Politics & Government
Local Teen Spends Day as a Councilwoman
Madison Fredericks of Souther High shadowed District 7 Councilman Jerry Walker (R-7th District) after she was selected for the special honor.
While her peers attended class at , Madison Fredericks shadowed District 7 Councilman Tuesday, speaking with organization leaders and constituents throughout the county.
Madison earned the opportunity after she applied to shadow the councilman. Walker chose the 15-year-old and she joined him on a “day in the life” experience along with Walker’s spokesperson Pam Scarbro.
The three spent the morning working before they headed to the Driftwood Diner in Shady Side to meet with organization leaders. Each discussed their groups, their causes and why Madison—the “mock” councilwoman—should help their organization.
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The daughter of Anne Arundel County Police Department Lt. James Frederick, Madison said she’s been interested in government and law enforcement for some time.
“I like all the government-type stuff,” she said. “Next year, I’ll be taking two AP government classes.”
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Board members of the Captain Avery Museum, the Shady Side Community Center, the West/Rhode Riverkeeper and other advocates spoke to Madison about how the County Council serves the community.
One attendee, former board chair of the Captain Avery Museum Susy Smith, jokingly told Madison that all they wanted from her was “money.”
Following a loud chuckle from the group, Walker said with a smile, “I just get to listen today.”
Local planning and zoning advocate Michael Rauh attended the lunch and helped lead the discussion towards the polarization of political parties, specifically discussing the stalemate for the County Council’s District 1 seat.
Madison said she considers herself a Republican and follows the GOP primary closely. The 15-year-old said she intends to pursue a career in government or law enforcement.
“[Government and law enforcement] really interests me,” Madison said. “Going out there and helping people really interests me.”
Following the lunch, Walker and his student shadow took a tour of Londontowne and then met with constituents in Davidsonville.
“This was an excellent opportunity for me. I was really excited to come out today,” Madison said.
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