Dougherty is the Right Choice for Mayor

George Wenschhof

I have written previously on numerous occasions, going into this City of Frederick, Maryland election, I had no horse in the race.

As a result, the many in-person discussions and live online Democratic candidate interviews I have conducted have been enlightening to me and I hope for my readers of Air-it-Out with George Wenschhof.

All of my live online candidate interviews are linked conveniently in the right hand margin and I encourage you to read them before you vote on September 15.

My discussions and interviews with the Democratic candidates for mayor have led me to support and cast my vote on September 15 for former Mayor Jennifer Dougherty.

The next decade will be a challenge for elected officials at all levels of government due to the serious worldwide recession.

What will be needed is a mayor who not only has a command of the issues, but the ability to implement and provide the necessary services of local government during a period of financial revenue shortfall. Jennifer Dougherty is the person most qualified and capable of ensuring an efficient city government during this time.

Dougherty has proposed 7 Steps to lower taxes, ways to control spending, invest in public safety and protect the environment. The details of each can be found on her campaign website; http://www.jenniferformayor.com/.

Furthermore, her implementation of the Neighborhood Advisory Councils (NACs) during her term as mayor showed her commitment to reach out and include residents in the city decision making process.

Dougherty's successful economic development efforts along the "Golden Mile" and "Carroll Creek" during her previous administration are additional examples of how her experience will help the city in the years to come.

This decision to vote and support Jennifer Dougherty for mayor did not come without numerous interviews and considerable thought on my part.

My concerns with Jason Judd began when I first met and interviewed him at my favorite downtown deli "Beans and Bagels" in December 2008. Over a three hour period, I found Mr. Judd to be intelligent and thoughtful, but not decisive. In fact, after meeting him, one would be hard pressed to label Jason as an engaging or inspiring candidate.

A common comment many Democratic voters have shared with me after meeting him at a campaign organized House Party is, "I'm not one who loves Dougherty, but I'm voting for her over Jason because she is more qualified".

Since my first interview with Jason, up to and including the recent FCC candidate forum, he has continued to exhibit hesitancy in his answers to questions posed to him.

Under The City of Frederick government charter, the mayor is essentially the Chief Executive Officer who is responsible for making the day to day decisions in city government.

While Jason Judd did grow up in Frederick County and attend Governor Thomas Johnson High School, he did not move to the City of Frederick until November of 2007 and continues to commute to D.C. for work with the Service Employees International Union. His lack of time living in the city as an adult or working in the community could also prove troublesome in the capacity of mayor.

However, Mr. Judd's experience in community organizing has helped him run a competitive campaign.

Ms. Dougherty has lived and operated businesses in the city for twenty-two years, four of those years serving as mayor. In these lean times, her professional experience in the community and previous term as mayor will prove invaluable and be a benefit for city residents.

I have found the other Democratic candidate, hometown Chris Simpson to be extremely straightforward. He has often said "I don't know" to questions posed to him which is a refreshing response. However, he will not seriously compete for the Democratic Party nomination. I enjoyed meeting him and hope he stays involved in local politics.

Nonetheless, I do expect Simpson to draw more than just a token number of votes as his talk of public safety in various parts of the city, especially the west end, will resonate with some voters.

It is doubtful Mr. Simpson will draw votes from supporters of Ms. Dougherty. Instead, his votes will either be from residents who were not going to vote or he will draw votes from Mr. Judd who are from the "Anyone but Dougherty" block of voters.

Interestingly, some local Republican leaders have expressed to me their desire for the Republican Party nominee for Mayor to face Jason Judd in the General Election as they fear Dougherty would be a much more competitive opponent.

Much has been written, including by me, as to the acrimony that surrounded the previous Dougherty administration. Dougherty has learned and grown by that experience and deserves another term as Mayor. This time with a Board of Aldermen who will work with the mayor on behalf of the residents of the city.

Next week on Wednesday, I will discuss the Democratic candidates for Aldermen.

