Bowens Readies Run for Alderman

Antonio Bowens

George Wenschhof

During a recent interview, Democrat Antonio Bowens told me he intends to file the paperwork by the end of February or early March to run for alderman in The City of Frederick.

He feels there is not a lot of representative government happening now and local elected officials are not listening.  Bowens added the current administration concentrates more on downtown than the rest of the city.

Mr. Bowens said he felt there was not enough diversity in local government and he wants to give people hope.  He would like to see The City of Frederick become more of a leader in the state.

Fiscal responsibility is important to Bowens and he wants to see better money management by the city.  He would like to look at selling the city owned golf course if it is not making money.

In regard to the development of the park on the Hargett Farm, Bowens asked “How is the city going to pay for this?”

When it comes to the proposed downtown hotel/conference center, Bowens said “I do not think this is necessary”.  He feels what is being proposed will be an eyesore and does not believe in subsidies, adding “Why put taxpayers on the hook to subsidize Marriott?”

Homelessness is another major concern for Bowens who said he does not feel the city is doing enough to help this population.  He said “everyone deserves dignity and respect.”

Blighted Properties are another of his concerns and not just downtown but throughout the city.  Bowens wants to see them be brought up to code.

Bowens would also like the city to bring back the Bulk Trash pick up service.

I asked him “what led him to being interested in politics”?  Bowens said he opposed the rezoning of the Frederick Town Mall for a Walmart four years ago.

When asked if he was supporting any other candidates in the city election, Bowens said “I am supporting Kris Fair.”  (Fair is a Democratic candidate for alderman)

Bowens added he liked the beautification committee proposed by Fair, but wonders where the money will come from to pay for this.

Antonio Bowens told me he comes from an old Frederick community family and has many relatives.  He grew up in Monrovia, graduated from Urbana High School and attended Frederick Community College.

He works as an interior designer at J.C. Penny located at Dulles Town Center.

(Editor’s note:  The City of Frederick primary election is September 12, 2017 and the general election is November 7, 2017.  The deadline to file for a candidate is July 3, 2017.)

Kelly Russell Loves Frederick

 George Wenschhof

Alderman Kelly Russell
Clustered Spires High Wheel Bicycle Race

When I concluded my interview with Democratic alderman Kelly Russell, I asked her; why do you want four more years?  She answered quickly, with a wide smile, a common sight for those who know her, and said “I love the city and Frederick is growing and changing with amazing things happening.”  She added “it is important to do things right and lasting in the future.”

Kelly shared with me she felt public service was the highest honor and she received the highest satisfaction from it.  She wants to continue to be in a position to help the city move forward.

We discussed her accomplishments during her first term in office throughout most of the interview and Kelly spoke enthusiastically about her support of “Rails and Trails” in the city.

The design of the pedestrian and bicycle shared use pathway was aided with the help of a Council of Governments grant and when completed, will connect the east and west sides of the city.

She was proud of her efforts to have $1.5 million included in the city capital improvement budget this year to complete this project.

Working with an ad-hoc bicycle and pedestrian committee, (now a permanent advisory committee), Russell supported the creation of a loop that a bicyclist can use to visit 22 downtown Frederick historic sites that begins and ends at Tourism.

Alderman Russell also was pleased during her early months in office, the board moved to address resident concerns and safety issues by passing an oversized vehicle ordinance that regulated the size of vehicles parked on residential streets.

Kelly added she also brought forward legislation, during her first 11/2 years in office, that passed with a 5-0 vote, to include “sexual preference” as a protected class in the housing ordinance.

She spoke excitedly about her time on the city planning commission and her efforts to work with the historic preservation staff to establish a “demolition delay” on structures 50 years or older.  Kelly was especially pleased with her efforts to assist in successfully protecting the “hillside view” of the former Prospect Hall property by making the developers move an apartment building that would have obstructed the picturesque view.

Another law and resolution Russell noted she brought forward, addressed concerns of many residents by banning the sale and possession of synthetic marijuana (Bath Salts).

Before moving to a couple of questions left on my Facebook page for her, I asked her about how communication was going between the mayor and aldermen.  I reminded her she had complained to me about the lack of communication by Mayor Randy McClement (R) during her first year in office.

Kelly said she had promoted the establishment of monthly meetings between members of the board of alderman and the mayor, and as a result, communication had improved for her.  She added she had found a comfort zone to get things accomplished and she doesn’t let frustration with communication impede moving forward and getting things done for the city.

Devan Markel Naylor asked alderman Russell on my Facebook page if she would be willing to bring back bulk trash pick-up?  Kelly said she would like it to come back with a new name “free cycle round-up” where the city would partner with nonprofits with a recycle truck also available.  The “free cycle round-up” was piloted using the parking lot at Harry Grove Stadium on a Saturday.

Debra Santeufemio was concerned there was too much littering in the city and wondered if the city would consider a neighborhood clean up day.  Russell pointed out Downtown Frederick Partnership promotes “bring a broom” Saturdays and suggested Debra contact her Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC) and perhaps they could coordinate a neighborhood clean up day.  

Kelly Russell is one of eight Democratic and seven Republican candidates running for the five member board of alderman.

The City of Frederick primary election is September 10.

Stay tuned.

 

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