Delegate Justin Ross to resign from the House of Delegates

Prince George’s County Delegate Justin Ross (D-Greenbelt) has announced his resignation from the Maryland House of Delegates to take a better paying positions sources say within the AFL-CIO International. Ross, who was elected in 2002 is in his third term after being reelected in 2010, is one of the most well liked members of the Prince George’s Delegation. As a Chief Deputy Whip and Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus Ross served on the leadership team of Speaker Michael Busch. His role helped push through controversial bills like gambling, same-sex marriage, and the Dream Act through one of the state’s most conservative delegations.

Ross’ resignation will be a body blow to the Prince George’s delegation. His contacts helped the county continue a record of impressive victories for increased state funding for education, public safety, and general operations. It also opens a door for what Ross may do next. Few if any sources believe Ross is leaving politics for good. Delegate Ross was often mentioned as a possible successor to Rep. Steny Hoyer should he decide to retire in the near future.

In the letter below announcing his resignation, Ross says he will step down on November 9th. That will give the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee 30 days to recommend a replacement to Governor Martin O’Malley on who should serve the remaining two years of the unexpired term. Rumors are a number of local leaders are potentially lining up to seek that appointment including Central Committeeman Alonzo Washington, Chief of Staff to Prince George’s County Councilman Will Campos. Washington is often mentioned as a frontrunner to replace Campos on the council when he is termed out in 2014.

Filling the seat vacated by Ross is not the only vote members of the Central Committee are preparing for. Everyone expects Delegate Tiffany Alston to be forced from her seat within the next few weeks as a result of a number of criminal charges. Should that happen the committee will also be tasked with recommending her replacement.

Full resignation letter from Delegate Justin Ross -

I am writing to tell you that after 10 amazing years representing you in the Maryland House of Delegates that I will be retiring on November 9th to spend more time with my lovely wife, my 4 beautiful children, and to concentrate on giving back to Prince George’s County as a private citizen and as a member of the business community. Words cannot possibly express the gratitude I feel for the opportunities that you have given me. Representing my hometown in the legislature over the past decade has truly been a dream come true.

Together, we have been part of some important political battles back in Prince George’s County, as well as some truly historic votes in Annapolis. I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the most committed neighborhood activists around, as well as serving with some of the most honorable public servants, Democrats and Republicans. The experience was a true gift, in every sense of the word, so please allow me just a couple of thoughts that I would like to share.

In November of 2001, when my wife and I returned from our honeymoon, we immediately set out for the campaign trail.  We were newly married, had just bought a house in College Park and were preparing to run for an open seat that was vacated by then Delegate Rushern Baker (what ever happened to that guy ). We hit our first doors in February of 2002 and I spent countless hours handing out our “Justin Ross” pens at the Hamilton Street, Route 450, and Greenbelt Safeway’s. That campaign consisted of 50,000 pieces of literature, 10,000 pens, at least 1,000 yard signs, enough red Ross t-shirts to outfit a small city, 100 volunteers for the Greenbelt Labor Day Parade (including FDR’s grandson Jim Roosevelt), 1 new district map in the middle of the campaign, and 1 awesome victory party at Lasick’s Restaurant. Since then, I have had the pleasure of attending Berwyn Heights pancake breakfasts, lead Fourth of July Parades in University Park, attend National Nights Out with Beacon Heights and Templeton Knolls, listen to live music at Summer Jams in Hyattsville, attend “New Carrollton Days”, go caroling in Riverdale Park, barbecue with my friends in Kingswood, and last but not least visit the Greenbelt Golden Age Club (I love you guys!!) I have had the pleasure of helping organize civic associations, assist with immigration issues, court new business to our community, tour flooded basements, meet with crime victims in their time of need, and help encourage and support kids on their way to college.

Although some of it was difficult it never felt like work.  After 10 years of working for, with, and alongside Prince Georgians, I know today what I have known my whole life; that we are a proud, hardworking, and resilient group of people. I am grateful to have represented constituents, who are thoughtful, well informed, and passionate about their community.  My decision to retire was not an easy one but it was made easier in knowing that, together, we have made a great deal of progress for Prince George’s County.

