Michael O'Connor, Mayor of Frederick

10/20/2025

When Washington stops doing its job, local government has to step in to fill impossible gaps — with far fewer resources. But in Frederick, we show up. We adapt. And we take care of our community.

10/16/2025

Proud to cheer on one of Frederick’s own, Nick Tucker, as he continues his journey toward Olympic gold! Nick is entering prime season in his sport, skeleton, and training hard to earn a spot on Team USA for the 2026 Winter Games. All of Frederick is behind you, Nick — go make us proud!

Training for the Olympics is expensive and many athletes pay their own way. If you are interested in supporting Nick’s journey you can visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/nicholas-tucker-olympic-hopeful-2026

10/10/2025

As many of you know, we lost a true public servant in Sue Hecht on September 23. In honor of her legacy of service and lifelong commitment to Frederick, and in accordance with Maryland Code Regulations 01.01.1999.30 paragraph 5.04, this morning I ordered the Maryland State Flag to be lowered to half-staff on City properties, along with all City flags, through sunset on Monday, Oct. 13. Below is more information on the wonderful legacy Sue leaves behind and information about ceremonial services.

View Sue Hecht's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

10/07/2025

In Washington today meeting with Senator Chris Van Hollen, Senator Angela Alsobrooks and
Congresswoman April McClain Delaney from Team Maryland to discuss Frederick’s top priorities — from major infrastructure projects to protecting our residents’ healthcare and federal jobs. Grateful for these partners in Congress who share a commitment to governing with competence and compassion.

10/01/2025

Once again, this reckless and irresponsible Republican administration has proven they were never serious people who wanted to govern. They can’t even perform the most basic duty of government — keeping it open.
Here in Frederick, the consequences are real. Thousands of our neighbors work for or contract with the federal government. They’re now facing missed paychecks, missed mortgage payments, and the stress of wondering how long they can hold on. Frederick families who depend on programs like WIC — which helps parents put food on the table — could see those benefits disrupted. And our local small businesses, already stretched thin, will feel the ripple effects as paychecks stop and federal investments stall.
Republicans control the White House and both chambers of Congress. They shut the government down because Democrats fought to protect healthcare subsidies — the very support that keeps your already sky-high premiums from climbing even higher. Republicans are choosing chaos and higher costs for families. If you ever thought they had your best interests at heart, they don’t.
Their dysfunction means Frederick families, workers, and businesses are once again forced to pay the price. Here in Frederick, we will always step up to support our community. But this administration continues to prove why faith in government is all but eroded. This shutdown needs to end now — with jobs and basic human services in tact.

09/24/2025

I was profoundly sad to learn the news of the passing of Sue Hecht, a beloved daughter of Frederick County and a tireless public servant whose life was devoted to strengthening our community.

Sue’s roots here in Frederick ran deep. As a long-time resident, educator, nonprofit leader, writer, and legislator, she was a constant force for good in our region. Her commitment to education, to public safety, to good governance, and to lifting up every citizen was never for show, but came from a genuine conviction that Frederick—and Maryland—could always do better, and must do better.

In the Maryland House of Delegates, Sue represented District 3 and later District 3A across multiple terms, giving her voice in Annapolis to the needs and hopes of Frederick County residents.

Outside the legislature, Sue’s impact touched many lives in Frederick. As an educator and adjunct professor, she shaped so many young g minds and her leadership, mentorship, and friendship were gifts to so many.

To her family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew and admired her, we extend our deepest condolences. Her loss will be felt deeply across our city and county.

09/11/2025

Today we remember September 11, 2001. We honor the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the bravery of first responders and everyday citizens who showed us the true meaning of courage.

In the face of tragedy, our nation stood united. That spirit of unity is as important today as it was then. Now, maybe more than ever, let us carry forward the lesson that we are strongest when we stand together — as neighbors, as a community, and as one nation.

09/04/2025

Thank you to everyone who attended our State of the City address Wednesday evening! I am proud that our City is thriving and it's because of so many in our community who work to make it so.

Watch the full address to learn about our progress and what's next! https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/578/State-of-the-City-Address

09/04/2025

08/29/2025

I am grateful to team up with our partners at Frederick County Government, MD in Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater and Frederick Health to launch the PACT task force.
A pact is a promise. Just like Medicaid was supposed to be a promise before the "One Big Beautiful Bill" threatened $1 trillion in cuts. This new task force is our promise to Frederick residents that we will work together to protect access to care as federal cuts to Medicaid and other safety net programs loom.

Over the next two years before this legislation takes effect, PACT will:
Develop strategies to keep residents enrolled in Medicaid
Advocate for state-level protections and federal restoration of funding
Plan long-term supports to prevent our healthcare systems from being overwhelmed

This is the work of partnership — City, County, healthcare providers, and community leaders stepping up together to keep care within reach for everyone.

08/11/2025

Safety, facts, and process have never mattered to Donald Trump. The only thing that’s ever mattered to him is power. And with today’s move, he is grossly abusing it.
Today’s federal takeover of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and deployment of the National Guard is not grounded in reality. Violent crime in Washington, D.C. is down, not up. There is no credible evidence of a public safety emergency that would justify this unprecedented action. This isn’t about making people safer — it’s about consolidating control.
The United States is built on the principle that local governments are empowered to govern themselves. D.C. residents already lack voting representation in Congress. Stripping away one of the few democratic powers they have left is an affront to D.C. and a direct attack on the concept of home rule and local democracy across the country. If the president can do this to the capital, he will try to do it elsewhere.
Good law enforcement is built on trust, accountability, and collaboration with the communities it serves. Autocrats deploy troops to patrol their citizens; public servants work in partnership with them. Turning the National Guard into a standing police force in a city that has not asked for it is not public safety — it’s political theater at the expense of democracy.
We’ve seen this before — a man who has no idea how to govern, so he tries to control. History has long memories for leaders like that, and they’re not fond ones.