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City of Frederick, MD Democratic Mayoral Race Has Tongues Wagging

George Wenschhof

It is now only 54 days until the primary on September 15 and the race to capture the Democratic nomination for mayor is one to watch.

Four years ago, former four term mayor Ron Young reappeared to challenge incumbent and first term mayor Jennifer Dougherty in the Democratic primary. It had been 16 years since he had been defeated by Republican Paul Gordon who would go on to serve one term as Mayor.

However, before Mr. Young could appear on the ballot, there was a city charter provision requiring three years of residency which Mr. Young did not meet. The Republican aldermen on the board, frustrated with Mayor Dougherty, proposed and passed a charter amendment changing the residency requirement to one year. Mr. Young, who had lived literally a stones throw from the city boundary before moving back to the city, now met the requirement.

But, not so fast, as Mayor Dougherty vetoed the charter amendment nullifying the change in residency. What followed was a series of legal challenges, the result being Mr. Young was allowed to run for mayor. Along the way, the city charter provision of three years was determined to be unconstitutional, leading Mayor Dougherty to rescind her veto of the charter amendment changing the residency requirement to one year.

Interestingly, when the city three year residency requirement was determined not to be legal, and the amendment was passed changing it to one year, there is a 45 day period before it goes into effect. During this 45 day period there was no residency requirement for a mayoral candidate for the City of Frederick. It was during this period current Republican Jeff Holtzinger, who did not live in the city and another Republican; the late Stanley Mazaleski who resided in Emmitsburg, Maryland filed for the office of mayor.

Incumbent favored Republican alderman Joe Baldi, who was running for mayor and did live in the city, was defeated by Jeff Holtzinger in the Republican primary by 35 votes (1077-1042). How many votes did Mr. Mazaleski receive? - 35.

Mr.Young, after spending a reported record amount exceeding $100,000, went on to defeat Mayor Dougherty in the primary 2218 to 1690. You can read the City of Frederick primary results here.

Ron Young, however would lose in the general election to political newcomer and non-city resident Jeff Holtzinger 4740 to 4382.

Tongues wagged and pundits wrote that a spiteful Ms. Dougherty urged her supporters to vote for Republican Jeff Holtzinger ensuring the defeat of Ron Young.

While many others questioned why Mr. Young had not campaigned with more vigor after winning the primary. This group expressed doubt any candidate would be able to persuade enough voters to vote against the candidate of their political party.

Regardless, Ron Young and the Democratic party suffered an embarrassing defeat in the 2005 election.

The background is necessary as the pundits are writing and the tongues are wagging once more in the Democratic primary race for mayor.

Local Republicans are hoping the same divide that transpired in the 2005 Democratic primary will take place yet again this year. They hope it will lead to another Republican being elected mayor as they realize voter registration does not favor Republicans in the City of Frederick. So, many Republicans are helping to spread rumors of turmoil within the Democratic ranks.

This time, for the Democrats, it is a political newcomer and recent resident of the city, Jason Judd, former mayor Jennifer Dougherty and hometown Chris Simpson who are the candidates for mayor. All three have been my guest on the website and their interviews are linked in the right hand margin of the home page.

Some of the rumors circulating surrounding Mr. Judd who works for the Service Employees International Union and has the support of former Mayor Ron Young is he is just a surrogate for Mr. Young and the Union. In my conversations with Jason, I have not found that to be true. Rather, I see him trying to garner support from different folks throughout the city as he meets with voters expressing his platform while listening to their concerns. However, expect that label to stick somewhat as the race heads to the homestretch.

Others try to label Ms. Dougherty as the former mayor who could not get along with anyone and that is another unfair statement which will likely stick with some voters. I have found Jennifer to be cooperative, fair, and straightforward as to her positions on the issues. She is also busy reaching out to voters across the city.

The label that Mr. Simpson is running to aid Dougherty is another unfair and flat out not true rumor. The chances of Chris Simpson winning the Democratic nomination for mayor are slim due to the lateness of his entry to the race. However, it will not be due to his lack of campaigning. He will receive much more than a token number of votes.