Let me say a couple of “thank you’s” before I wrap this up. First, I want to say thank you to my wife Nancy, without you none of this would have been possible. I want to thank my children Caroline, Andrew, Jackson, and Katherine for being my living reminders of why we need a society that strives for a better tomorrow.  I want to thank my Mom, Dad, sister Abby, and the rest of my family for supporting me in this endeavor (and walking in A LOT of parades).  I want to thank Brad Frome, Ryan Duffy, Gia Franzone, Kim Mayhew, Nick Leonardi, Walter Moody, and everyone else that has worked in my office on behalf of the 22nd District. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Senator Paul Pinsky, and Delegates Ann Healey and Tawanna Gaines for being great partners for our district. Finally, I want to thank the citizens of the 22nd District. 10 years ago, I asked for your vote, but what you gave me was your trust, love, and support. It was a truly amazing experience and from the bottom of my heart I want to say thank you, I love you, and I’ll never forget it.

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Delegate Tiffany Alston’s suspended by the Maryland Bar

Delegate Tiffany Alston (D-Prince George’s)

Delegate Tiffany Alston, who has been fighting a legal battle against charges she used campaign funds to pay for her wedding, was stripped of her bar license by the Maryland Court of Appeals today. In a ruling today the court upheld the ruling from a lower court that said Alston expedited “repeated lack of cooperation and the continual habit of lateness, non-responsiveness, and dilatory practices.” The ruling was in response to charges she faced for mismanagement of funds dealing with one of her clients. After a complaint Alston was ordered to pay that client $5,000, about half of what she was paid. According to court documents she has yet to do so.

Earlier this year Alston was found guilty of using money for her official office to pay a staff member working in her law firm. The judge in that case postponed sentencing until after her final trail on the campaign funding case. Following sentencing it is likely Alston will be removed from her seat in the House of Delegates she was elected to in 2010.

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Prominent State Delegate takes up fight against casino in Prince George’s

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Delegate Heather Mizeur (D-Montgomery County) today launched a fundraising drive to help stave off the oncoming push by casino advocates like MGM before this weeks Special Session of the Maryland General Assembly.

Mizeur, who is one of the states most prominent progressive members of the House of Delegates. As a leader in the LGBT movement, many credit her for final passage this year of the marriage equality legislation. She is also one of the most high profile advocates in support of the state’s Dream Act legislation which passed last year. Now Mizeur is taking on some of her states most powerful leaders, Governor Martin O’Malley, Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, Senate President Mike Miller, as well as the executives from Prince George’s and Montgomery, and Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake. Why? To oppose the further expansion of the state’s casino industry. “Nothing worth fighting for is ever easy,” wrote Mizeur in an email to supporters today.

Legislators are expected to gather in Annapolis for their second special session starting Thursday. Members of the State Senate expect to hold a hearing on a bill proposed by Governor O’Malley Thursday and act on that bill as soon as Friday. The Senate approved a gambling bill during the regular session so much of the debate is expected to take place in the House of Delegates. Delegates plan to gather Friday for a series of hearings, use the weekend to mark up a bill, and debate it as soon as Monday on the floor. It is not clear that supporters have the seventy-one votes necessary to pass the bill yet, and with the announcement Speaker Michael Busch does not plan to whip votes or promise favors to get votes, getting to that number can be a challenge.

That Mizeur has taken such a high profile stance could be more than just about policy. Rumors have been going around for weeks she is exploring a possible statewide run for either Attorney General or Comptroller, however The Baltimore Sun who accompanied Mizeur on the stump in Prince George’s County started spectulation of a run for Governor. Most of the possible candidates for governor have not taken public positions on the casino legislation (Attorney General Doug Gansler and Howard County Executive Ken Ulman) expect the Lt. Governor Anthony Brown who supports it and Comptroller Peter Franchot who opposes it.

