Frederick County Executive Candidates

The Frederick County Executive Minority Voters' Guide Survey received 1 response from the 3 candidates that were reached out to. Below you will find a yes/no chart displaying simple responses to the 13 questions asked in our survey followed by a list of those questions. Click on any of the questions to see any additional context, up to 300 characters, the candidate wanted to add.

Map of area represented in this race

County Executive

Candidates we did not receive responses from include: Diane Fouche, who did not feel 300 characters was enough space to accurately represent her views, and William J Holtzinger who said he was too busy.

If you are a candidate and you believe there is an error, please reach out to us at minorityvotersguidefrederick@gmail.com.

Question (1) Will you support policies and funding specifically targeted to creating housing affordable to households earning less than 30% of Area Median Income (AMI) ( individuals earning less than $25,000/year, families earning less than $50,000), including those living on SSI, disability income, fixed incomes, or very low wages?

Jessica Fitzwater: Yes "Housing affordability is one of my top priorities. Frederick County provides deeply subsidized rents for seniors at Bell Court Apartments. We are using County-owned property for affordable housing at the Prospect Center, Montevue, and Frederick Senior Center. We will continue to work to preserve."

Question (2) Will you support allocation of public funds to create and support partnerships with the faith community to help build affordable housing on church/house of worship property?

Jessica Fitzwater: Yes "Our Division of Housing is already working on legislation to better support the building of affordable units on property owned by faith-based organizations and evaluating our Housing Initiative Fund for opportunities to support this type of development."

Question (3) Will you support the implementation of HB0711 - Data Privacy - Consumer Data, Public Records, and Message Switching System (Data Privacy Act.)?

Jessica Fitzwater: Yes

Question (4) Do you support increasing funds for English Language Learner (ELL) students?

Jessica Fitzwater: Yes

Question (5) Will you support policies that protect immigrant civil rights and limit voluntary local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement activities except where legally required?

Jessica Fitzwater: Yes "We have trained and provided written guidance to leadership and front line staff on responding to ICE officials who enter County facilities. The County Executive cannot direct operations for the Sheriff’s Office, but I actively supported State legislation to protect immigrant civil rights and limit."

Question (6) The county budget is a statement of priorities. To support immigrant families in Frederick County, would you support funding for legal defense funds, language access in health and human services, and community navigator programs?

Jessica Fitzwater: Yes "I created an Immigrant Affairs position in this year’s budget. We increased contracted services for interpretation and translation, prioritized partnerships with Community Health Workers, provide funds to nonprofits for legal services, continue to operate our Health Equity Clinic on the Golden Mile."

Question (7) Several Maryland counties have passed 'Trust Act' resolutions limiting local cooperation with ICE. Would you support a similar law for Frederick County? If so, please list what specific provisions would yours include in the optional response section.

Jessica Fitzwater: Yes "Council Member Kavonte Duckett is currently working on legislation with our Immigrant Affairs Commission, our County Attorney, and my office to address these provisions. It would codify the training, signage, and protocol information mentioned in Question 5 as well as affirm our values of inclusion."

Question (8) Will you support the expansion of paratransit (Transit Plus) hours after 5 p.m.?

Jessica Fitzwater: Yes "Yes, as funds allow. Transportation is a huge challenge for our seniors and adults with disabilities, and the need is clear. We have prioritized expanding Transit Plus to the best of our ability within our state allocation, and we have advocated for the State to increase that allocation."

Question (9) Do you support state funded reparations to address the lasting harms of slavery, segregation, lynching and systemic racial discrimination?

Jessica Fitzwater: Yes

Question (10) Many jurisdictions, have adopted “Ranked Choice” voting, allowing greater choice and effort of one’s vote. Do you support ranked choice voting for public elections?

Jessica Fitzwater: Yes

Question (11) Do you support policies and funding that support home sharing programs, especially those that reduce social isolation for seniors while addressing cost concerns for renters and homeowners alike?

Jessica Fitzwater: Yes

Question (12) The State of Maryland recently overrode the veto of Governor Wes Moore and enacted a Reparations Act, calling for a comprehensive study/investigation of harms perpetuated against Maryland African descended persons, and proposed atonements. Do you support a comprehensive study/investigation by Frederick County?

Jessica Fitzwater: Yes "Our Human Relations Department has been working with an engaged group of community members on reparations and reconciliation and what that could look like in Frederick County. We are already moving towards a comprehensive study in Frederick County and have earmarked funds for this work."

Question (13) Recent Disparity Study data reveals an ignominious exclusion of women and persons of color from awards of Frederick County contract dollars. The advisory firm hired by the County has recommended steps to address this dire situation, including the devotion of personnel and staff.

Do you support full and adequate funding of the recommended remedial actions, and the involvement of the NAACP and other African American centered groups in the design and implementation of those recommendations?

Jessica Fitzwater: Yes "Supporting small, local, minority-owned businesses is a top priority. The County is working with a nationally-recognized firm to develop a program that opens doors for local businesses. This is only possible by including local business owners and advocacy groups at the table with us throughout this."

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