From the Desk of Bud Otis
Candidate for Council at Large

Growth: I am sensitive to this issue. Growth should pay its own way. What do I mean by that? The type of housing that is built is a factor. For instance, houses built that bring in higher real estate taxes and higher transfer taxes to the county are more beneficial to our budget than those that bring in minimal real estate taxes and transfer taxes. The lower cost, higher density, multi-family dwellings exact a higher burden on infrastructure such as roads and schools, and taxpayer-supported services.

Growth should not be a burden to taxpayers. I for one do not want Frederick County to turn into another Montgomery or Prince George’s County.

Education: Education is our future on so many levels. It is the ticket to a successful and happy life. Frederick County’s children deserve the best foundation so they can compete for the jobs of tomorrow. I have never forgotten my second grade teacher who taught me the joy of learning! Together, we will work to continue to elevate ourselves to the goal of owning the best school system in the State of Maryland. I support Maintenance of Effort to ensure that all Frederick County Public School students continue to have access to a high quality public school education.

Economic Development: I am pro-business. As an elected official I will do everything possible to make Frederick County the most business – friendly jurisdiction in Maryland. There is so much that the County Council can do to improve the everyday lives of Frederick County citizens. One of the best places to start is with economic development. What that means to me is attracting employers, both in government and in the private sector who give folks the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families. There are all sorts of ways to make employers want to come here. Frederick County is a great place to live. We need to make sure that large employers also see it as a great place to do business. As part of the entire package, we need to support job training, high tech and medical training so that those high paying and quality jobs are filled by those of us who live here. We need to make Frederick County a model for the live here/ work here philosophy, so parents and grandparents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, friends and partners are spending their time going to soccer games, going to the gym, having family dinners, instead of being tied up in traffic on I-270. Friends, with your help, and only with your help, we can do this.

Environment: I was blessed to grow up on a farm where I held the rich fertile soil in my hands and experienced the vital importance of our limited natural resources. I have a deep understanding of the importance of agriculture to our county and will do everything possible to be a strong advocate for our farmers. We need to apply common sense to planning for and solving environmental problems to leave this earth a better place than we found it. One of the big issues for our County government moving forward will be how to solve our solid waste problem. We need to find a technologically sound and fiscally responsible solution that does not burden taxpayers.

Senior Citizens and the Elderly: Hopefully all of us at some point will be elderly. Our population is aging and we need to address those specific needs head on. The challenges facing the elderly with respect to property taxes, cost of living, independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care must be addressed in a comprehensive fashion. I have always had the utmost respect for our senior citizens, the oldest now being the Greatest Generation, and I for one, will not abandon them and those who follow them. They need to be provided for. I vow to continue to work to broaden the property tax credit currently in place, so that the county’s senior citizens will not have to flee to other states because of high property taxes. I will support the Department of Aging and the programs that are provided for seniors.

(Law) Enforcement and Emergency Services: Both the Sheriff and the Fire Chief will have my full support in their efforts to provide safety and protection to our citizens! I support our current system of both volunteer firefighters and career firefighters. Our Sheriff’s Deputies, dedicated firefighters and emergency services personnel are second to none. I will work to see that never changes!

Ethics: It is an honor to be elected to serve the citizens of our great county. It was an honor for me to serve as Chairman of the County’s Ethics Commission. I took my responsibilities very seriously, and consider high ethical standards to be a requirement for those of us who will serve in the County Council.
 

Read other articles related to 2014 Frederick primary races