(10/28) After a ten-month countywide campaign, and with so many important issues, it is difficult to convey everything I’d like to share in a few hundred words here. So, instead, I’m sharing comments below from two others: and our current county executive, Jan Gardner, and another northern county resident and friend, Mark Long.

County Executive Jan Gardner wrote: "Kai Hagen is passionate about Frederick County.

As a citizen, as the Executive Director of Envision Frederick County, and as a county commissioner, Kai has dedicated his time and talent to ensure ethical and effective local government, excellent public schools, responsible land-use, and the protection of our environment. All the while also working to encourage others to be more informed about and more involved in the civic life of our community.

For more than two decades, as a citizen advocate and elected official, Kai has been actively engaged in Frederick County. He walks the talk!

As fellow County Commissioner, I could always count on Kai to be well-prepared and well-informed, and to be a strong advocate for Frederick County. He knows our county and county government well. He knows the job. And he will hit the ground running."

Emmitsburg resident and former county council candidate Mark Long wrote: "I strongly support Kai Hagen for County Council. Kai has been actively engaged in civic affairs his entire adult life.

Over the years, as I have come to know Kai well, I've been repeatedly impressed by his depth and breadth of knowledge of the issues that affect Frederick County, and by his commitment to improving life in our county. He is constantly studying and thinking about issues important to our community, looking for solutions to challenges we face and opportunities to make our community even better.

In the 7 years since he was as County Commissioner, Kai has channeled his passion and commitment to our community as Director of Envision Frederick County. As a board member, I've watched Kai up close. (Envision is a 501(c)(3) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization and does not endorse candidates. It was founded on the principle that informed public discourse and active engagement of individuals and groups in our civic life is essential to our mutual well-being and prosperity.)

I’ve watched Kai advocate for policies to move our county in a sustainable, vibrant direction. He has participated in a variety of groups that help move our county forward, Among others, he served on the Energy and Environment Working Group of the Livable Frederick Comprehensive Planning process, as a member of the Solid Waste ("What’s Next?") Steering Committee, and as co-founder of the Smarter Growth Alliance of Frederick County. He is a champion of protecting our environment and a tireless proponent of smart growth principles. His endorsement by the Sierra Club and Clean Water Action affirms this.

His endorsements by the Frederick County Teacher’s Association and Career Firefighters also affirm his strong commitment to our public schools and public safety.

I serve on the Affordable Housing Council. I know Kai understands the importance and complexities of providing affordable housing for our workforce and seniors as our county grows. He is also a proponent of forward-looking economic development to ensure the prosperity of everyone, especially those who struggle to meet basic needs.

I wholeheartedly support Kai Hagen and ask that you do the same. He knows our county, he cares about our county. He will listen to your concerns and will make an outstanding County Council member."

Local government affects our lives in so many ways. Please vote for an ethical, honest and effective leader who care about and works for everyone in our community!

Frederick County is a wonderful place to live. But we face real challenges. With strong committed leadership, we can meet those challenges, turn them into real opportunities, and create an even better place to live!

Vote for a Frederick County that is vibrant, affordable and sustainable!