Frederick County Council District 2 Choose 1
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 terms.SALARY: $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.Video of May 13, 2026 candidate forum for democratic candidates in this race: https://www.youtube.com/live/LSS_Qdq26vA?si=AiXaFmA9mv-RDG1g
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://www.jamieshopland.com
Campaign Phone
301-678-9144
Campaign Email
Info@jamieshopland.com
Campaign Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/share/17n7jH8yYX/
Campaign Instagram
www.instagram.com/shoplandforfrederickcounty
Campaign Mailing Address
3915 Braveheart Cir
Frederick, MD 21704-7747
Frederick, MD 21704-7747
How has your education and life experience prepared you to serve on the County Council?
I bring policy/legal expertise, leadership in large organizations like Amtrak, and hands-on experience working with public institutions and serving on boards like the Maryland Longitudinal Data System Center Governing Board and the Frederick County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee. These experiences have strengthened my ability to analyze complex issues, build consensus, and collaboratively make thoughtful, data-informed decisions on behalf of Frederick County residents.
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?
We're experiencing rapid technological change. Data centers are infiltrating our economy and their intense industrial use brings significant challenges our society is not ready for, particularly around land use, energy demand, water consumption, and environmental, health, and community impact. Frederick County should have limited the CDI Overlay Zone to the Planning Commission's recommendation and should have waited for the state study bill to complete its work before proceeding further.
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?
I support legislation that encourages the development of diverse housing types such as smaller homes, accessory dwelling units, inclusionary zoning, and mixed-income communities so that people at different income levels have options. Streamlining permitting processes and reducing unnecessary barriers to building smaller or starter homes can help increase supply. Any rent stabilization policy should be carefully designed, data-driven, and paired with incentives to continue building new housing.
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?
Protecting civil rights and ensuring fair treatment under the law for everyone must remain a priority. While immigration enforcement is primarily a federal responsibility, local government has an important role in ensuring that local services such as schools, health services, and emergency response remain accessible to everyone. When people are afraid to seek medical care, report crimes, or send their children to school, it undermines the safety and well-being of the entire community.
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?
I support expanding renewable energy, improving energy efficiency in public buildings, preserving our farmland and natural resources, and encouraging smart growth near transit that reduces sprawl and transportation emissions.
Sustainability is not only about protecting the environment. It is also about protecting public health, strengthening our local economy, and ensuring that future generations can thrive in Frederick County.
Biographical Information
How has your education and life experience prepared you to serve on the County Council?
Candidate has not yet responded.
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?
Candidate has not yet responded.
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?
Candidate has not yet responded.
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?
Candidate has not yet responded.
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?
Candidate has not yet responded.