“I want District 8 retained just as it was and that was the recommendation that was made. [By Rev. James J. Robinson, Chair of Prince George’s County 2021 Redistricting Commission] Our leadership usurped this process. This was a process that should have been moved forward in a way that was transparent. It was expressed that we were all notified of this map change, that is not true. And this is being pushed without many of us agreeing with those changes or THE PUBLIC having any knowledge of what these new lines are. Their opportunities to participate have passed and quite frankly that was the time to present a new map, but I stick with my vote.”
Council Member Monique Anderson-Walker - District 8
Prince George’s County Council Committee of the Whole Meeting – October 14, 2021
I am appalled by the lack of transparency of my colleague, Council Member Derrick Leon Davis, on a new redistricting plan, which directly impacts District 8 and all of Prince George’s County. Yesterday, during our October 14, 2021, County Council’s Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting, Council Member Davis proposed a brand-new Redistricting map that several council members, including myself, had never seen. The map that Council Member Davis sponsored was dramatically different from the map that was prepared and shared by the Redistricting Commission at the virtual public hearings. Many of you joined us on these late-night virtual meetings. Now, the Redistricting Commission’s map is being overridden by select Council Members.
Sadly, accountability has been a problem and we were unable to thoroughly discuss the brand-new map because motions were moved forward by Chair Calvin Hawkins, while council members were still requesting to speak. Therefore, suggested changes by dissenting Council Members were not heard.
The sponsor of this brand-new Redistricting map, along with the following Council members, voted for APPROVAL:
Derrick L. Davis, sponsor (District 6)
Calvin S. Hawkins, chair (At-Large)
Deni Taveras, vice-chair (District 2)
Mel Franklin (At-Large)
Sydney Harris (District 9)
Todd M. Turner (District 4)
The Council members who voted in OPPOSITION to the brand-new Redistricting map:
Monique Anderson-Walker (District 8)
Jolene Ivey (District 5)
Danielle Glaros (District 3)
Tom Dernoga (District 1)
Start at the 3:47:01 mark on this link to witness for yourself the October 14th Prince George’s County Council Committee of the Whole meeting: Click https://princegeorgescountymd.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=4&clip_id=2040
Please share this with those you know in Prince George’s County, as this impacts the full county. I also urge you to reach out to your elected officials, the Prince George’s County Council Members and the At-Large Members before Tuesday, October 19th, when this new map is on the agenda for introduction. (Emails for full County Council are below for your convenience).
Democracy failed in the October 15, 2021, Prince George’s County Committee of the Whole meeting! After the decennial U.S. Census is completed, the Prince George’s County Charter requires Council appoint a commission to propose a new redistricting plan. The Commission held eleven public meetings and two public hearings, where proposed and requested changes were considered for the Commission’s approval, before their report was presented to the public.
Prince George’s County constituents should be apprised of all updates in public. Your elected officials who serve on the County Council should have information in advance of our meetings, especially with such a significant historical and long-term change to our Districts and the County. In the October 14th COW meeting, Council Member’s comments led to a debate. The audio faltered and some were not allowed the opportunity to speak, on this shocking, unprofessional, and unethical introduction of a brand-new map.
District 8 Proposed Changes:
- Andrews Air Force Base moved to D-9
- Camp Springs moved to D-9
- Morningside moved to D-9
- Sections of Clinton moved to D-8
Additional Changes
The Council primary is in June 2022. The County Charter also has a requirement that Council Members must live in their district for one year prior to run in a primary election. The new map has impacted individuals across the County who are already running for County Council seats next year and therefore, they will no longer be eligible. The original map from the Redistricting Commission only changed boundaries to balance population.
The brand-new proposed Councilmanic district map will be on the County Council agenda for introduction this Tuesday morning, October 15. Should it receive a favorable vote on Tuesday, it will be in effect for 10 years with no opportunity for change.
The final vote will be on November 16, 2021 and only two options will be possible at that time.
- Approval of the new map if approved on 10/14/21
or
- Council could take no action and the original Redistricting Commission’s recommended map will be confirmed
I always say, “Your Voice Matters!” Reach out to your Prince George’s County Council and At-Large elected Council Members before Tuesday, October 19th, when this new map is scheduled for introduction on the agenda. You can send an email to ALL the Council Members letting them know of your position, for we took a vow to serve you transparently and in your best interest.
Stay focused and engaged with the Countywide Map Amendment (CMA) process where similar tactics could be implemented.
Prince George's County Council Member Contact Information
Calvin S. Hawkins, Chair (At-Large) CSHawkins@co.pg.md.us
At-LargeMemberHawkins@co.pg.md.us
Mel Franklin (At-Large) MFranklin1@co.pg.md.us
At-LargeMemberFranklin@co.pg.md.us
Thomas E. Dernoga (District 1) TEDernoga@co.pg.md.us Councildistrict1@co.pg.md.us
Deni Taveras, Vice-Chair (District 2) DLTaveras@co.pg.md.us Councildistrict2@co.pg.md.us
Dannielle M. Glaros (District 3) DMGlaros@co.pg.md.us Councildistrict3@co.pg.md.us
Todd M. Turner (District 4) TMTurner@co.pg.md.us
Councildistrict4@co.pg.md.us
Jolene Ivey (District 5) JIvey@co.pg.md.us Councildistrict5@co.pg.md.us
Derrick L. Davis (District 6) DLDavis@co.pg.md.us
Councildistrict6@co.pg.md.us
Rodney C. Streeter (District 7) RCStreeter@co.pg.md.us
Councildistrict7@co.pg.md.us
Monique Anderson-Walker (District 8) MAWalker1@co.pg.md.us Councildistrict8@co.pg.md.us
Sydney J. Harrison (District 9) SJHarrison@co.pg.md.us Councildistrict9@co.pg.md.us
Redistricting Commission link https://pgccouncil.us/326/Redistricting-Commission
New Map Just Introduced on 10-14-21 to the Full Council to Vote on - https://files.constantcontact.com/f8265433101/ec23a15b-aca0-4127-85ee-207489ec7bec.png
Redistricting Commission Report - District 8 Map (UNCHANGED)
District 8 remains unchanged under the original proposed plan. Its population is 102,892, and it has a deviation of -4.26%. District 8 contains Andrews Air Force Base, Temple Hills, Forest Heights, National Harbor, Oxon Hill, and most of Fort Washington and Friendly. It also contains some portions of Glassmanor, Marlow Heights, Morningside, and Camp Springs
NBC News - Click
https://bit.ly/3ANTrGh
Prince George's County Residents Moved Into New Voting Districts
The new map changes who can run for seats in the 2022 election. Prince George’s County Council will get second vote on amended map
Devoted in Service,
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