Jacki Fogle Dvorak Running for Walkersville Town Commissioner
| 1. | Tell our readers about yourself (family, education, employment, community involvement, etc.): |
| I was born and raised in Walkersville. My family has been here for generations. My father started his electrical business, Glenn H. Fogle & Sons Electric Service in 1946, and is still run by my family 72 years later! My parents built our house on Charles Street in 1951. We are still there!
My husband works for Allstate, and is also the pastor of a small church. We have raised four adult sons. When our children were small, I was a stay-at-home mom, managing my family and home well. We are a family of faith, and have always been very active in church. I was the office and building manager for Fredericktowne Baptist Church on Biggs Ford Road. In addition to varied administrative duties, I had the opportunity to work with the town during that time as the church’s community liaison. Currently, I am the office manager for Maryland Counseling Centers, a drug and alcohol treatment facility with offices in Frederick and Rockville. I complete a wide variety of tasks; scheduling, billing, purchasing, financial administration, insurance submissions, etc. Most importantly, I handle correspondence with doctors, attorneys, and the correctional system on behalf of the firm and our scores of clients. Our offices work within the legal system, providing counseling and treatment services. I am very familiar with the magnitude of substance abuse and addiction issues facing our society. My skill set is well suited for Town Commissioner. I like people and I am a good team player. I am friendly, approachable, and have excellent communication skills. Those who know me, consider me mature and sensible, and a woman of integrity. I am flexible with ability to see various sides of issues and raise viable solutions. I am organized, creative, and have lots of good ideas! I am a problem solver, with vast experience through my family, my church, and my jobs. My roots are firmly planted in this soil. I know the town, and I know [many of] the people who live here. I have a vested interest in this town; past, present, and future … Just like you, Walkersville is truly my home; I humbly offer you my service and ask for your vote. |
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| 2. | What prompted you to file as a candidate for the Town of Walkersville government? |
| I was encouraged to run by my family and friends. I felt that the time in my life was right for me to step forward to serve. | |
| 3. | What is your main priority if elected? |
| I will help in whatever capacity I am able. I will try to be a part of the solution to problems and situations we face as a community. | |
| 4. | What are the most important issues facing the Town of Walkersville, and how will you address those issues? |
| My biggest issue, as a resident, is the [over] growth and the traffic conditions. The volume of vehicles on Route 194, Route 26, and Biggs Ford Road is overwhelming. Every new house built represents more cars and more people, which can become [an even larger] drain if not held in check. | |
| 5. | How long have you lived in Walkersville? |
| Born and raised here–my entire life. | |
| 6. | How can Walkersville’s Government support business development within Walkersville? |
| No answer provided. | |
| 7. | What are your plans to inform more residents of issues and events in Walkersville? |
| Social media has become a big source of information. I think that upping our web presence is a good idea–like the town’s Facebook page, etc. Also, we should continue to use the newspapers and/or local radio to inform residents who are not on social media. | |
| 8. | What are your thoughts on growth in Walkersville? |
| New Home Construction–NO MORE right now!! Businesses–Yes, of course, as long as they are in line with our values and the needs of the community. | |
| 9. | The following topics will likely come before those elected in September. Please give your thoughts on these topics: |
| a. | Proposed Revision to the Monocacy River Management Plan: |
| I do not know enough about this to comment. | |
| b. | Rock Creek School Relocation to Walkersville Middle School property: |
| I don’t have all of the facts, so I hesitate to comment, but as a resident, not as a commissioner, my opinion is that I do not think this was a good idea. I mentioned traffic concerns in an earlier comment, and I think that this school (which I believe has a large enrollment) and the additional buses and vans that transport these students, will only add to the volume of vehicles and the traffic concerns. I’m not up to speed yet on the schools and their capacity levels, (since I no longer have children in school I am not in that loop) but I have heard that our local students are crowded. Might this have been used for more space for Walkersville families and their children? | |
| c. | Solar Farm on Biggs Ford Road: |
| I do not know enough about this to comment. | |
| d. | Water Rates to pay for the new Water Treatment Plant: |
| I understand that a rate increase for water may be necessary. I do not feel that we pay higher than is customary at this time, ( our water bill is very reasonable) and as a resident, I am willing to accept a small increase in my water bill to pay for the benefit of the new water treatment plant. I would hope that others would see the value in this and agree. | |