Read the text of Mizeur’s email below -

Dear Friend:   Nothing worth fighting for is ever easy. Corporate interests are already pounding Maryland’s airwaves with commercials designed to win passage of a gaming expansion during the upcoming special session. Fat-cat casino operators are striking deals, trading for votes, and writing campaign checks. Can determined advocates fight them and make a difference? You bet we can. But only with your help. Can you contribute $6 , $16, or $60 today to fight against a sixth mega-casino and table games in Maryland? The Baltimore Sun followed me to Mt. Ennon Baptist Church in Prince George’s County on Sunday. My plan for real job creation, not gaming, got a standing ovation from the crowd of 1,500: Mizeur urged the gathering to oppose a gaming expansion. Instead of creating jobs at casinos, she said, the state should put people to work on transportation projects and school construction. “There are so many ways to create jobs in this state that lift us up and not tear us down.” Will you chip in to join us? You can count on me to be your voice for smarter investments in education, transportation, and high technology over more gaming. We’re connecting advocates with legislators, building enthusiasm, and distributing anti-gaming handouts to grow the movement. But there is a cost to running any campaign. Your $6, $16, or $60 contribution will keep our momentum going. I do this work because I love it. Of course, we will continue our advocacy even if you cannot make a contribution. But every time you support one of our causes, that’s one more citizen joining our powerful grassroots team to fight for Maryland’s future. I deeply appreciate your support and the trust you have given me to be your representative. Thank you for all you do, Heather Mizeur P.S. – On my website you can support our efforts, learn about my alternative jobs plan, and read the Baltimore Sun‘s coverage of my speech in Prince George’s County. Follow Me on Twitter Connect with Me on Facebook

 

Paid for by the Friends of Heather Mizeur, Jose Dominguez, Treasurer, PO Box 11290, Takoma Park, MD 20913

Friends of Heather Mizeur
PO Box 11920
Takoma Park, MD 20913Follow The Real Prince George’s on Facebook and Twitter. Also get the latest in your inbox by subscribing on the right side of the page.

Del. Gerron Levi leads charge against Baker & slots

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Earlier today former Prince George’s County Delegate Gerron Levi blasted Executive Rushern Baker and Senate President Mike Miller’s plans over the stalled state budget, the plan for a new casino, and the need for expensive special sessions at a cost of about $25,000 per day.

From Delegate Levi:

Former Delegate Gerron Levi (D-23A)

Thomas V. Mike Miller, Maryland’s President of the State Senate, demonstrated just how far gambling supporters will go to force a slots parlor in Fort Washington.  In a gross abuse of power, he blocked a compromise on Maryland’s budget in order to get what he wants — Maryland’s 6th casino in Prince George’s County. As a result, Prince George’s County now faces over $60 million in cuts, and counties, cities, schools, police departments, colleges and popular programs across the state are staring down the prospect of over $500 million in cuts.

You see, Mike Miller is the Master of the Senate, and one of the three most powerful men in the State of Maryland.  Having served in Annapolis for over 40 years, he is also a master of political brinksmanship.  A Special Session of the Maryland General Assembly will now have to be called at taxpayers expense to raise taxes and solve the state budget.  And, if all goes according to Mike Miller’s calculation, a Prince George’s slots parlor will be on the agenda.

Mike Miller’s Plan:  With enough time, the “hue and the cry” of teachers and college students and others across the state facing “doomsday” cuts will be so loud and the pressure on the Governor and the Speaker of the House so great, that one of them will have to blink and bend to His will and give him “something” on the Prince George’s slots deal.  All he needs is for one them to get behind his casino and round up the votes in the House of Delegates to pass it so that it goes to statewide referendum in November.  He knows that no Prince George’s politician wants this on the ballot when they have to run for reelection in 2014.  So, this is the year!  He has been waiting for this day for a long time — slots in Prince George’s within his grasp — and he has no intentions of retiring from the State Senate before he gets it; he has been planning it for over a decade.

Follow the Leader thinking and cold political calculation led a number of Prince George’s lawmakers to shudder their campaign opposition to slots in the county and follow Mike Miller’s model on abuse of power.

These are just a few examples:

• Cuts to the Education Trust Fund:  Two Prince George’s lawmakers introduced, the County Executive urged support, and  for bills (SB 892) that would cut 15% of slot revenues going education to go instead to profits for casino operators. Recall in 2007/2008 gambling was sold to statewide voters as a way to fund education.   5 Prince George’s Senators voted for that bill.

• Promised a “Local Vote” for Prince George’s and then took it back:  A County Council resolution sought to condition a county slots parlor on the will of Prince George’s voters.  When casino supporters realized they did not have the votes for a county slots parlor in the House of Delegates they dropped that “local vote” provision, leaving it to voters statewide to decide for Prince George’s County.  5 Prince George’s Senators voted for that bill.

