Name: Charles A. Jenkins

Party affiliation: Republican

Place of residence: Winding Ridge, Frederick

Date of birth: Dec. 18, 1962

Place of birth: Norfolk, Va.

Current occupation: Realtor

Education: Bachelor of arts, Russian, James Madison University

Community associations, involvement: Volunteer tennis coach, Frederick County Parks and Recreation, 10-15 year olds.

Professional associations: Aircraft Owner’s and Pilots Association; National Association of Realtors; Frederick County Association of Realtors.

Family: Married 15 years to Delly. Two children, Addison, 12, and Mia, 10.

Campaign office address and telephone: P.O. Box 3503, Frederick, MD 21705. 301-514-7811.

Candidate’s Web site: www.charles2006.com

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

Roads, improving our transportation network, fixing Interstate 270 and U.R. Route 15. Stop talking start building.

Taxes. Controlling our spending. Our taxes are driving people out of the county, especially seniors with limited incomes.

Education. Continue our strong support.

How would you rate the performance of the current commission: excellent, good, fair or poor? Why?

Fair. Job creation has been solid. Jobs in Frederick County benefit us all with reduced traffic congestion and money spent locally. Long-term planning, particularly with regard to our zoning ordinance and our transportation network, has been inadequate. We must work more closely with the state to improve our transportation network. We have talked about improving U.S. Route 15 and Interstate 270 for too long. It is time to start building road improvements. We need to focus more of our energy on the solving of, and better planning for, our transportation needs. Providing more opportunities to live here and work here are beneficial to all of us, particularly if we can get some of our people off of I-270 and U.S. 15.

Is the rate of growth in Frederick County too fast, too slow, or just right?

We can do better. We need to better plan the road improvements that are needed to support growth, both residential and non-residential. Business growth is preferred over residential growth, but both are necessary. We need commissioners who will make fixing our roads a priority. We need leadership in Winchester Hall, not finger-pointing and vilification of small groups of people to polarize the citizenry. We need people who will work together to find creative solutions, not simply oppose every proposal made by others.

What’s your plan to provide more affordable housing in Frederick County?

National and regional market forces have conspired over the past five years to make homeownership unobtainable for many. Our moderately priced dwelling units program is the tip of the iceberg in addressing this growing crisis. I support waiving impact fees on moderately priced dwelling units and also suggest our commissioner’s adopt the Citizens Zoning Review Committee’s new zoning ordinance recommendations. We need to work with all of the municipalities in the county to make them a part of solving this problem. Many of the opportunities to create affordable housing exist only in the urbanized areas of the county, the majority of which is in the municipalities.

Do you think the county is doing enough to meet the needs of its growing population? If not, what do you think the county needs to do?

No, I don’t. County government should steer a course, not get bogged down in micro-management. We need more passion in solving our problems, particularly our roads network. No construction on U.S. Route 15 and I-270, no new zoning ordinance, inadequate funding of school renovations. Three large failures.

Does the commission form of government still work in Frederick County? Should we adopt charter government, or code home rule?

No. Frederick County needs to move to a charter form of government. We have not been effective in lobbying at the state level or among our peers in Maryland Association of Counties and Council of Governments because one commissioner cannot make commitments like county executives. We are now among the ‘‘Big 6” in Maryland counties, and need to adapt our government to become more efficient.

Does the Board of County Commissioners need to tighten its lobbying regulations?

To my knowledge there have been no charges or accusations against any lobbyist for wrongfully trying to influence our current commissioners. I’m not sure what we would be trying to fix.

Should the Board of County Commissioners adopt stricter campaign finance rules?

Candidates have to file a series of reports either to the county or to the state. We already have full financial disclosure. Again, I’m not sure what problem we’re trying to solve by changing campaign finance rules.

What programs would you add to the budget and how would you pay for them?

I don’t have any agenda to grow the size of our government or its budget. Rather, I will look to constrain the costs of many big-ticket items and look to maximize the efficiency of all our departments. We also need to be sure we are not adding any unnecessary frills where the money could be put to better use elsewhere.

Are there any programs, taxes or fees that should be cut? What would you do with the money from the savings?

There are items that could and should be cut. Savings should be reinvested to ensure we don’t lose critical people to neighboring counties. I would not necessarily cut programs, but there are many that can be run more efficiently. We need to scrutinize spending to minimize waste.

Do you think the current system for renovating schools is adequate, or does it need changing?

It needs changing, now! The fact that Linganore High is in its current condition should be a badge of dishonor to every one of our current commissioners. I support the proposal by Del. Galen Clagett to establish the Education Trust Fund to ensure funding for the renovation and maintenance of our older schools.

Do the commissioners have too much, too little, or not enough oversight of the school system?

The Board of Education and Frederick County Public Schools set priorities with regard to school construction, maintenance and renovation. The Board of County Commissioners provides the funding. There needs to be much better coordination among all these entities. What should guide all these groups is this question: What is best for Frederick County?

What is the No. 1 public safety concern for Frederick County? What would you do about it?

Our No. 1 concern should be our inadequate transportation network. I will work to make sure they are improved and can serve their proper role in moving people into and out of the county in the event of a major event. Gangs are starting to become an issue and we need to be sure our sheriffs department is sufficiently equipped to quash them before they get hold.