Name: Ron Wolf

Party affiliation: Democrat

Place of residence: Frederick

Date of birth: Sept. 19, 1951

Place of birth: Washington, D.C.

Current occupation: Technical writer⁄editor and task manager

Education: Master of science in writing, Towson University; bachelor of arts in English, University of Maryland College Park; associates degree, Prince George’s Community College.

Community associations, involvement: Former board of directors, United Democrats of Frederick County.

Professional associations: Society for Technical Communication, American Medical Writers Association, Board of Editors in the Life Sciences.

Family: Wife, Patti.

Campaign office address and telephone: Friends of Ron Wolf, 6426 Sunset Drive, Frederick, MD 21702, 301-695-5529.

Candidate’s web site: Ronwolfforcommissioner.com

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

Slow growth to make more development and school construction more manageable. Defend and strengthen APFO. Strengthen requirements of developers to provide affordable housing.

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

The current board gets only a fair grade. Transportation and housing issues have not been addressed. The needs of developers come before the needs of people who want affordable housing. Collectively, the board has not lobbied Annapolis effectively.

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

The rate is too fast.

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

Requirements for moderately priced dwelling units need to be increased. Future developments need to have a requirement for maximum square footage for 10 percent to 20 percent of single-family homes in the 1,500- to 1,600-square-foot range and meet moderately priced dwelling unit requirements.

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?

The county has many roads and transportation issues that are getting worse. The county needs to improve school renovation by creating schedules and meeting them.

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

Commissioner form of government will become less effective as the county continues to grow. We need a single voice to go to Annapolis. Charter government is probably 10 years away.

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

The lobbying regulations are adequate provided members of the board also hold high ethical standards.

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

Yes. Commissioners should be prohibited from soliciting campaign contributions with individuals or businesses doing business with the county.

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

The county faces difficult budget decisions. No plans to add programs at this time.

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

Property taxes were recently cut. That cut netted little for the homeowner. More people are turning to the government for services the private sector won’t provide or will only at a premium price. The county must continue to fill those needs.

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

The current system is not adequate, but largely because of inadequate funds. Some outlying areas of the county get too little attention. Priorities for renovation need to be improved.

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

Commissioners have appropriate oversight of the school system. Input for change should always be solicited from teachers and administrators while working closely with the Board of Education.

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

Despite dedicated professionals in public safety in Frederick County, the ability to meet demands created by growth need to be addressed, e.g., response time, access to water, and equipment for disaster situations.