Will Chris Simpson attract the blue collar vote? After meeting with him, I would argue that he will. From Mr. Simpson's perspective, he is not running to pull votes from one or the other Democratic candidate - He is running to win - the same as the other two Democratic candidates for mayor.

The Democratic candidates for mayor know better than to personally attack one another as it would only aid the Republican nominee in the general election. So, expect Dougherty, Judd and Simpson to stick to the issues and what they plan to do if elected mayor.

Instead, it is the Republicans who should be worried; especially so, if Ron Tobin becomes their nominee. He would be a lightening rod to galvinize and unify Democratic voters ensuring a Democratic victory in November. Democratic voters will tie him to the former James Grimes administration and all the turmoil and questions surrounding the last term in office by Mr. Grimes.

Further, the acceptence of a two year early retirement buy-out, only to be rehired by mayor Jeff Holtzinger is an outrage to all the working men and women in the city, regardless of political affiliation.

Republican voters would be better served to nominate Randy McClement as their mayoral candidate on September 15. Mr. McClement is known as a nice guy who has experience working on various city commissions. The most recent being the city charter rewrite committee.

While united Democratic voters will make it difficult for any Republican to win election as mayor, Randy will not act as the lightening rod to unite the Democratic base.

Look to see the Democratic candidates continue to concentrate on the issues important to the voters throughout the remaining 71/2 weeks prior to the primary and for a united front in the general election supporting their nominee for mayor.

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Wenschhof Interviews City of Frederick, MD Mayoral Candidate Chris Simpson

George Wenschhof

I am pleased to have Democrat Chris Simpson as my guest today. We will begin at 2:00 PM ET and the interview will last approximately two hours. This is a live online interview and we are communicating via computer from different locations within the City of Frederick.

I would suggest if you are reading live, you hit your computer refresh button every ten minutes or so to see the next question and answer.

My previous guests were Democratic candidates for mayor; Jennifer Dougherty and Jason Judd. The links to my conversations with them are located in the right hand margin of the Home Page. The link to this interview will be added to them to allow readers easy access to all the interviews.

GW - Welcome Chris, I am looking forward to discussing your entry into the race for Mayor of The City of Frederick, Maryland. You were the last Democrat to file for mayor, less than one week prior to the filing deadline of July 7.

I understand you were born and raised in Frederick and currently own and manage "Golden Mile Liquors" located off what is locally referred to as the "Golden Mile". Tell the voters a little more about yourself and how you feel your background prepares you to be mayor.

CS - Hey George thanks for the opportunity.

Well as you said born here live here. I am living in the same house since 1973. I have seen all the changes in 40 years. When my family bought the store in 1976 I can remember the Mall in its prime. Your parents would drop you off with $20. With that money you saw a movie got ice cream at Friendlies and spent the rest of your quarters at Timeout. I live on the north end of town near Staley park were they still have little league.

Over the years I have been involved with the store from stock boy to owner. In fact I am still the stock boy/owner. If I win this election and serve my city for a period of time I will return to being the stock boy/owner.

I have had the good fortune traveling with bands for a few years so Ive been to 46 of the lower 48 states and I was an avid tourist. Still play guitar when I get the chance. My neighbors can tell that. I feel I have a vested interest in the race because everything I do will affect my neighbors, friends, family, and me. I am going to live in Frederick for the rest of my life so why not try to make it as good as it can be.

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GW - I spoke to you the night you filed for office and the first thing you mentioned as to why you were running for office was the decline of some of the neighborhoods on the west side. You indicated you were also concerned in regard to the safety of these neighborhoods. If elected mayor, what would you propose to help revitalize these areas?

CS - Yes George I am very concerned about the west side. Working out there every night for the past 5 years I have seen a rapid decline in the area. Crime is up in every way. I cannot tell you how many times my store has been broken into.As well as most stores have been. Kidnappings ,assaults, muggings, Cars stolen or broken into. I had a friend who's car got stolen 2 weeks ago and got it back.They found it 6 miles away.It doesn't have to be that way in such a great city.

