Frederick County Council District 5
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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Mason Carter
(Rep)
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Johnny Mercer
(Dem)
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?
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Campaign Phone
301-471-6014
Campaign Instagram
@mercerforthemany
I grew up in a working-class family and saw how deeply public institutions shape opportunity. Organizing communities across the DMV showed me that local government decisions determine whether families can afford housing, groceries, or childcare—and whether people feel represented. That work taught me to listen, build coalitions, and fight for practical solutions. On the council, I’ll bring that working-class perspective and stand up for residents who don’t have lobbyists speaking for them.
We must be cautious about these data center developments. These facilities require enormous electricity and infrastructure, and residents should not face higher utility costs or sacrifice agricultural land and forests to support them. Data centers need to be limited to appropriate industrial zones and fully account for their environmental and infrastructure impacts, with companies paying for any grid upgrades. Frederick County’s long-term interests must come before short-term development greed.
Housing affordability is a crisis in Frederick. Rents and home prices are rising far faster than wages, pricing families out of the communities they grew up in. Local government must act when the market stops serving working people. I support stronger inclusionary housing, investment in affordable housing, and development policies that produce homes people can afford. We should also explore rent stabilization to prevent extreme rent hikes while pursuing long-term housing solutions.
Local government may not be able to control federal immigration policy, but we can ensure that our resources go toward serving and protecting our communities rather than assisting masked gestapo in kidnapping them. That’s why I’ve always been outspoken in my opposition to 287(g). County services must remain accessible and safe to all residents. Protecting civil rights and maintaining trust between immigrant communities and local government is essential for the safety and health of our county.
Climate change is already affecting communities across the country, including Frederick County. We must protect farmland and forests by expanding ag land preservation and strengthening zoning to prevent sprawl. We should require climate-smart development with green infrastructure and renewable energy in public buildings. We must also upgrade stormwater systems and strengthen flood preparedness. As a council-member, I will push for a County Climate Action Plan as soon as possible!
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