaza as well as no longer supporting the war machine and the war economy. This resolution should be heard and voted on in the next few weeks."

The growing wealth inequality in our community often disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations such as seniors, people with disabilities, and the unhoused.

Will you support affordable housing legislation in Frederick City, including but not limited to: establishing a Community Land Trust, modular construction, rezoning, rent-stabilization, ensuring city agencies enforce State fair housing rules, and performing an assessment of affordable housing in Frederick City?

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "I am proposing a 90-Day Housing Work Group for short and long-term solutions that can be included in our first budget."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "I began my career supporting those most impacted by housing insecurity and became a policy analyst to address these systemic challenges. I support bold solutions like land trusts, rent stabilization, and fair zoning to ensure everyone in Frederick has access to safe, affordable, and stable housing."

• Derek Shackelford: Yes

• Kelly Russell: Yes  "I am committed and eager to find the right solutions that work for Frederick."

• Donna Kuzemchak: Yes  "We’ve started to move toward affordable housing legislation in the City, and have provided extra funding with money collected through rental licensing. I am willing to look at all options and support those that make the most sense in the City."

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "Identify 100 units including vacant properties and temporary modular homes."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "Introduce zoning changes to increase housing options. I also support the Continuum of Care system and believe the city should invest in and encourage collaboration among local organizations to provide housing, rehabilitation, and support services for our most vulnerable residents."

• Derek Shackelford: Yes  "Will continue to sponsor/support legislation to support the City’s Housing and Human Services while also collaborating with community partners."

• Kelly Russell: No  "As one who was previously unhoused, I understand and have always advocated for more resources, including housing and shelter."

• Donna Kuzemchak: No  "I am happy to discuss expansion of existing programs and working with nonprofits already in place that provide these services. I don’t know of a specific service that I would start new."

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "Fair treatment for all."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "I support maintaining the policy. It’s essential to protect our students and ensure their safety, especially as federal protections face uncertainty. Every student deserves to feel respected and supported in their school environment, regardless of gender identity or expression."

• Derek Shackelford: Yes

• Kelly Russell: N/A  "All our residents should be and feel safe and supported."

• Donna Kuzemchak: Yes  "I’m happy to do that. I wish I’d thought of it myself."

Minority communities are oftentimes disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. 

Will you introduce or support an ordinance detailing steps Frederick will take to remain committed to carbon neutrality by 2050 despite budget constraints and federal government hostility to climate actions?

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "Cover parking lots with solar panels, introduce geo-thermal for new construction, cover bus shelters with pollinator gardens."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "I would support strong climate action. We need creative, community-driven solutions and funding strategies that prioritize equity and resilience, especially for those most affected by climate change. Frederick can lead locally, even when federal support falls short."

• Derek Shackelford: Yes  "Have supported Climate Change initiatives previously and will continue to do so with benchmarks, collaborative efforts and goal measurements."

• Kelly Russell: N/A  "As a founding member of the Sustainability Committee, I have always supported our commitment to reducing our footprint."

• Donna Kuzemchak: Yes  "Not only will I support an ordinance for carbon neutrality, I will work to ensure the changes don’t negatively affect those with lower wages and financial abilities. Many climate change issues are expensive, and we need to ensure lower income households aren’t paying a higher percent than they can afford."

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "See #7."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "I will support efforts that ensure Muslim residents feel seen, respected, and included in Frederick. That includes addressing zoning, access to halal food, and meaningful recognition. A truly inclusive city reflects and accommodates the diversity of its people in our decision making."

• Derek Shackelford: N/A  "Yes, I will support the religious and cultural needs ensuring that no discriminatory practices or barriers prevent our Muslim population from unfair treatment."

• Kelly Russell: N/A  "All our residents should be and feel safe and supported."

• Donna Kuzemchak: Yes  "Again, I’m not sure how this question is different than supporting various religious preferences. I believe all are equal, and should be treated as such: Christian, Judaism, Muslim, Buddhism, Hinduism atheists, etc. I support recognizing all religions or no religion, but not one over another."

Granting the church’s request would not only demonstrate respect for its vital role in the community but also align city policy with principles of inclusion and equal treatment. 

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "Recognizing the unique placement of some of our churches is a simple solution. Meter bags that say reserved for church parking is one simple solution."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "I would be open to considering this request. It’s important to balance accessibility, safety, and fairness while recognizing the role longstanding community institutions play. If the change doesn’t impact revenue or public safety, it may be a reasonable and inclusive accommodation."

• Derek Shackelford: N/A  "If a church has a specific request. The request should be made and an agreement/solution can be agreed upon with the City and respective church entity."

• Kelly Russell: No  "Parking restrictions on streets are based on safety concerns. An option might be the county owned courthouse parking lot now that FPD has vacated."

• Donna Kuzemchak: No  "It would depend why the street is marked 'no parking.' I’m also not sure how this aligns with the principles of inclusion and equal treatment. If we are giving churches preferences we are not giving others, that is a far cry from equal treatment."

• Jennifer Dougherty: Yes  "The mental health response teams are vital. FPD does. It need to be first on scene and mental health professionals de-escalate more quickly than police officers."

• Libby Taylor: Yes  "In a heartbeat."

• Derek Shackelford: Yes  "Have advocated for this previously and will continue to do so as the Crisis Car with partnerships exists with continued financial and personnel support."

• Kelly Russell: No  "Investment in mental health and crisis response is critically important for the community and the police."

• Donna Kuzemchak: Yes  "I’ve already done this by supporting a Crisis car (which we now have, thanks to Chief Lando), and I’ve suggested/requested more. I strongly support this for the future. I’m the person who found over $500k to remove from the Police budget. The Mayor vetoed the change."