Sugarloaf Alliance
Preservation * Smarter Growth * Transparency in Government
Development near Sugarloaf (west of I-270 and north to the Monocacy River) should remain protected and free from commercial and industrial development. Check one
Agree
Development should be focused in growth areas and supported by proper funding and maintaining of infrastructure. Sugarloaf is a natural treasure and should remain protected. The development of the areas around I-270 should be throughly discussed to help balance the preservation of the sugarloaf area while allowing responsible economic development.
A Green Infrastructure Plan should be completed and adopted before approving major new industrial rezonings. Check one.
Neutral
I believe Frederick County needs a thoughtful, balanced discussion about both environmental stewardship and economic growth. Green infrastructure is an important component of long-term planning, but it should be developed through collaboration among residents, farmers, businesses, environmental advocates, and local government. Rather than tying all industrial rezonings to the completion of a specific plan, I support establishing a clear, countywide vision that protects our natural resources while allowing responsible growth and investment that benefits Frederick County residents.
If elected, do you pledge to never sign an NDA with a data center developer or other developer, nor to be bound by an NDA signed by another county official with a data center developer or any other developer? Check one.
Yes
County legislation should be developed to prohibit County Council members, the County Executive, and county staff from signing any NDA that restricts their ability to inform the public, deliberate openly, or carry out their public duties. Check one.
Strongly agree
Transparency in government is of the utmost importance. Government should never keep secrets from the public or hide its intentions. We can be of, for, and by the people if we do not disclose what we are doing to the people themselves.
Frederick County should fund a thorough, independent cost-benefit analysis of data center impacts, specifically on Frederick County, regardless of any analysis that may be conducted by the State of Maryland on State level impacts. Check one.
Agree
I agree that Frederick County should have access to accurate, locally focused information before making major long-term decisions regarding data centers. However, if the State of Maryland conducts a comprehensive study that is heavily focused on Frederick County and adequately addresses our local impacts, there would be little value in duplicating that effort at the county level. Any analysis should be objective, transparent, and focused on measurable outcomes. Sound policy decisions require reliable data and responsible use of taxpayer resources.
How many data centers should be built in Frederick County? Check the answer closest to your position.
As many as allowed inside the original 1,586-acre Critical Digital Infrastructure Overlay Zone proposed by the Planning Commission.
Frederick County should not set an arbitrary limit on data centers. Instead, development should be based on infrastructure capacity, public safety, energy usage, environmental impacts, and taxpayer benefit. The goal is responsible growth that strengthens the tax base while protecting residents and preserving quality of life.
What new county data center legislation would you endorse? Check all you support.
Increased distances to residences and public uses, Stricter noise limits, Full disclosure of electricity consumption, water consumption, height and footprint, backup generation capacity, noise and lighting impacts, and infrastructure needs and requirements of proposed data centers., An independent, third-party regularly monitoring data center operation (e.g. noise, water consumption) that reports its results publicly, including additional testing triggered by resident complaints or changes in operations., Mandatory corrective actions within a defined timeframe, with meaningful penalties or operational restrictions if compliance is not achieved (if post-construction monitoring shows a data center exceeds approved limits).
Any data center operating in Frederick County should be held accountable to the standards under which it was approved. I support transparency requirements, reasonable setbacks, noise protections, independent monitoring, and meaningful enforcement when violations occur. Residents deserve to understand potential impacts and have confidence that approved conditions will be enforced. Water use restrictions should be based on local availability and drought conditions to ensure resources are managed responsibly. Regulations should address measurable impacts without preventing responsible development.
What are your thoughts concerning environmental issues, preservation, development, transparency in government, and data centers in Frederick County? Describe any priorities, tradeoffs, or concerns that guide your thinking.
Frederick County's future depends on finding the right balance between preservation, economic opportunity, and responsible growth. I support protecting our most productive farmland, natural resources, and rural character while recognizing that growth will continue and must be planned thoughtfully. Development should occur where infrastructure can support it, not at the expense of taxpayers or our agricultural community.
Government must operate with greater transparency and accountability. Residents deserve open communication, access to information, and meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their communities.
Regarding data centers, decisions should be guided by facts, infrastructure capacity, and measurable impacts rather than assumptions. I support strong transparency requirements, independent monitoring, and enforcement of approved conditions. At the same time, I believe Frederick County should remain open to responsible economic development that strengthens the tax base, creates opportunities, and helps reduce the burden on residential taxpayers.