I am looking into ways for a greater police presence.Talking with local police and former police officers for a better view.Trying to get a better understanding of what could be affordable and helpful to the area.

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GW - as a follow up, when I sat down with you last Friday, you indicated City of Frederick Police Chief Kim Dine had already reached out to you. I found this to be a very proactive move on his part. Chris, you had indicated to me previously, you felt a police substation located within the Fredericktowne Mall would be helpful. What did you find out in your conversation with Chief Dine?

CS - Yes Chief Dine did give me some of his time. I mentioned the sub-station idea. He explained that a sub-station would in fact take officers off the road.The police cars are high tech these days. Gone are the days of sitting at a desk filing paper work. The computer in the car takes care of all that. So I asked what is a good solution.Would an office in the mall help.

I am currently looking into alternatives such as the bike patrols .I would like to see pairs of officers on both sides of route 40. I believe there is enough activity that it would keep them busy on a regular basis.Chief Dine also informed me of an improved hot line residents can use anonymously (301)-600-tips or email fpdcrimetip@fredco-md.net.

So there are things out there, just need to get them known.

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GW - You obviously feel you can offer as mayor something different and better for the voters than Democratic mayoral candidates Jason Judd and Jennifer Dougherty. What is it that you feel you offer the voters they do not? I also understand you have been contacted by both Jason and Jennifer and that you invited both of them to lunch. Did they say why they contacted you and why did you invite them to lunch?

CS - Jason and Jennifer are life long politicians. I am your neighbor and always will be. They both have expressed an interest in going to Washington. What happens to Frederick then. Everything I do in office will affect me. I offer the voters the guy that does understand because I am that guy. I have seen a lot of this country and I chose to always come home. Frederick really has everything going for it. I would like to keep it going in a positive direction -you know shine it up a little.Yes they did give the hi Chris call and had questions. I figured it would be easier over lunch. I am not even sure if the is a law or ethics code about opponents meeting. Hope not.

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GW - You are quick to say you are not a politician type of guy and you are new to politics. In our conversation last Friday, you indicated you had a less than enjoyable experience when you and a friend visited the local Democratic Party headquarters to introduce yourself.

You informed me they asked you why you were running for mayor when they already had a candidate. After your response, they said if you wanted to run for mayor, why didn't you run as a Republican.

In all likelihood, these individuals at the Democratic Party headquarters were volunteers and not speaking on behalf of the local party. Did this experience sour you on politics or make you more determined to run for office?

CS - I am sure they were volunteers and meant no harm. George you called me within 2 hours of me filing at city hall. Impressive by the way. This event happened 2 days after I filed. I introduced myself foolishly thinking my name would spark interest. I thought they would have at least seen my name somewhere by that time, but maybe not.

I am still learning everyday how politics work. As far as souring me on politics no way. I am not running to argue red and blue. I am running because for me the time could not be better. I am running because I believe I have all my neighbors backs and they have mine.

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GW - I noticed you not only already have a campaign website, you have two of them! One of them is www.simpsonformayor.com and the other is www.mayorsimpson.com.

You mention on one of the websites, you want to cut wasteful city spending. With the national, state and local economy ailing, what would you do to reduce the city budget and in what areas do you feel there has been wasteful spending?

CS - Where is the wasteful spending is the question. I have a copy of the 25 page budget on my desk now. I've been reading it. We have all heard the stories of old fleet vehicles that have too much money put into them to keep them running and than sold at auction for pennies on the dollar. This is where the business man comes in. How much does it cost can we get it cheaper. How can we get it cheaper. There has to be way to slim the budget. With the help of the aldermen it is possible.

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GW - on the same campaign website, you also mention the need for "Better communication between residents and local businesses with city hall". Share with the voters where this has not worked as well as you would like and what you would propose to help in this area.

CS - Does it say city hall. Supposed to say city agencies. That's what happens when your working full time running for an office and have 2 web sites.That "better communications" come from my experience with building a garage. I was warned by friends that building the garage was easy getting the permit was impossible. It took 7 months to get the go ahead. I meet everybody in the permit office and was on a first name basis with them. It shouldn't be that hard.