• Baker’s Exaggerated Revenue Numbers:  While Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker claims the county will win $69 million in revenue from his slots parlor, he fails to mention that the state has yet to reap the revenue promised in 2008 from the existing slots program.  In fact, The Maryland State Lottery Agency reported that the state is spending $71.5 million per year to provide slot machines to three casinos — that is $10 million more than the  leasing cost projected for all 5 casinos in the coming year.

• End-Run Around Prince George’s Leaders:  The customary rule is this: the will of the Prince George’s Delegation is communicated to the Speaker of House or other House leaders after a discussion among delegates and either a vote of the delegation or a decision to send a delegation letter from the Chairwoman.  At the request of County Executive Rushern Baker, several delegates decided instead to send their own “group letter” to House leadership to express “the will” of the delegation.  12 state delegates signed that letter.

• The customary rule is this:  the will of the Prince George’s County Council on legislation is communicated to leaders in Annapolis after a discussion of the Council and a vote or a Council letter from the Council Chairwoman.   At the request of the County Executive and Senate President, several County Council Members decided instead to send their own “group letter” to Annapolis to express “the will” of the County County.  6 County Council Members signed that letter.

Organizations Opposing A Casino in  Prince George’s County:     1.   Coalition of Central Prince George’s County Community Organizations 2.    Indian Head Highway Area Action Coalition (IHHAAC) 3.    National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 4.    Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) 5.    Collective Empowerment Group (CEG) 6.    Prince George’s County PTA Council 7.    Progressive Cheverly 8.    Mission of Love 9.    Men Aiming Higher 10.   Kettering Civic Federation 11.   Executive Committee, Hillcrest-Marlow Heights Civic Association 12.   Suitland Action Team 13.   Mission Baptist Ministers Conference 14.   Original Free Will Baptist Conference 15.   Fairfield Knolls Civic Association 16.   Helping Hand Club 17.   Concerned Citizens of Seabrook Park Estates 18.   Forestville Park Homeowners Association 19.   District III Coffee Club 20.   Page After Page 21.   Integrated Processing Labs 22.   Family, Faith, and Future 23.   Veteran’s Advocacy Group 24.   Former Prince George’s County Councilman Thomas Dernoga 25.   Former Maryland State Delegate Gerron S. Levi 26.   Former Prince George’s County School Board Member Patricia Fletcher 27.   Lewisdale Citizens Association 28.   Community of Hope AME Church 29.   First Baptist Church of Highland Park 30.   Jerusalem AM.E. Church 31.   Greater Mt. Nebo AME Church 32.   Bride of Christ Church 33.   New Creation AME Church 34.   Cornerstone AME Church 35.   Mt. Victory Baptist Church 36.   Triumphant Church 37.   New Hope Baptist Church 38.   Christ Kingdom Church 39.   Wayman Memorial AME Church 40.   United By Faith Christian Church 41.   Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church 42.   Marlboro Meadows Baptist Church 43.   Embry AME Church 44.   Antioch Baptist Church – Clinton 45.   Shalom Ministries Christian Center 46.   The Sanctuary at Kingdom Square 47.   Judah Temple AME Zion Church 48.   Higher Place of Praise Ministries 49.   New Community Church of God in Christ 50.   Bethel Deliverance Outreach Church 51.   Christ Missionary Baptist Church 52.   Disciples of Christ Christian Church 53.   Carolina Missionary Baptist Church 54.   Mt. Jezreel Baptist Church 55.   Union Bethel AME Church 56.   Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist Church 57.   Ebenezer AME Church 58.   New Vision Baptist Church 59.   Gethsemane AME Church 60.    New Liberation AME Church 61.    Millwood-Waterford Citizens Association 62.    Hunter Memorial Church 63.    South Potomac Citizens Association 64.    Wilburn Civic Association 65.    Central Civic Association (Wilburn Community) 66.    Maryland Family Alliance 67.    Greater Accokeek Civic Association 68.    Laurel Clergy Association 69.    Bethany Community Church 69.    New Chapel Baptist Church 70.    Jericho City of Priaise 71.    Community of Hope AME Church 72.    Reid Temple AME Church (North) 73.    From The Heart Church Ministries 74.    Glenn Dale Citizens’ Association 75.    New Revival Kingdom Church Follow The Real Prince George’s on Facebook and Twitter. Also get the latest in your inbox by subscribing on the right side of the page.

