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Frederick County Council District 3

DUTIES: The Council is the legislative branch of County Government. Members of the County Council pass legislation, appropriate money to fund the capital and operating budgets, set county property and other local taxes, and make planning, zoning, and subdivision decisions. The Council makes appointments to the offices, committees, and commissions that report to the Council. It also exercises oversight over County programs. Council members have the power to initiate legislation. Legislative sessions are limited to 45 days yearly and non-legislative sessions as needed.TERM: : County Council members serve for four years and no more than three consecutive termsSALARY: $35,000 per year with no benefits.HOW ELECTED: The seven-member County Council consists of five members elected by district and two elected at-large. The seven-member County Council consists of five members elected by district and two elected at-large..

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  • Candidate picture

    Tammie Baugher
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Christian Benford
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Natasha Valencia
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

How has your education and life experience prepared you to serve on the County Council?

What is your position on legislation regulating the placement of data centers in Frederick County and the provision of the electric power that they require?

What legislation would you support to address the rising cost of housing in Frederick County? How do you understand the role of local government in protecting renters from sharp rent increases, and under what conditions (if any) would you support rent stabilization as part of a broader housing strategy?

Considering the current federal actions by ICE, what actions, if any, should be taken to protect undocumented immigrants and people of color living in Frederick County?

What approach would you take to improve sustainability in Frederick County and to address disasters that may result from the current effects of climate change?

Campaign Phone 2402858298
Campaign Mailing Address 1582 Andover Ln
Frederick, MD 21702
I would say life experiences, I have lived in Frederick County for 40 plus years. I have seen alot through the years, it is just time for a change. Someone different to help make a difference and take charge for our community. The growth in our County is a little much, as we are over crowded, traffic is ridiculous almost anytime of day. Schools are over crowded, we don't even have enough teachers and or transportation for our children.
The data center does not belong in our backyard. Our electric bills are already rising. And the data center is going to require a lot more push on our systems, that would mean continuing rising prices for electricity. They already expanded with the growth of Frederick County, and resources are definitely on a thin line in our futures.
I have heard so much talk about affordable housing, but have not seen 1 affordable housing development yet, I sure can not afford a $450,000.00 plus house, and yet have my neighbor through the next wall. If I could afford $450,000.00 plus, I sure better have some land and space. Honestly on the protecting sharp increases, well the owner is paying more taxes, because that is rising as well, so then rent increases. So all this growth, is now increasing taxes and electricity, water and rent.
Honestly, I'm sure they are trying to do their job and protect the community. My thing is do it right come into the community legally and be a law abiding citizen and enjoy the freedoms we have. If there is a crime that has been committed then they just go through the system and get transferred through ICE , if they are a undocumented immigrant. As for anyone who commits a crime no matter color, they shall be prosecuted through like anyone else.
Climate change, is everyone doing what they can to help make a difference. We have to do work together as a community and help. The Climate is changing so we must come up with planning together as a community.
Campaign Phone 240-385-2347
Campaign Instagram https://www.instagram.com/christianforfrederick
I was born and raised in Frederick County by working-class parents. My mother escaped an abusive marriage, and my father fled the civil war in El Salvador. Growing up with poverty, limited resources, and racism showed me how systems fail working people and led me to public service. I have worked in local government and organized with the Frederick Democratic Socialists of America because we are stronger when we act collectively. I hold a B.S. in Psychology and a Master of Public Administration.
I opposed the expansion of data centers beyond the Planning Commission and staff recommendations, which also affected the Rural Legacy Area and farmland, and said so before the December 23 vote. Residents and experts are raising serious concerns about environmental impacts, infrastructure strain, and energy demand on the grid. I support limiting expansion and ensuring developers pay their fair share, both for energy and their business assets.
Residents deserve consistent, safe, and dignified living conditions. I am championing rent stabilization for this reason. I also want to create an affordable housing fund by establishing a countywide rental licensing program. Additionally, I want to help establish a County Housing Authority so we can provide non-market housing opportunities such as subsidized units, social housing, community land trusts, and community land banks to ensure sustained, affordable housing for generations.
I opposed 287(g) and will continue to stand up for our community members. I propose a Frederick Community Trust Act limiting public employee cooperation with ICE, preventing unjust detention, information sharing, or transfers without judicial warrants. I will work with the Immigrant Affairs Commission to expand outreach and ensure residents have resources and support creating an immigrant affairs coordinator to increase cooperation among community partners and County government.
Our environment is our foundation. I support countywide green infrastructure initiatives such as building rain gardens and bioswales that reduce erosion and mitigate flooding, and expanding renewable, public energy, all while creating green jobs. I support expanding public garden programs and partnerships with local farmers to strengthen food access. I will hold data centers accountable through fair taxation, strong regulation, and a moratorium until an independent impact study is conducted.
Campaign Website http://natashavalencia.com
Campaign Email info@natashavalencia.com
Campaign Instagram Natasha Valencia For Frederick
Campaign Mailing Address 1913 Belford Dr
Frederick, MD 21702
As a Frederick County native and mom of four, I graduated from Frederick County Public Schools, as will my children. Former Golden Mile bakery owner, nonprofit co-founder, and community advocate, I understand the real challenges families face. My experience serving on the City of Frederick Planning and Education Commissions has strengthened my knowledge of land use, budgets, and public policy, and prepared me to work collaboratively to make thoughtful decisions for our community.
Data centers can bring economic opportunity, but they must be carefully regulated to protect our community. I support strong, clear zoning standards and infrastructure that can support them. Developers, not taxpayers, should bear the cost of energy demand and grid upgrades. Transparency, environmental review, and community input must guide any decision regarding data center development in Frederick County.
Frederick County is booming, as a result we are experiencing a housing gap. I'm for policies that increase housing supply, preserve existing affordable housing, and expand funding for workforce housing. Local government should encourage responsible development while protecting renters from sudden, destabilizing rent increases. Rent stabilization can be part of a broader housing strategy if it is balanced, temporary, and paired with policies that encourage new housing development.
Local government should focus on public safety while protecting civil rights and community trust. Maryland recently ended local 287(g) partnerships. This is meant to help ensure residents feel safe reporting crimes and seeking help. I support policies that uphold due process, prevent discrimination, and ensure county services remain accessible to all residents regardless of immigration status.
Frederick County should prioritize smart growth, farmland preservation, and protection of our natural resources. I support expanding renewable energy, improving energy efficiency in county facilities, and strengthening stormwater and flood mitigation infrastructure. Preparing for extreme weather through resilient planning and infrastructure investments will protect our economy, environment, and public safety. I want Frederick County to remain a great place to live for generations to come.