Council Connection

COUNCIL LEADERS INTRODUCE NEW PGCPS INTEGRITY AND COMPLIANCE OFFICER

Council leaders introduced Frank Turner, II as the inaugural Integrity and Compliance Officer for Prince George’s County Public Schools at a press conference on Monday, September 16, 2024. Mr. Turner’s role is similar to that of an inspector general for the school district, investigating waste, fraud and abuse, and maintaining authority to issue subpoenas. Turner’s office will be made up of a team of investigators and financial analysts who will ensure all policies, procedures, and laws are followed within the school system. Turner, who was appointed by Council and already has several investigations underway, spent 26 years working in criminal investigations for the IRS, and more recently was a contracted program manager for the FBI. The Office of Integrity and Compliance was created by SB-091, sponsored by Prince George’s County Sen. Alonzo Washington and supported by the Council. Sen. Washington described the new office as a critical watchdog that will continue to build a stronger and more accountable school system. For more information on the office click HERE.

COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY SUPPORTS HOA BILL AND HISPANIC RESTAURANT WEEK RESOLUTION

At the Council meeting on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, Council Members present unanimously enacted CB-31-2024 which will assist residents in resolving disputes with their Homeowners Associations (HOAs). The bill, championed by Council Member Wala Blegay (District 6), adds Commissioners to the Commission on Common Ownership Communities, in addition to providing alternative dispute resolution and other assistance in the settlement of HOA disputes. Multiple community members testified before Council about problems resolving HOA issues and the need for the bill.

Council went on to unanimously adopt CR-85-2024 which recognizes the first week of National Hispanic Heritage Month as the annual Prince George’s County Hispanic Restaurant Week. The measure, sponsored by Council Member Calvin Hawkins (At-Large), is in support of Hispanic Heritage Month which is celebrated from September 15th to October 15th.

COUNCIL CELEBRATES AFRICAN HERITAGE MONTH

Council celebrated African Heritage Month by presenting a proclamation to members of the African community in Prince George’s County for their many contributions and achievements. Three Council Members, Krystal Oriadha, Wanika Fisher and Wala Blegay, are daughters of African immigrants, and they spoke about their families’ experiences coming to the United States before presenting the proclamation to the community leaders on Tuesday. There are about 71,000 African immigrants in the county, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and more than 500 African dialects are spoken here.

COUNCIL MEMBERS TOUR HOMELAND SECURITY CENTERS

Also on Tuesday, Council Members toured the Emergency Operations Center and Public Safety Communications 911 Call Center to gain a better understanding of how Prince George’s County prepares and responds to emergency situations. The tours were organized by Council Member Wanika Fisher (District 2), Chair of the Health, Human Services and Public Safety Committee, to help foster relationships between members of the Legislative Branch and those who provide the emergency services that we all rely upon. The Council extends its thanks to the first responders and support teams that are always working behind the scenes to keep our county safe!

PARK POLICE SHARE CRIME DATA WITH HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

Maryland-National Capital Park Police in Prince George’s County are responsible for protecting more than 28,000 acres of park property in the county, including 45 community centers, 370 community parks, 160+ miles of trails, 308 athletic fields, 246 playgrounds, and 194 basketball courts. Park Police leaders presented crime data for each Council district before the Health, Human Services and Public Safety Committee on Monday. They testified that calls for service totaled more than 127,000 in 2022, dropped to 109,000 in 2023, and currently stand at 84,000 so far this year. Data shows the majority of crimes on park property each year are larcenies and thefts. Park Police currently have 140 sworn officers and 35 civilian employees.

September 24 - General Assembly Committee - 9:00 AM - DETAILS

September 24 - County Council - 10:00 AM - Agenda Briefing

September 24 - County Council - 10:30 AM - DETAILS

September 24 - Sitting as the Committee of the Whole - 11:00 AM - DETAILS

September 25 - Board of Appeals - 6:00 PM - DETAILS

September 26 - TIEE Committee - 10:00 AM - DETAILS

September 26 - GOFP Committee - 1:30 PM - DETAILS

September 26 - Task-Forces Workgroups - 5:30 PM - DETAILS

COUNCIL MEMBERS TOUR ADVENTIST FORT WASHINGTON WITH GOVERNOR MOORE

Council Member Edward Burroughs (District 8), Chair Jolene Ivey (District 5) and Council Member Calvin Hawkins (At-Large) joined Gov. Wes Moore for an informational tour of Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center in District 8 to see how the hospital can better suit the needs of the community it serves. Gov. Moore was shown the shortages in space and staff, spoke with elected officials about the dire need for additional funding, and thanked members of the Adventist team for their continuous service to our community.

COUNCIL MEMBERS TAKE PART IN CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS WEEK

Council Members were proud to participate in this year's Congressional Black Caucus Week! It’s a time to celebrate Black excellence, ensure that Prince George's County voices remain at the forefront of national discussions, and advocate for policies that promote equality, justice, and advancement for all.

VICE CHAIR HARRISON PLANS FUTURE DEVELOPMENT WITH M-NCPPC

Vice Chair Sydney Harrison and the District 9 Team recently met with the M-NCPPC Planning Department to discuss future development plans for the district, focusing on zoning needs and opportunities for growth. The meeting explored potential projects along key corridors, including mixed-use developments and residential options. Vice Chair Harrison raised concerns about public safety, infrastructure, and maintaining a balance between development and preservation of agricultural areas. Discussions also included the need for improved roadways and transportation, as well as further studies on innovative housing solutions to meet the needs of the growing community.

COUNCIL MEMBER ORIADHA VISITS ‘BLACK VOTERS MATTER’ VOTING REGISTRATION RALLY

Council Member Krystal Oriadha (District 7) stopped by Iverson Mall for a ‘Black Voters Matter’ Voting Registration Rally in partnership with Life After Release. These organizations are doing amazing work in the community while making sure our voices are heard. It’s a privilege to provide insight on the importance of our vote as a community.

COUNCIL MEMBER DERNOGA CUTS RIBBON AT LAUREL HIGH SCHOOL

Council Member Tom Dernoga (District 1), joined by Council Chair Jolene Ivey (District 5), was honored to speak at the Laurel Spartans Athletics Field Ribbon Cutting. It was a privilege to work with local leaders to ensure Laurel High School receives a new field where students will not only play but thrive. Good luck to the Spartans in their new season!

COUNCIL MEMBER OLSON PARTICIPATES IN COMMUNITY SAFETY WALK

Council Member Eric Olson (District 3) extends his thanks to Washington Area Bicyclist Association and the City of New Carrollton for coordinating a fantastic community pedestrian safety walk. It's crucial that we work together to make our streets safer for everyone. Let's continue to prioritize pedestrian safety and create safer, more accessible communities for all.

COUNCIL MEMBER BLEGAY REGISTERS STUDENTS TO VOTE

For National Voter Registration Day, Council Member Wala Blegay (District 6) spent her morning with her Sorors at PGCAC Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. and members of the National Council of Negro Women at Largo High school where they were registering our youth to vote. She also visited the Wise High School Fair to register eligible students to vote. It’s time to make sure that our youth are involved in our election process!