Plastic bag tax is killed for the final time

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Prince George's County Councilwoman Mary Lehman

Remember the state law County Executive Rushern Baker was pushing that would give the county authority to implement a bag tax? Well it is now dead for the final time.

Yesterday the House of Delegates Environmental Matters Committee, killed the bill by failing to approve it with a majority vote.

The bill faced an uphill battle all session as members of the Prince George’s delegation faced intense lobbying from the plastic bag industry, the US Black Chamber of Commerce, and citizens who say they are tired of being nickel and dime to death. That however didn’t stop county leaders like Baker, Councilwoman Mary Lehman and leaders from the Anacostia Watershed from fighting hard for passage.

The legislation itself would not had put a plastic bag fee in place in the county, but instead allow the Prince George’s County Council to make the final decision. Under current law the council, unlike the Montgomery County Council, lacks the power to pass such a law. That argument however didn’t sway many citizens who all are still worried about other potential tax increases the legislature is considering.

When the idea for Prince George’s to join with Montgomery County and the District of Columbia with the bag tax was introduced the selling point was it would benefit environmental efforts for the Anacostia river. The tax would drive down the number of people using the bags that clutter the river and any money raised would be used only for environmental projects. That idea hit the fan when members of the DC Council raised the idea last year of raiding their fund to help balance the budget. Leaders in many poor communities said the law would disproportionately impact minority and poor communities the hardest.

After defeat of the bill was announced yesterday, advocates in support of a tax vowed to renew efforts again during next years session.

*- This story has been updated to correct a previous version that incorrectly stated Delegate Davis was chair of the Environmental Matters Committee.

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GUEST OP-ED From Rev. Joseph Kitchen, Advancing marriage equality in Maryland will take lots of personal evolution

Last week the Maryland House of Delegates voted to approve a same-sex marriage bill and sent it to the State Senate for final passage. On Sunday we wrote an editorial calling for the legislature to move quickly to send the measure to voters this November and bypass the requirement for petitioners to force it on the ballot. After his appearance on WBAL to discuss the legislation, we invited Rev. Joseph Lynn Kitchen Jr., Executive Vice-President of the Young Democrats of Maryland, to submit a guest Op-ed.

Advancing marriage equality in Maryland will take lots of personal evolution

By: Rev. Joseph Lynn Kitchen Jr. – Executive Vice President, Young Democrats of Maryland (Twitter:@josephlkitchen)

Rev. Joseph Lynn Kitchen, Executive Vice - President of the Young Democrats of Maryland

I know I am dealing in dangerous space by accepting the offer to write a guest op-ed here on this blog. For months now many people have accused me of being the author and publisher of this site, but on this issue I am honored to accept the invite.

In 2008 I voted for Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment that banned same-sex marriage in my native state of California. In 2012, should it come before voters, I will vote against repealing the marriage equality legislation that just passed the House of Delegates. What led to my evolution on this issue? My own personal experience with my family.

As a kid my brother who is just eleven months younger than I am became suicidal. For months he would go through long bouts of depression that resulted in attempts on his life with cutting and one night trying to hang himself in a closet. My family believed it was a phase he was going through and something to be kept internal, on the inside…family business. We were wrong. He was gay and the traditions of shame and dishonor had taken their toll on him. It wasn’t until we realized that he was a member of our family and we loved him unconditionally that he got better and the strength of our family improved.

In 2008 I forgot that experience. I became distracted by the disagreements I had with the marriage equality advocates to overshadow my better judgment. As a voter I resented their failure to engage me on the issue. As an African-American I rejected their charges of bigotry. As a Christian I refused to accept their characterizing of my faith as hate. Once we get beyond all those names and look at this issue for what it is, love and strong relationships, everything else just seems so small.

Last week in Maryland marriage equality advocates made that argument in Annapolis and they won. Gay marriage is not about an attack on religion or even our personal religion; it is about love, strong families and strong communities. When advocates make that argument they win every time.

