This is the second in a series of articles examining the candidates and issues that will shape Frederick County’s future.

Six candidates are seeking the two At-Large seats on the Frederick County Council. Four Democrats — incumbents Brad Young and Renee Knapp, along with challengers Tiffany Grant and Sam Newhouse — are competing in the June 23 Democratic primary. Two Republicans, Pamela Ciliberti and Jack Felton, are also running, but because they are the only Republican candidates seeking the two nominations, both will automatically advance to the November general election.

As a result, the Democratic primary is where the real contest occurs.

After reviewing the candidates’ positions, I believe the most important distinction is not between Democrats and Republicans. It is between candidates who have articulated a realistic strategy for funding Frederick County’s future and those who have focused primarily on how government should spend money without adequately addressing where that money will come from.

The Real Challenge

Most residents agree on the county’s biggest priorities. We want competitive teacher salaries, affordable housing, improved transportation, strong public safety, mental health services, and continued investment in our quality of life.

The challenge is funding those priorities without placing an ever-increasing burden on homeowners.

Frederick County relies heavily on residential property taxes. As property values have risen, many residents feel squeezed by higher assessments and tax bills. Long-term relief requires broadening the county’s commercial and industrial tax base so that future growth generates revenue from businesses as well as residents.

Local businessman Tony Checchia recently summarized the issue in a Facebook post this way:

“There is simply no comparison between 2,000 acres of CDI-zoned approved land and 2,000 acres used for residential housing in terms of net positive vs net negative tax revenue.”

Whether one supports every aspect of the county’s data center strategy or not, the larger point remains valid: Frederick County needs more revenue-producing commercial investment if it hopes to fund services while reducing pressure on residential taxpayers.

Young and Knapp

Brad Young has consistently emphasized education, workforce development, transportation improvements, public safety, and business growth. He frequently links economic development to the county’s ability to fund schools, infrastructure, and other priorities. He also supports expanding Career and Technology Center programs to prepare students for local careers.

Renee Knapp has focused on issues affecting working families, including education, childcare, transportation, housing affordability, and responsible growth. She supports attracting jobs, welcoming new industries, and maintaining strong partnerships between county government and the business community while preserving Frederick County’s quality of life.

What stands out about both incumbents is their recognition that economic development and public services are not competing goals. A stronger commercial tax base helps pay for better schools, transportation improvements, housing initiatives, and public safety investments.

Grant and Newhouse

Tiffany Grant’s campaign focuses on affordable housing, equity, access to services, transparency, and opposition to the County Council’s CDI-OZ legislation. She advocates stronger housing requirements, expanded public transportation, and increased accountability in county government.

Sam Newhouse emphasizes environmental protection, farmland preservation, affordable housing, public transit, and opposition to the data center overlay initiative. His campaign centers on what he calls “smart growth” and protecting Frederick County’s green infrastructure.

Both candidates raise legitimate concerns. However, I remain unconvinced that they have presented a clear alternative strategy for generating the long-term commercial tax revenue necessary to fund the many programs and services they support.

My Recommendation

County government is ultimately about balancing priorities and making financially sustainable decisions.

After reviewing the candidates’ positions, I believe Brad Young and Renee Knapp have demonstrated the strongest understanding of how economic growth, commercial investment, and responsible fiscal management work together to fund the services residents want while reducing long-term pressure on residential taxpayers.

For those reasons, Brad Young and Renee Knapp have earned my support in the June 23 Democratic primary for Frederick County Council At-Large.

Rocky Mackintosh is the owner of MacRo, Ltd., a commercial and industrial real estate brokerage based in Frederick, Maryland. Among many community organizational roles he has served on, he was a member of the Frederick County Charter Board from 2010 to 2012.