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?

• Katie Nash: Yes

• Cesar Diaz: Yes

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?

• Katie Nash: No  "I'm committed to creating a new process for redistricting with the organizations listed (one does not exist), draw lines with rationale that compliments majority-minority districts that are legally defensible (research lists federal challenges to race as the sole rationale)."

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "The creation of District 2, which I hope to represent, assured that an area of the city with primarily Latino residents has a voice in city government.  That still leaves 4 of the 5 districts primarily as white dominated . This leaves out other minority groups out of the legislative process."

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?

• Katie Nash: Yes  "Wage theft is the place to begin this conversation. This is the denial of earned wages or benefits. Union representation should also be discussed and I am committed to introducing collective bargaining with binding arbitration for city workers and encouraging the unionization of service personnel." 

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "Wage disparity is a huge hurdle that prevents Black and Latino workers and their families from improving their financial situation.  Improving fair wages will be a priority for me when I am on the council."

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?

• Katie Nash: No  "I was willing to move the conversation forward because we need more information (and am in the media quoted for this; Republican activists countered heatedly at our meetings). Again, this isn’t a yes or a no but I want to learn more and document public education efforts before 'yes'."

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "The establishment of City Council Districts was a good first step to allow more direct representation for residents.  Ranked Choice voting is the next step to allow individual voters to have their vote carry more weight.  This needs to happen in Frederick before the 2029 city elections"

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?

• Katie Nash: Yes

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "The pressures faced by immigrants is a major priority in my District, so it is a major priority for me.  The city needs to increase the funding it provides for legal aid to immigrants.  Legal assistance is the number 1 question I get from immigrant residents in my district."

• Katie Nash: Yes  "I have testified in Annapolis several times and spoke at rallies to pass the legislation."

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "287(g) agreements need to be eliminated.  Period.  They are a discriminatory, do not make our city safer and cost taxpayers money.  I have advocated for the elimination of 287(g) agreements before I was a candidate and will continue to do so until they are eliminated in Maryland."

• Katie Nash: Yes

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "The cities Muslim population needs to be protected from hate and racism.  They are a vital part of our city and  like all other residents they have the right to have a safe and secure city for their families."

• Katie Nash: No

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "What is happening in Gaza is genocide.  As members of a free society it is imperative that we stand against genocide where ever it occurs,  Frederick City needs to take a stand against these atrocities."

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?

• Katie Nash: No  "I have an aggressive housing agenda that is reflected in our legislative Housing Work Plan - happy to provide a status to anyone. I have outlined housing solutions by income and we are working through those now in the Housing Committee that meets twice a month."

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "Affordable housing needs to be a priority for the City Council.  It is going to take different strategies to solve this problem and that starts with an assessment of the current state of affordable housing."

• Katie Nash: Yes 

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "The city needs to take an assessment of exactly what the unhoused and financially disadvantaged population and their needs are, then concrete steps need to be taken to address those issues.  this needs to be a priority, not a long term aspirational goal."

• Katie Nash: Yes

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "All students deserve to be treated with respect and have the opportunity to get a good education.  Gender non-conforming and transgendered students need to feel safe and secure in their school.  This is a basic human right."

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?

• Katie Nash: Yes  

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "Climate change is an immediate and long term challenge that needs to be addressed. With the federal government's hostility towards dealing with climate change, local jurisdictions need to address how they will minimize the impact.  Climate impact should be a part of all decisions made by the council."

• Katie Nash: Yes

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "The Muslim population deserves the same respect as other religious groups, and that includes zoning consideration, halal food access and the recognition of Islamic holidays by the schools."

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. 

• Katie Nash: Yes

• Cesar Diaz: Yes 

• Katie Nash: No  "I support 24/7 staffing of the Crisis Car (county partnership) and know we need dedicated funding for mental health resources. I am creating a workgroup to conduct a gap assessment for presentation before the new Council. Our police staffing shortage is further impacted by our growth."

• Cesar Diaz: Yes  "Many of the emergency response that the city police deal with are caused by people dealing with mental health issues.  Police are not trained or equipped to deal with people in a mental health crisis.  This is a public safety issue and the police budget is a public safety budget"