Calls for resignation are growing for City Council Vice President Katie Nash.
Community advocate Tiana Massaquoi provided comment during the City of Frederick’s May 28 public meeting to call for accountability following the recent ethics violation involving City Council Vice President Katie Nash. Drawing a parallel to a previous ethics case involving former Alderman Roger Wilson, Massaquoi reminded council members that Nash and former Alderwoman Donna Kuzemchak were among those who publicly pushed for Wilson’s resignation after ethics findings were issued against him. Massaquoi said she stood with that effort at the time because she believed elected officials should be held to a consistent standard. “The findings of the investigation alone were sufficient grounds to demand a resignation. That standard matters now,” she told the council.
Addressing the body directly, Massaquoi questioned why Nash has not voluntarily stepped away from her leadership role and challenged council members to consider what actions they are willing to take if she does not. She argued that public trust is at stake and warned against applying different standards depending on who is involved. Referencing her own history of supporting members of the council and volunteering in the community, Massaquoi urged officials to carefully consider the precedent being set. She also noted that residents are increasingly frustrated by what they view as a lack of accountability in government. Outside of the council chambers, Massaquoi has also been helping champion a petition effort calling for Nash’s resignation.
The remarks came amid growing scrutiny surrounding the ethics findings. Nash’s ethics violation stems from findings by the City of Frederick Ethics Commission that she participated in matters related to data center and energy policy while maintaining professional and financial relationships connected to those industries. The commission concluded that she violated multiple provisions of the city’s ethics ordinance, including conflict-of-interest, outside employment, and use-of-office standards, resulting in a $1,000 fine and an order that she refrain from further council action involving data center or energy-related matters.
Read the Ethics Commission decision here.
During the meeting, Council Member Derek Shackelford participated virtually and expressed his belief that Nash should step down. His comments followed a letter from Council Member Joe Adkins that was read during the previous public meeting, in which Adkins similarly called for Nash’s resignation. Massaquoi closed her remarks by urging city leaders to honor the community’s investment in local government and remember the standard that was applied in the Roger Wilson case. “It’s 2026 and people are tired,” she said. “They’re tired of their trust being broken. They’re tired of not being taken seriously.”
Residents can watch the full May 28 City Council public meeting through the City of Frederick’s public meetings portal.