District 4 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?

• Joe Adkins: Yes  "It is a great park took my kids there to swim. The City will need to work with budget to create additional amenities within this park."

• Scott Lasher: Yes  "The question does not advocate a particular plan or funding source(s). It is premature, therefore, to define 'support' other than to agree with the general idea of renovating the park."

• Frederik Ventura: Yes  "I support making renovations to the Mullinix Park. But believe that it needs to be done in responsible matter to increase biodiversity, and preserve green spaces that quickly disappearing."

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?

• Joe Adkins: Yes   "It would require additional study on how the districts were established. I am not opposed to it but at the same time I wouldn’t want the City to change districts every four years as demographics change."

• Scott Lasher: No  "The City Council approved its district boundaries in February 2025 based on the work of a consulting firm and after extensive public input. To change the districting after such a short period of time and after a major districting effort would require substantial new information."

• Frederik Ventura: No  "I would have to do further research. My understanding is that ACLU wrote a letter praising the redistricting in an effort to acknowledge and represent the cities growing diverse population."

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?

• Joe Adkins: No  "I believe this is a State issue."

• Scott Lasher: Yes  "What is supportable is an effort to eliminate wage disparity that is dependent on factors such as race, ethnicity, or immigration status. As to a guarantee of a fair wage, that requires a definition of 'fair wage' to assess."

• Frederik Ventura: Yes

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?

• Joe Adkins: Yes  "With low voter turnout and just a handful of candidates, I don’t know if this would make a substantial difference. With a third of the voters as independents, I would like to see an open primary."

• Scott Lasher: No  

• Frederik Ventura: Yes  "RCV is a good way to make one feel like their vote counts. It's definitely worth finding a way to test and implementing this new system."

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?

• Joe Adkins: Yes

• Scott Lasher: Yes  "The question is too vague. There are limits to which city government can 'protect' immigrants, depending on immigration status, for example. However, there are due process rights which are provided by the US Constitution and there are rights afforded US citizens. There are also anti-discriminatory laws with respect to housing."

• Frederik Ventura: Yes

• Joe Adkins: Yes  "The best way to address the 287 (g) program is to elect a sheriff that is opposed to the program."

• Scott Lasher: Yes

• Frederik Ventura: Yes

• Joe Adkins: Yes  "Hate crimes are wrong against any segment of the population. All hate crimes should be addressed in the courts. I am unsure what kind of policies could be created to address only the Muslim residents."

• Scott Lasher: Yes  "Not until I am confident that current policies are insufficient to provide the protection of Muslim residents that all residents of Frederick should be afforded." 

• Frederik Ventura: Yes

• Joe Adkins: Yes  "All conflicts end up killing millions of innocent lives and leaves countless others in unbelievable conditions. I would expand the resolution to call for the end of most conflicts."

• Scott Lasher: No  "A resolution concerning foreign policy is outside of the purview of the council. It would take an inordinate amount of time and energy to assess the current situation in the region and would take away from the primary obligation of city council. Indeed, experts committed to such an assessment could not agree on the appropriateness or wording of such a resolution." 

• Frederik Ventura: Yes  "I believe this gesture even if just symphonic, would show the Palestinian people in our community solidarity and support."

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?

• Joe Adkins: Yes  "The City will collect $17 million at the current rate in MDPU fee in lieu of funds. The Council, the Administration, and HHS need to discuss the plans for these funds. Once that happens a plan can be developed on how to best address the additional needs."

• Scott Lasher: Yes  "Yes. That is a general statement with general concepts that requires specific legislation upon which to act." 

• Frederik Ventura: Yes  "Yes, finding a way to make housing more affordable send to the a top priority for many candidates."

• Joe Adkins: Yes  "Once the Council reviews how the funds from the MPDU program is being allocated, then we can work to see how to address the needs of others."

• Scott Lasher: No  "Rehabilitation services and support for the homeless and other individuals are priorities and I will address them as I gain better knowledge of the current situation and options."

• Frederik Ventura: No  "If elected, I want to wait and work as a collective with the council to address or curve this issue."

• Joe Adkins: Yes  "All students should feel safe in school."

• Scott Lasher: Yes

• Frederik Ventura: No  "I think that the policy needs to be revised and edited to better serve the community. I think there can be a healthy medium where we protects trans and gender non conforming youth, and ease concern amongst parents."

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?

• Joe Adkins: Yes  "The City will need to establish priorities and goals that can be communicated easily. With uncertainty of funding from both the Federal and State levels, the City will need to work within our fiscal constraints to address these priorities."

• Scott Lasher: Yes

• Frederik Ventura: Yes

• Joe Adkins: Yes  "The zoning ordinance only addresses places of worship. So as long as a project can address those requirements, it should move forward. The BOE sets the school calendar and holidays and this issue should be addressed with them."

• Scott Lasher: Yes

• Frederik Ventura: Yes

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. 

• Joe Adkins: Yes  "This is a very specific question for one place of worship. Given more information I would be willing to look into it to see if a solution could be found for this situation."

• Scott Lasher: Yes  "Yes, provided the parking does not impair the ability of police and fire departments to respond effectively to emergencies or otherwise compromise the provision of city services."

• Frederik Ventura: Yes

• Joe Adkins: Yes  "The City of Frederick Police Department currently has a crisis car and it maybe the only one in the State. Once the FPD evaluates its effectiveness, the City can revisit its role and seek ways to improve its response to the residents."

• Scott Lasher: Yes

• Frederik Ventura: Yes