My biggest problem was lack of information and a way to get it so I could better understand what was required and expected of the project. This is where I think the Internet could help. If I could have had more access to the information I could have been better prepared.

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GW - Let's take some time to talk about the proposed annexation of three farms located north of the city. The current administration is presently in the process of approving these annexations and the mayor and board meetings are scheduled to be held prior to the election.

It is likely; these annexations will become an election issue. Some feel it is necessary to add to the city boundaries at this time to plan for the future, while others feel it is premature and the infrastructure is not there to handle the additional growth. What is you position on these annexations?

CS - Curbs and gutters infrastructure. I live very near to the proposed site. Yes my 3 mile commute will be affected. But maybe my taxes will go down a little with the new taxes collected. I don't want Frederick to ever lose it's charm, but growth is coming. I have talked to a lot of people and this is a hot issue.

I have learned the we have a water capacity of 15 million gallons of water a day and we are currently using 6 million gallons. Can we sustain another development? yes. Will the traffic increase? yes. How much can only be estimated. I understand it will probably be voted on before the next Mayor is in anyways. So whoever is next will have to make the best of it.

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GW - One of the questions I asked the other two Democratic candidates for mayor pertains to the upper level administrative positions in city hall. These positions are often referred to as "at will" positions. They may be replaced by the mayor with the consent of the aldermen.

Have you given any thought to these positions and if elected, would you be making any changes such as hiring a city manager?

CS - City Manager? I thought that was the Mayors job. If I could hire someone who had the experience with Frederick and the knowledge of what has been happening here yes. Information like that would be priceless. Offering someone a job who has the ins and outs of Frederick and could make the transition and continued progress of Frederick easier for all Yes.

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GW - Voter turnout in city elections has been a concern for me for well over a decade as I have watched the city grow in size while only 30% of the voters participate in the general election.

I have proposed the city election date be changed to coincide with the presidential election year which would result in more than doubling the voter turnout and most likely save taxpayers money. What is your position on changing the city election date to coincide with the presidential election cycle?

CS - I hope to change that 30% this election. I am out there with voter registration cards in my hand. I go to Winchester Hall every other day for more cards. I want the people to actually vote for me not against somebody else. Some of the districts have 15% turn out because they think their vote will not make a difference. I am trying to convince them it will. Changing the cycle could just get a guy with a funny or cartoon like name voted in by accident. I think the timing is fine we just need to get the people to understand how important it is to them, how it directly affects them.VOTE.

We have 32,000 registered voters in a population of almost 60,000.Of those 6,000 are unaffiliated and have no voice in the primaries. I have already registered 30 or more people (all democrat) and will continue to do so. I have always voted since I turned 18. I believe if the people see someone they like they will come out.

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GW - I want to thank you for being my guest on Air-it-Out with George Wenschhof today. I will be inviting you and the other Democratic candidates to be my guests again prior to the primary election on September 15 and hope you will participate.

At this time, I would like to give you an opportunity for some closing remarks.

CS - I will not be just a west end Mayor. I will not be just a Democratic mayor. I want to be the Frederick Mayor. Win lose or draw I will always be a Fredericktonian. From what I have learned in the less than 2 weeks in politics 1 guy can make a difference. I will be around in politics for a long time. I am proud to be a part of the system and stirring it up. I want people who care about their neighbors and will do anything they can to help. If it is helping you push your car up a hill or lowering your taxes if I can help I will. I am hoping for 5 Aldermen who will work with me. I am trying to meet with all 20 candidates. Together there can be a difference.

Thanks George for the time I gotta go to work. Stop by sometime. Any Frederick residents that want to meet me please check out the web pages for info. Town hall meetings coming soon to the Cellar door downtown and Doc Geisers on the Golden Mile.

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City of Frederick, MD Mayoral Candidate Chris Simpson to be Guest Today

George Wenschhof

Beginning at 2:00 PM ET today, Democrat Chris Simpson will be my guest. We will be discussing his entry into the race for Mayor. The other two Democratic candidates for mayor of the City of Frederick, have previously been guests on my website Air-it-Out with George Wenschhof.

