Aloi and McClement Make Their Case
Since going to a 4-year mayoral term in 1946, the City of Frederick has only elected Ron Young to a third and later fourth term (1974 to 1990). Current Mayor Republican Randy McClement is going for the three-peat this election.
"Every time we get a project that we want to get accomplished, it just takes forever because of government rules and regulations and other things that get in the way," McClement said [picture below courtesy of Randy McClement.] "I am at that point where I really would like to see a couple of these projects come to fruition," McClement said. "I have gotten them this far. I'd like to make sure we carry them through."
He cites the proposed Westside Regional Park on Butterfly Lane as one which is currently in the feasibility and master planning stage. "I've been trying to figure for eight years what to do with it," McClement said. "We are now at the
point where it looks like we could get it started and have some sort of plan moving forward."
Another project is completing phase 2 of Monocacy Boulevard including widening the road from Schifferstadt Boulevard to Gas House Pike and adding a new bridge over the Monocacy River.
He would also like to continue to work on the proposed Downtown Hotel and Conference Center at 200 East Patrick Street. "It's now to a point where I really believe we have the best shot at getting it but it is going to be another couple years before we have it built and I'd like to see that one through," he said.
Projects he plans to kick start if given a third term include finishing the final stage of Carroll Creek Linear Park and creating an alliance similar to one on the Golden Mile for the East Frederick Rising area to encourage growth.
McClement believes voters should give him a third term because he has kept his word and provided a steady keel throughout his administration. "My main goals have always been to make sure the City is financially sound," he said. "I came in as mayor at probably one of the worst recessions we have ever seen nationwide. ...My job was to try to figure out how to maintain as many services as possible without raising taxes and over the eight years I have been able to provide eight budgets that did that -- maintained as many services as we thought were reasonable and did not raise the overall taxes. We understand that some things have gone up like water and sewer. ...Those are consequences of decisions made from above us."
Putting his mayoral duties first, McClement plans to do door-to-door campaigning only when he does not have a City of Frederick event on his schedule. "To me, my number one goal is I am mayor," he said. "I am mayor for four years not three years and one year worth of running."
Facing off against the incumbent in the Sept. 12 primary election is Shelley Aloi -- a City alderman from 2009 to 2013 [photo above courtesy of Shelley Aloi]. She ran unsuccessfully against McClement for mayor in 2013, and for lieutenant governor with gubernatorial candidate Ronald A. George in 2014.
Filing just under the registration deadline, Aloi said running for mayor again "has been in my heart for a long time. Frederick is a wonderful city and it is time for new leadership. If this were the presidential election, two terms and you're out. It's time for new leadership."
Aloi has enjoyed her time in public service stating "it's my life's purpose as long as I can remember."
If elected, Aloi notes her first priority would be to open the door of the mayor's office to listen to folks that want to have a conversation. "In my imagination, in a perfect world, when people walk down the streets of the City of Frederick no matter who you are, no matter if you are the wealthiest person or the most economically challenged, no matter what race you happen to belong to or what ethnicity you are, in a perfect world, every single person who walks down the streets of the City of Frederick feels valued, feels honored and respected and I believe that starts at the head of the City at the mayor's office and when we communicate those kinds of values things transform. That's a vision for who I am and what I would like to see in the city," Aloi said.
With increased calls for shots fired and gang violence and the ongoing opioid crisis, Aloi said her administration would be compassionate to addicts but have zero tolerance for dealers.
Aloi has heard from residents that have been driven out because of a lack of affordable housing and she said McClement has done nothing to address the issue. "The current administration has had eight years to (help) and it's time for a change," she said.
She would also explore diversifying the tax base in a real tangible way so that taxes can go down. "My perspective is 'Let's get down to business and let's solve the problems of the people in the City of Frederick' and I offer that people are looking for a change," she said.
If you live in the City, expect to get a knock on your door at some point from Aloi because she wants to be face-to-face with constituents to discuss their concerns.
During her time as alderman, she said her proudest accomplishment was having the City become involved in regional and statewide coalitions. "I grew up here," Aloi said. "I know the city. I love the city and I am here to serve every single person no matter who they are. The organization is only going to grow as much as the leader grows."
The Frederick Extra, Frederick Magazine, 930 AM WFMD and Frederick Community College are hosting a mayoral debate on Monday, Aug. 21 at JBK Theater at FCC, fro 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m..
Frederick City Election, Dates, Times and Locations
Primary Election - Tuesday, September 12, 2017 General Election - Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Polls are open 7 am - 8 pm Early Voting Dates and Location All early voting will take place at the Frederick Senior Center, 1440 Taney Avenue Primary Election Early Voting: Friday, August 25, 2017 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saturday, August 26, 2017 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. General Election Early Voting: Friday, October 27, 2017 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m Saturday, October 28, 2017 12:00 pm. - 6:00 p.m.
