NEWS RELEASE

Mayor Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Jeanette Eleff, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, April 19, 2002

MAYOR JENNIFER DOUGHERTY REFLECTS

ON HER FIRST 100 DAYS IN OFFICE, APRIL 19

With City Hall in the background, Mayor Jennifer Dougherty today reflected on her first hundred days as the Mayor of The City of Frederick.

“One hundred days ago,” Mayor Dougherty began, “I stood on the steps behind me to welcome hundreds of school children and neighbors to City Hall. Many had never visited before, but most will remember their visit. I know they remember it because I run into school children who remind me of their visit every week – at Little League games, at the grocery store or just walking down the street. On this first day I started to de-mystify our local government and provide an openness to encourage public participation.”

Mayor Dougherty reflected on her definition of an open government stating that openness did not mean anything without action. An open government means that people can make their case and have it judged on its merits. During Dougherty’s campaign she stressed the importance of open government and promised a fresh approach to the way government conducted business.

The Mayor reviewed some of her immediate tasks after taking office which included holding a political amnesty month, instituting weekly news conferences, increasing televised meetings on local television channel 99 and conducting community roundtables.

“We listened to neighborhood concerns, we answered some simple questions and we started solving some tough issues,” stated Dougherty.

Dougherty’s community roundtables led to increased enforcement of speed, downtown police foot patrols and enforcement of municipal infractions.

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She emphasized the good feelings that were now shared by the majority of the elected officials in the City and County. Regardless of party affiliation, the County Commissioners supported the work of the City. The Brownfield’s legislation, Fair Housing law updates and the ongoing water issues were examples of some common goals shared by the City and Frederick County.

The Mayor spoke on her assignment to each Chief and Director to prepare a list of department priorities. “The list included illustrations of what had been irking City employees – a lack of awareness of the common goals. The Top Ten proved we have many bright and talented people working for the City. By keeping the list as our guide then we stay on track,” reflected Dougherty.

Dougherty’s Top Ten list includes; solutions to the City’s water supply problems, charter revisions, hiring a new Police Chief, developing an Office of Economic Development, instituting a Carroll Creek Commission, assessing and disposition of City-owned properties, enhancing the East Street gateway into the City, completing the Laboring Sons Memorial Park project, establishing Neighborhood Advisory Councils and completing the Monocacy Boulevard project.

Dougherty stated that she looks forward to completing languishing projects so she can move ahead with new initiatives.

“I promised to work hard for my neighbors,” stated Dougherty. “It’s not about the hours. It’s about the work and the fun.”

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