During the Young Board there has been a net increase of 3,015 jobs in Frederick County. This is to be contrasted with a net job loss of 343 jobs during the Gardner Board term[1]. During the first 3 ½ years of the Young Board the unemployment rate has dropped from 6.9% to 4.9% in Frederick […]
The Rate of Growth Must Take into Consideration Property Rights and the Need for Jobs Growth is probably the biggest issue in the 2014 county races. Opponents of the Young Board complain that too much growth is occurring in Frederick County. But what is the right amount of growth for Frederick County, considering property rights […]
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a method for financing public infrastructure (usually roads) by using a portion of new property tax revenues for a specific development for a fixed period of time. In a period of time where public financing for road improvements is scarce, TIF financing can help bring about some road improvements that […]
Statement by Paul Smith, County Commissioner, from November 25, 2013. This is in response to a steady stream of letters and articles criticizing the BOCC’s sale of Citizens/Montevue. The County’s sale of Citizens/Montevue will not only reduce the County’s tax burden by $4 million/year, but it will also help the County to put in place a […]
The plight and the needs of homeless people in our community have been topics of considerable discussion during recent weeks. Frederick County Government has a long-standing history of providing housing assistance for the needy. The County currently delivers over $6 million a year in housing assistance. In addition to this, the County has recently joined […]
The Young Board Has Been More Fiscally Responsible Than the Gardner Board Jan Gardner’s campaign falsely accuses the Young Board of being fiscally irresponsible and for making out-of-control expenditures. However, at the same time, she urged the Young Board to fully fund the BOE’s request to increase its funding by $17 million. Many astute observers picked […]
THE MONROVIA TOWN CENTER PUD ZONING CHANGE CASE AND DEVELOPER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AGREEMENT April 24, 2014 On April 23, 2014, the BOCC voted to approve the zoning change for Monrovia Town Center from Agriculture to a Planned Unit Development (Rezoning Case # R-12-02) and the proposed Developer Rights and Responsibilities Agreement (DRRA # 23-06). This […]
Statement of Commissioner Paul Smith, Urging the BOCC to Revise Its Prayer Policy in Light of the Supreme Court Ruling in Town of Greece, New York vs. Galloway (2014) Supreme Court ruling allows individual to pray in the name of Jesus Christ in governmental, legislative prayers. On May 5, 2014 the Supreme Court issued its ruling (5-4) […]
Here is a link to download Paul’s campaign flier for his 2014 run for Maryland House of Delegates District 3A. Read it or print it and give it to your friends. Thanks. If you would like to help with Paul’s campaign, click here to sign up to be a volunteer.
One of the most important considerations in the County budget is the proper funding of our public schools. I am committed to support funding FCPS at a level that will enable them to provide an excellent, top-rate education for our children. The funding for FCPS in this budget ($244 million) will continue to accomplish this. […]