In my previous articles, I have covered our campaign platform regarding education and business. This article focuses on our "One Frederick" platform. Our campaign’s mission statement says, "One Frederick, united in pursuing prosperity for all." As we read and watch headline news and social media postings and listen to radio broadcast, we can conclude that our United States are more divided than any other time in history. Democrats and Republicans cannot agree on the best policies for the people. In fact, the Republican Party is divided between the Trump Republican and Establishment Republicans, while the Democratic Party is divided between the Progressives and Moderates.
Our nation has historically been divided over race, religion, nationality, gender, economic status, abortion rights, gun control and language. More recently, we have found ourselves on opposite sides of COVID-19 protocol, Black Lives Matter, drug addiction, Critical Race Theory, filibusters, voting access, historic statues, election results and more. Our deep division in these United States is weakening our nation’s world prominence. The partisan politics has created a toxic environment amongst our nation’s political leaders when discussing of our nation’s most pressing laws often voting along party lines, not what is in the best interest of the people. This same behavior is trickling down to the State and Local levels. We need to put an end to this style of governing and it starts at the County level.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused two plus years of stress and misery in every nation, tribe, and community and forever changed our lives. Our nation alone lost over one million people to COVID-19. One would think battling through the pandemic together would cause us to draw closer as a nation; instead, we drew further apart. We have become more angry, less tolerant, less empathetic, and more selfish.
As your County Executive, I will work hard to bring us together as One Frederick through servant style leadership. I am a committed resident who believes in the great people of Frederick County and care enough to sacrifice my time, talent, and treasures for the good of our community. My service to the community in key cornerstone organizations (Frederick County Public Schools, Frederick County Chamber and Frederick Health Hospital) are a testament to my love for Frederick County. We are fortunate to live in a beautiful community with a rich history and great resources. As our County is becoming more diverse, we need to expand opportunities for other residents to benefit from the County’s excellent quality of life and opportunities for prosperity.
I will create more access to affordable housing, broadband internet, county-wide transportation and better paying jobs. I will create a synergy with the leaders of the twelve municipalities to align our visions for Frederick County, while allowing each to have their own uniqueness. A "No growth" plan is not an option for such a vibrant County primed to attract key industry leading corporations that will improve our ability to capitalize on the global economy. I will develop a Strategic Growth plan that supports the community’s priorities for the future as reflected in the Livable Frederick Plan. I will continue to preserve our farmland while working with the farming and agricultural businesses to research and develop new and more efficient ways to keep a vibrant farming industry yet make it more attractive to new and younger farmers. I would also partner with local non-profits and human services organizations to streamline and
consolidate access to the services needed by our residents to survive and thrive.
Our campaign’s main platform issues include post-pandemic education funding, support small business growth and sustainability, a "One Frederick United" initiative, and financial stewardship. Please visit our website at www.friendsofdboffman.com for more information.
