Name: Renee Knapp

Renee Knapp
Renee Knapp
Political party: Democrat
Where you live: Adamstown
Current occupation and employers (may also list up to two previous jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Not employed. Parent of adult child with special needs.
Political experience (public offices held and when; as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years; do not include political party positions): None
Campaign information:
- email: renee@knapp4countycouncil.com
- website: www.knapp4countycouncil.com
- Facebook: Knapp4CountyCouncil
1 – Why are you running for the County Council? (75 words max)
I want to keep Frederick County moving forward. As new industries and businesses have chosen to locate here, the county is at the beginning of an exciting opportunity. I support policies to expand local job growth and fiscally responsible budgets that are responsive to the needs of county residents. These priorities include investments in our public schools, so we can provide a competitive education to all students to prepare for college or the skilled trades.
2 – What is the most important issue in this race? How specifically would you address it? (100 words max)
The future of public education in Frederick County is the most important issue we are facing. Years of underfunding, made worse by the pandemic, have cost students the best education we should be able to deliver. I will vote for dedicated resources to fully restore all aspects of our school system, to address learning losses, and to strive for excellence for all students again.
County budgets that return to the lowest minimum amount required by law can’t address immediate and longer-term needs. We risk students graduating not as prepared as they should be when they enter the workforce.
3 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this position? (100 words max)
Raising a child on the autistic spectrum from a nonverbal toddler to a man who has been successfully employed for over 10 years informs every decision I make. I learned to bring experts together when little was known about autism and therapies that are accessible today did not exist. I understand the importance of perseverance and continually staying informed with the latest information in pursuit of a goal. Thirty years ago, there was little guidance regarding autism. I became open-minded to every suggestion I was given. My focus is on solving county challenges and I will listen to everyone.
4 – What is one major issue the current County Council has handled poorly? What would you have done differently? (100 words max)
Given that Frederick County is less than 40 miles from the center of the internet in Ashburn, Virginia, through which 70% of the world’s internet traffic flows, the County Council should have been more prepared for inevitable discussions with AWS (Amazon Web Services) or another major cloud data services company looking to locate here. Moving forward, the county should recognize the need for possible additional contracted technical expertise to better inform the county staff and County Council as they converse with large high-tech companies. We will certainly have future opportunities, and the County Council will need to be prepared.
5 – What do you think of the county's goal of preserving 100,000 acres of farmland by 2040? (100 words max)
Preserving farmland supports the agriculture industry, an economic driver in Frederick County. As farmers face mounting pressures to remain profitable, farmland preservation efforts from the county help to maintain the use of productive farmland. Protecting productive farmland secures our food supply at the county, state, and national levels. The county’s goal from the Livable Frederick Master Plan to preserve 100,000 acres of farmland by 2040 is a good quantitative goal by which to measure impactful farmland preservation. Using several programs and dedicated funding, Frederick County will likely reach this goal ahead of schedule, having already preserved over 71,000 acres.
6 – How well does the county do at attracting new businesses and significant employers? What should the county do? (100 words max)
Frederick County is an attractive place for businesses to locate. Because we are the largest county in Maryland by area, we can reach our agriculture preservation goals while expanding business opportunities to foster local job growth. County incentives, including not charging personal property taxes for businesses, and our proximity to Northern Virginia are attracting potential new employers associated with the cloud data center industry. As we have welcomed and incorporated other industries like bioscience and manufacturing, the county should send out the message that we are taking the next steps to secure Frederick County’s place in the high-tech economy.
7 – What do you think of the Livable Frederick Master Plan? How should the county grow in population and development? (100 words max)
The most important aspect of the Livable Frederick Master Plan is how many stakeholders have accepted it as the guiding planning document for county development. There are areas designated for future growth and areas designated to be preserved. In addition to articulating a clear vision for quality of life in Frederick County, Livable Frederick provides a set of agreed upon criteria and a framework for developers and builders to use to create desirable communities. As developers can make business decisions informed by Livable Frederick, communities in growth areas will be more healthy, enjoyable, and sustainable.
8 – Do you support a plan to widen interstates 270 and 495 and add tolls? Why or why not? (100 words max)
Over 40% of employed Frederick County residents commute outside the county to work in one of the most congested regions in the nation. Efficient transportation drives our local economy and contributes to quality of life in Frederick County. Whether you are a commuter or a resident who needs reliable public transportation, government must respond to these needs as the county continues to develop and the population grows. To not consider all possible plans to alleviate traffic problems that have become generational, including expanding I-270 and I-495, is unreasonable. I don’t support tolls. They are cost prohibitive for too many people.
9 – How well is the county caring for a rapidly growing population of older residents? How would you address future needs? (100 words max)
Frederick County is helping the growing senior population remain in the county by offering a significant Frederick County senior tax credit to supplement Maryland’s homeowner tax credit. Older homeowners can also apply annually for a property tax deferral. However, older residents who are not homeowners can’t benefit from these programs and rents are rising. Increasing the amount of high-density housing allowable in Frederick County and the city of Frederick could address this need for seniors and others facing increasing difficulty with rent affordability. Additionally, with reliable public transportation, many senior residents and those with disabilities can lead more independent lives.
10 – Has the county spent its money wisely? Give specific examples. (100 words max)
The best indicator that Frederick County has spent its money wisely is the AAA bond rating the county has held since 2016. This is a quantitative affirmation of responsible and consistent fiscal management. While increasing the county’s financial reserves to attain this rating, much needed investments have been made in Frederick County Public Schools to make up for past budgets that spent the least amount allowable by law. In response to other local needs, a portion of the county recordation tax now provides dedicated funding for affordable housing efforts and agricultural preservation.