Where you live: Myersville

Current occupation and employers (may also list up to two previous jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Self-employed. Teacher of homeschool enrichment classes; family catering business.

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: Lufkin.Listens@gmail.com
• website: linktr.ee/Lufkin.Listens
• Facebook: Julianna Lufkin for Frederick County
• Instagram: @Lufkin.Listens

1 – Why are you running for the County Council? (75 words max)

I believe that the council needs a voice of compassion and reason representing District 5. I hope to be that voice.

2 – What is the most important issue in this race? How specifically would you address it? (100 words max)

I’d consider one of the most important issues to be the rising number of FCPS students who suffer from food insecurity. In such a richly agricultural county, it’s heartbreaking that our children are eating subpar foods in the cafeteria as their main source of nutrition. I would champion partnering local producers and providers with FCPS — keeping the money in our community, supporting our farmers, and feeding our children higher quality food.

3 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this position? (100 words max)

As a self-employed person, I am used to examining existing methods and tactics, and creating new ones when those stop working, or indeed never worked in the first place. I wholeheartedly believe that my life experiences make me uniquely qualified to serve on the Frederick County Council.

4 – What is one major issue the current County Council has handled poorly? What would you have done differently? (100 words max)

I believe that the creation of a Police Accountability Board was not handled as it should have been. This board is a great step. However, changes should have been made before it was voted on. The council needed to consider expanding the number of seats, to allow for more representation of our BIPOC communities, our immigrant communities, and our youth. I believe that the council should also have considered adding a stipend for those selected to serve.

5 – What do you think of the county's goal of preserving 100,000 acres of farmland by 2040? (100 words max)

I’m absolutely in favor of this goal, and would work hard to ensure it was reached. For Frederick County to remain the agricultural treasure it has been for centuries, we need to take steps now to support our current farmers, as well as preserving the farmland for future generations.

6 – How well does the county do at attracting new businesses and significant employers? What should the county do? (100 words max)

I believe that the county could do better, in terms of attracting new businesses and employers to our community. However, drawing new businesses to us while ignoring existing businesses is an equally poor plan. We should create stronger support systems for our small businesses while also attracting larger businesses. 

7 – What do you think of the Livable Frederick Master Plan? How should the county grow in population and development? (100 words max)

I’m very grateful to all of the people who worked on the Livable Frederick Master Plan. I consider it comprehensive and achievable. I strongly support smart growth in all areas of our county, and believe that strengthening our infrastructure everywhere will benefit our community for years to come.

8 – Do you support a plan to widen interstates 270 and 495 and add tolls? Why or why not? (100 words max)

I do not support this plan. I believe that by adding toll lanes to our interstates, we will create an even larger gap between those who can afford to pay tolls every day and those who can’t. Also, by widening the interstate, it becomes an eminent domain issue, which has a sordid history of misuse and token payments to land owners. 

9 – How well is the county caring for a rapidly growing population of older residents? How would you address future needs? (100 words max)

I feel that the county is not doing enough for our elders. One way that I would support them is to include the Meals on Wheels program in the piece of my platform mentioned in Question 2. Our elders deserve the same love and nutritional care that we offer to our students.

10 – Has the county spent its money wisely? Give specific examples. (100 words max)

With a few exceptions, I believe that the county has been very fiscally responsible. I am saddened, however, that it has taken this long for a sizable budget to be allocated to FCPS for raising salaries. With the pandemic, virtual learning, the mass murders in classrooms, and dealing with all of the angry nonsense being touted about the curriculum, our educators deserve to have their salaries match the wealth of our county much more closely.