As Frederick County is the largest county in Maryland by area, one of my initial priorities for the next four years is to make sure everyone from each of the five County Council districts feels that they have ways to effectively communicate their thoughts and ideas to me and the other councilmembers. Additionally, I will be looking for ways to enhance communication coming from the County Council, so that residents can be more aware of upcoming issues of interest. As we all choose to receive news and information through an increasing variety of methods, this is becoming a bigger challenge. This is another reason why I’m grateful to communicate with the many readers of this newspaper in the years ahead.

Members of the 2022-2026 Frederick County Council are already working well together and looking for opportunities to collaborate in ways that will benefit our residents, despite any philosophical differences. One of the first issues to come before this council deals with communication. Although no legislation was proposed, in December we discussed the possible ending of public comment by phone during council meetings.

During the pandemic, Frederick County expanded the ways residents can provide public comment to include speaking to the council live by phone, or by leaving a recorded message which is played during the meeting. This accommodation, executed so well by Frederick County government staff members, allowed for meaningful public comment during council meetings to continue through the duration of the pandemic.

Now that Winchester Hall is open once again for all to attend public meetings, the council considered if it is time to end this accommodation. After some discussion, it was decided that we would take the next few months to see if residents feel there is value in continuing this method of public comment. Your thoughts on this issue are the most valuable, and I hope you will share them by sending an email to councilmembers@frederickcountymd.gov. When the council revisits this issue, I will be supporting the continuation of public comment by phone to expand access and convenience for participation in our local government. This access is particularly important for our growing population of senior residents, residents with disabilities, and residents with transportation challenges.

Another opportunity for communication with Frederick County government was initiated by County Executive Jessica Fitzwater in January. A Budget Town Hall was held in each of the five council districts so that residents could share their priorities for the upcoming budget. I hope similar forums continue in the future for a couple of reasons. Although we are one Frederick County, we know there are unique local issues in each county district and issues that affect the entire county. This a proactive way for the county government to engage with the public, keep in closer contact, and to hear the concerns and ideas brought up by residents. The other aspect I like about periodic town hall events is that we elected officials are there to listen to you. As a councilmember, I have the opportunity each week to provide comments at the end of County Council meetings.

When people take the time and make the effort to come to a town hall event to express something important to them, my job is to actively listen to as many people as I can, and to provide comment when asked. A common theme at each of the Budget Town Halls was an interest in having more events like them in the future. If you couldn’t make it to any of the events, you can still submit your budget priorities or watch the recorded meetings by visiting www.frederickcountymd.gov/BudgetPublicHearing.

If you have suggestions for ways you would like to receive information, feel free to email them to me at rknapp@frederickcountymd.gov or to the entire Frederick County Council at the email address list above.