My interview with Jennifer Dougherty can be viewed here and my interview with Jason Judd can be viewed here.

The Democratic field of mayoral candidates is now set at three as the July 7 filing deadline has passed. One of these three candidates will be chosen by the voters to be the Democratic party mayoral nominee on September 15; the day of the primary election.

The general election will be held on November 3.

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City of Frederick, MD Election Update 7-8-2009

George Wenschhof

The field is now set as the filing deadline of July 7 4:00 PM ET for candidates in the City of Frederick election has now passed.

While several last day filings did occur, there were no major surprises. Republicans and Democrats will each field three candidates for Mayor. There are a total of 20 alderman candidates; 11 Republican and 9 Democrats. The City of Frederick website has a list of all the candidates here.

The last day filings included incumbent aldermen Alan Imhoff (R) and David "Kip" Koontz(D). Also filing on the last day were two Republican candidates for aldermen; Shelley Aloi and Robert Cassidy. Ron Tobin (R) who is currently the executive assistant to Mayor Jeff Holtzinger (R), filed for mayor. I had heard rumors of this for the last month but was unable to verify.

Before I get into discussing the candidates, I want to say a quick thank you to Kari Melvin (hope I have the spelling correct) who works at city hall and provided me with the updated list of candidates. I stopped by twice; once around noon and at the end of the day - both times she quickly provided me with an updated list.

Also, during the day, I was contacted by NBC 25 reporter Jackie Cutler who wanted to interview me on the city elections. She had been receiving the daily updates from my site and wanted to hear my take on the upcoming election. My half hour interview in front of city hall after cutting and splicing, resulted in about ten seconds of fame on air as she interviewed a handful of individuals and reported on the last minute filings.

You can watch her report by clicking here and then clicking on the picture of city hall. It was the first time I had met Ms. Cutler and I found her to be very professional and well informed in regard to the local political scene.

Today, I will discuss the candidates for mayor. Tomorrow, I will discuss the aldermen candidates. On the Democratic side, I see Jennifer Dougherty and Jason Judd pretty much tied at this point, ten weeks from the September 15 primary election. The Democrat newcomer to the race; Chris Simpson has his work cut out for him. However, I found he had some interesting points in my brief telephone conversation with him after he filed last Thursday.

Mr. Simpson spoke of the decline of the neighborhoods off Route 40 (Golden Mile) and the need for a greater police presence. Depending on how the mainstream media treats him, he could, as a local born and raised city of Frederick man, catch on with some voters.

A local columnist, upon learning of Mr. Simpson's entry into the race, contacted me and asked me if I felt this would aid the Dougherty campaign. I did not feel Mr Simpson, as a present political unknown would aid either the Judd or Dougherty campaign. Instead, I felt he would draw equally from both which could prove to be interesting.

I plan to meet with Mr. Simpson on Thursday and will interview him live online as I did with Ms. Dougherty and Mr. Judd. Stay tuned and I will keep you informed when the interview will take place.

Jennifer Dougherty continues to go door to door daily as she campaigns to win reelection, while Jason Judd, who works in D.C. does not have the time to do so. While his support from former Mayor Ron Young is helpful, most people I talk to do not know Mr. Judd.

Dougherty signs have begun popping up everywhere of late, while the number of Judd signs appear to be unchanged from when they first appeared.

What the overriding issue will be for voters in this election is still to be determined. The early retirement buy-out debacle instituted by Mayor Holtzinger with consent of the alderman, continues to be the number one issue resulting in a head scratching exercise by city voters. Why pay someone 1-2 years of salary and then hire them back is hard to swallow for the everyday working man and woman.

Reduction in crime and safety is always of concern to voters which is why early remarks from newcomer Chris Simpson should not be dismissed.

Maintaining a satisfactory level of services to city residents while experiencing lean and difficult economic times will also certainly be a challenge for the incoming administration. In this area, Mr. Judd has a economics degree and Ms. Dougherty during her previous administration has written and had approved four annual city budgets.

