The 39-year-old Republican is so disheartened with how the current commissioners are leading the county that on Monday he announced his bid for one of the five at-large seats.

"I decided to run because I want the job," Jenkins said. "To me, the current crop of commissioners have sent us adrift without a real vision. I would like to see a more balanced board. I would like a board with a little more civility in the way they deal with citizens and policy."

Jenkins' vision of Frederick County is one that attracts employers and maintains the flavor of a rural way of life with sophisticated residents.

A resident of Frederick, Jenkins is a sales representative for Ausherman Homes at The Villages of Urbana.

He serves as vice president of the Sales and Marketing Council for the Frederick County Builders Association and was the 2000 sales manager of the year.

Jenkins has a bachelor's degree in Russian from James Madison University and served in the U.S. Navy.

He and his wife, Delly, have two children who attend Oakdale Elementary School.

As an employee of the home building industry in Frederick County, Jenkins has not been happy with many of the residential development restrictions put in place by the current board.

"Obviously they have done things in the county that have not made it favorable for us and others to build," he said.

Only two of the five current commissioners are seeking re-election, Democrat Jan Gardner and Republican John "Lennie" Thompson.

Jenkins defends his profession.

"I sell homes for builders on lots that have been approved for development," he said.

But Jenkins is concerned over the effects of residential growth.

"I share the concerns of many in Frederick County -- congested roads and highways, overcrowded schools and a sense that our tax dollars have not been spent wisely," he said.

Jenkins also believes government and school officials should do more to encourage volunteerism.

"As a father of two children at Oakdale, I am thrilled with the quality of education my children are receiving and am acutely aware that there is a correlation between teacher-pupil ratios," he said. "Neglecting overcrowded and poorly maintained schools is not an option."

Jenkins will face eight other candidates in the Sept. 10 Republican primary election. The top five vote-getters will advance to the Nov. 5 general election.