Carroll County Commissioner District 3 Choose 1
DUTIES: The County Commissioners are responsible for legislative and executive policy decisions affecting County government agencies. They are responsible for setting the tax levy and thereafter assuring that spending is limited to a set budget. They make appointments to the committees and commissions that report to them and exercise oversight over county programs. The Commissioners provide leadership, define policy, and enact programs to meet community needs.TERM LENGTH: 4 years; TERM LIMIT: Two consecutive termsSALARY: $49,998 per yearHOW ELECTED: One Commissioner is elected from each of the five County Commissioner Districts.WEBSITE: https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/government/commissioners/
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://www.friendsofdennisfrazier.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawR3EN1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR4fVR6LEjKtsoLCdVlQKFurSwDcVjaWU9LYzYR1M
Campaign Phone
4433406643
Campaign Email
dfraz4@yahoo.com
Campaign Mailing Address
87 Marhill Ct
Westminster, MD 21158
Westminster, MD 21158
COMMUNITY SERVICE: What does community service mean to you, and how would you put that into action as Commissioner?
Community service is not just about logging hours or attending public events. It is about a commitment to making my community better for everyone who lives there. I would make sure we have funding for non-profits that work within Carroll County. I will make sure people receive updates to reported problems. In the past I have volunteered as a youth coach and worked with Habitat for Humanity and supported the Drug Court as well as serving on several boards and commissions.
BUDGET: What do you consider the top three priorities for the county budget? How would you protect these priorities in the event of a budget shortfall?
My top three priorities for the budget are: public safety, public schools and public works. Without safe communities we have nothing. Public schools are the cornerstone of communities and help people achieve success. Public works keep the infrastructure working so communities can thrive. With my direct involvement in the budget process as a commissioner, I will advocate for what I feel helps Carroll the most by presenting facts and using logic.
VISION: What is your vision for the future of Carroll County to balance the rural character of the county versus economic growth?
We should keep working toward our goals for agricultural preservation and help agriculture business thrive. Economic growth should center around available water resources and infrastructure. Therefore, the county has to work with the municipalities. This balance can be helped with smart zoning choices.
JOB GROWTH: What steps should the county government take to promote growth in new jobs from entry-level to upper-level positions?
We need to bring new business into the county and work to keep the ones we have. Carroll does not have a business-friendly reputation that needs to change. We need to streamline the process for opening new businesses. We should also partner with Carroll Community College for workforce development using strategies such as internship and apprenticeship programs.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: How would you propose to make housing more affordable?
Streamline government permitting and code administration to make it easier to build in Carroll. Look at different housing models and the zoning that needs to accompany them, like allowing ADUs and different lot sizes. Carroll can also modernize building codes that can reduce overall cost.
PUBLIC HEALTH: In what ways do you think the Board of Commissioners can support public health experts to address health concerns, such as epidemics, drug abuse, vaccine availability?
The commissioners should back proven science. We can also listen to and reinforce what the experts are saying when it comes to public health. The commissioners can also make PSAs, as was done during covid, The county needs more resources dedicated to mental health and drug treatment.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: What is your position on the need for additional public transportation options for Carroll County, both within the County and to population centers in neighboring jurisdictions?
We need more fixed bus routes that run more hours, within Carroll County, we have to accommodate work and school schedules. We should also look at shuttle buses to the metro and Fort Meade in the mornings and in the evenings. These could be one-way trips; in other words the shuttle busses the takes people to the metro or Fort Meade in the mornings does not bring anyone back until the evenings when workers are heading home.
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://www.tomgordon.org
Campaign Email
tom@tomgordon.org
Campaign Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/TomGordonForCarroll/
Campaign Mailing Address
PO Box 1592
Westminster, MD 21158
Westminster, MD 21158
COMMUNITY SERVICE: What does community service mean to you, and how would you put that into action as Commissioner?
Community service has been part of my life long before being elected. As an Eagle Scout, my project supported Shepherd’s Staff, and I’ve continued serving on boards like the Boys & Girls Club of Carroll County, the Carroll County Land Trust, and the Historical Society. As Commissioner, I work to lead by example supporting local nonprofits, encouraging volunteerism, and helping connect residents with opportunities to serve so together we strengthen our entire community.
BUDGET: What do you consider the top three priorities for the county budget? How would you protect these priorities in the event of a budget shortfall?
Public Safety Fully funding the Sheriff’s Office, emergency services, volunteer fire/rescue, and 911.
Responsible Economic Development investing in infrastructure, workforce training, and business-friendly policies, support small businesses, and expand the tax base reducing homeowner pressure.
Quality Education Partnering with the Board of Education to provide schools the resources needed to prepare students, strengthening our economy and future.
By using proper planning and discipline.
VISION: What is your vision for the future of Carroll County to balance the rural character of the county versus economic growth?
My vision for Carroll County is a balanced future where we preserve our cherished rural character working farms, open spaces, scenic views, and small-town charm while fostering sustainable economic growth that benefits all residents.
We achieve this by: directing development to existing towns and growth areas like Westminster and Eldersburg; supporting agribusiness and agritourism to keep farmland viable; attracting quality jobs through workforce training and business incentives.
JOB GROWTH: What steps should the county government take to promote growth in new jobs from entry-level to upper-level positions?
I advocate for strong economic growth by supporting small businesses and smart development. Carroll County has always been ideal for job expansion from entry-level to executive thanks to our superior education system: top-rated public schools and Carroll Community College build a skilled, ready workforce. Key steps: partner with the Chamber & Economic Development to attract/retain employers; invest in workforce training; streamline regulations/incentives; balance growth with rural preservation.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: How would you propose to make housing more affordable?
I’m committed to addressing housing in Carroll County thoughtfully. Lack of availability equals scarcity and higher prices. Our top priority must be increasing supply without sacrificing our rural character.
Proposals: Streamline permitting for compatible developments; partner with builders on workforce/mixed-income projects; support incentives like density bonuses for affordable units; expand senior and starter-home options near transit/jobs; while preserving farmland.
PUBLIC HEALTH: In what ways do you think the Board of Commissioners can support public health experts to address health concerns, such as epidemics, drug abuse, vaccine availability?
I believe the Board must actively support our public health experts at the Carroll County Health Department to tackle epidemics, drug abuse, and vaccine availability.
We serve on the Board of Health to ensure strong coordination. Key ways: fund and partner with the Behavioral Health and Addictions Coordination Committee and Overdose Prevention Policy Group for prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction in the opioid crisis; allocate resources for community coalitions.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: What is your position on the need for additional public transportation options for Carroll County, both within the County and to population centers in neighboring jurisdictions?
I recognize transportation as a key challenge for Carroll County residents . We already have a solid foundation with the Transit System's fixed/deviated routes and demand-response services, operating Monday-Friday and connecting key areas like Westminster.
Exploring flexible on-demand services for seniors/youth; improving intra-county connectivity to workforce; and advocating for state funding. Smart, cost-effective additions will boost access, reduce traffic, and maintain our quality of life.