Before Government Day, my last explanation of the democratic process came from a Schoolhouse Rock cartoon titled I’m Just A Bill. A day that began with a cartoon memory evolved into a shared experience I won’t soon forget.
Rick Weldon, President and CEO of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, transported us back to grade school as he summarized the basics of Government 101. His recap of the democratic system reminded me that we drive progress when we all participate in the process.
The Honorable Michael O’ Connor, Mayor of the City of Frederick, and members of the Board of Aldermen articulated their vision of progress. From sustainability initiatives to additional support for law enforcement, affordability to accessibility, their goals—and their efforts to move our communities forward—gave me a fresh perspective on leadership.
The emphasis on additional support for law enforcement was eerie, given what happened soon after. Right before lunch, three of our first responder classmates, Fire Chief Tom Coe, Division of Fire & Rescue Services, Captain Jeff Eyler, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, and Chief Jason Lando, Frederick City Police Chief, answered their phones, then sprinted out of the room. We learned that two Frederick City police officers were shot while reporting to a call. Stunned into silence, we joined classmate Rev. Barbara Kershner Daniel in prayer for the officers, their families, and the community.
While we eventually regrouped, it was difficult to focus after receiving this news. We learned that the officers would recover, but it was a painful reminder that our first responders, as civil servants, risk their lives every day.
In the afternoon, we shifted our focus to County government. County Executive Jan Gardner joined the class to speak on the challenges and growth opportunities the community has experienced over the past eight years with her at the helm. As our County’s first County Executive, she offered incredible insight into what it takes to be in this position, and what we should look for in our next County Executive when we look to cast our ballots later this year.
To close out the day, we heard from the four individuals campaigning to become the next County Executive in their first forum. From priorities to political experience, background to party sway, these four County Executive hopefuls could not be any more different.
Effecting change—as a policymaker or a police officer—is a mighty endeavor. While cartoon renderings of the government process are far from reality, it takes vision to lead, and courage to keep going.
Ellen Buchanan is a member of the Leadership Frederick County Class of 2021-2022 Cohort. She is a marketing professional with a passion for growing communities and enriching lives through digital storytelling. As a Communications Specialist at Platinum PR, her responsibilities include developing and implementing multi-channel advertising and marketing strategies, conducting media outreach, creating social media, website and blog content, assisting clients to reach their communication goals, and conducting virtual meetings and events. Given the opportunity, Ellen also goes behind the lens of her camera to highlight communities through photography.
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.