The current administration has indebted the city at a record amount by acquiring land for a future park, finalizing a water agreement with questionable terms, and indebting the city for future infrastructure improvements including the now "infamous" jobs pathway road extension.

All of which will need to be paid for while city property values have decreased in values. This will result in less income for city services.

The annexation of additional land into the city at this point could become an election issue. Three farms known as the Summers, Crum and Thatcher farms have been brought forward for city mayor and board approval. They all appear to be premature as thousands of unbuilt units exist within the city boundaries at present.

One statement which has been attributed to Mayor Holtzinger by some is he feels the annexations are needed to pay for the cost of the water agreement. If true, the statement makes little sense. Planned reasonable growth takes into account the many factors impacted by increased development. The fact that the city entered into a water agreement does not automatically dictate additional land needs to be annexed into the city.

How the incumbent aldermen vote on these annexations and how the other candidates running for office weigh in on these annexations could easily become a issue of importance to the voters who are already tired of congested roads and overcrowded schools. However, if candidates oppose these annexations, they will have to move fast as the city mayor and board meetings have been scheduled.

The Republican field for mayor also grew by one when Ron Tobin filed to join Clint Hoffman and Randy McClement. Incumbent Mayor Jeff Holtzinger added confusion to the Republican effort by first being noncommittal to his intention to run, then filing to run for reelection, and finally withdrawing from the race.

Mr. Hoffman, a owner of a local towing business is the long shot. Mr. McClement began by being the only Republican candidate for mayor who had the support of state delegate Rick Weldon (I-3b). The rumor that Mayor Holtzinger would not file for reelection was strong, only to be dashed when he filed papers to run, making the incumbent mayor the favorite in the Republican primary. Holtzinger followed with his withdrawal from the race. This action was reminiscent of his supporter, former Mayor James Grimes who did the same thing only to refile for election in the 2001 election. Grimes would lose that election to Jennifer Dougherty. Will Holtzinger change his mind and refile? - doubtful.

So that leaves Ron Tobin, often referred to as "Darth Vader" or the "Grim Reaper" of city hall as the other Republican candidate for mayor. He was first hired by mayor James Grimes and was replaced during the Dougherty administration. Mr. Grimes was an early supporter of Holtzinger and upon his surprise election in 2005, Mr. Tobin reappeared at city hall.

Tobin will be competitive in the Republican primary due to support he will receive from the Grimes and Blaine Young camp. However, he is one who received the early buy out and was hired back by the mayor which hardly makes any sense whatsoever. Expect him to be clobbered with this.

Mr. McClement is the best qualified to win the Republican nomination due to his involvement with various city boards and commissions, including the update of the city charter. Randy has also attended many city mayor and board meetings. However, due to the support that will be given to Tobin, McClement will need to become more active and step it up in his campaign efforts to win the Republican nomination on September 15.

Tomorrow, I will discuss the aldermen candidates.

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Simpson Joins Mayoral Race for City of Frederick, MD

George Wenschhof

Chris Simpson makes the third Democrat to file for Mayor of the City of Frederick. The other Democrats to file are Jennifer Dougherty and Jason Judd. Randy McClement and Clint Hoffman are the two Republicans who have filed to run for Mayor.

Mr. Simpson is a born and raised resident of the city and is currently the owner of the family business; Golden Mile Liquors located off Route 40.

At the age of 40, he has seen many of the changes the city has gone through and wants to address the concerns of the every day working man and woman. He readily admits he is not a politician kind of guy, but rather one who wants to make decisions that are best for the city as a whole.

His Treasurer is John Junkins who is a close friend and adviser. He realizes there is just ten weeks to go until the primary on September 15 and intends to go after it hard; meeting and talking with voters while listening to their concerns.

I will be sitting down with Mr. Simpson next week to learn more about his positions on various issues and will have him as my guest live online in the near future.

The deadline for filing for office in the City of Frederick election is July 7.

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