As a young man who grew up in a very conservative, black, Baptist church, my personal feeling on the issue has not changed. My faith teaches that homosexuality is a sin. That is why I support this legislation and the built in religious protections it provides for churches like mine. To that end my faith is my personal walk with God not my right to by force put on the people of the Maryland. Over the next few months, should this issue make it to the ballot, it will be conversations like this, in communities like mine in Prince George’s County that must happen if we truly want to move our people forward.

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FROM THE EDITORIAL BOARD–Gay Marriage, a matter to be settled at the ballot box

When the gays attack, it might just be over for you in Democratic politics, or maybe not. It might be worth noticing that the platform of the Democratic National Convention does not call for gay marriage. In fact the 2008 platform doesn’t mention gay or lesbian couples at all. That might be in stark contrast to some liberals who profess that gay marriage is a key party principal.

This week the Maryland House of Delegates voted to advance gay marriage in a bill that after a brief stop in the Senate, and on the Governor’s desk, is destined for a public vote, possibly as soon as this November. With knowledge of these facts a few delegates, Aisha Braveboy and Tiffany Alston of Prince George’s, Sam Arora of Montgomery County and others, pushed to end the debate, pass the bill, but send it directly to a public ballot. NO, was the answer they got from the uncompromising liberal wing of the party that on far too much legislation, dominates Annapolis. That maybe the mistake they can’t overcome in just a few weeks.

“I just cannot understand why, if you know a matter is going to the ballot, we don’t just send it ourselves,” said a senior Democrat in the House of Delegates who voted no on final passage. “We knew that if we passed a slots package, it would likely go to the ballot, but we know that this bill will be sent to the voters and what we could do is stop the guessing game and do it ourselves.” That idea was outright rejected by house leaders and gay marriage supporters saying that just like civil rights of blacks, these rights should not be put up for a public vote. Problem is they will, we know they will, and adding that amendment to this bill would have likely boosted the number of Yea votes among representatives from the communities that will determine if the historic legislation stands the test of time, or is just a temporary celebration doomed for defeat.

Gay Marriage advocates play dangerous game of blacklisting

Delegate Sam Arora

Last year after the gay marriage legislation unsuspectingly went down on the floor of the House of Delegates, leaders in the movement reacted in the way that everyone expected. Equality Maryland, the leading gay rights group in the state at the time, was overruled on strategy by the national outside group the Human Rights Campaign. The decision to pull the bill from the floor before it went down in defeat caused so much drama at Equality Maryland that half of the Board of Directors resigned, the Executive Director was fired, and before the end of the year the entire organization was being reorganized. Leaders of the movement in the house such as Delegate Heather Mizeur and First Lady Katie O’Malley lashed out at black church leaders and delegates from Prince George’s County, and this year has been no different.

Once the vote count was clear supporters of gay marriage didn’t turn their attention to how they would defend the legislation from a public that appears split on the issue, they instead focused like a laser on defeating Delegate Sam Arora of Montgomery County as punishment for his nay vote. Arora, who is not up for reelection until 2014, two full years after the measure might meet defeat this November, is the only delegate from the county to vote against gay marriage. Arora’s sudden opposition to gay marriage does have to come as a shock to the more liberal (not necessarily progressive) Montgomery County but the backlash has many throughout the state thinking it only plays into the storyline about the out-of-control liberals who are much less interested in building consensus around social change than they are at forcing it on a population not ready or willing to accept it.

Clearly gay marriage is coming to America, the timing on when it and how it comes is the debate the people are having today. This generation, much unlike the generation of the civil rights movement, has many very democratic tools to stall this social change and like it or not, government officials should stop trying to prevent the usage of those tools. This sense of direct democracy is promoted by the Democratic Party on when they desire, like the recall of GOP governor Scott Walker in Wisconsin, but rejected on issues they hold close. It is time we all stop trying to have our cake and eat it too. This is a time for advocates on both sides, for gay marriage and against it, to reach out to voters throughout Maryland and make their case. Legislators cannot continue to ask for public input and involvement but reject it on the issues where the public might disagree with them. This is a matter for the ballot box.

That is our opinion, let us know what you think! Take our poll, add your comment below, facebook or tweet us.

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Prince George’s black Delegates split on same-sex marriage

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Delegate Tiffany Alston (D-Prince George's)

Last year black members of the Prince George’s County delegation took most of the blame for bringing down the same-sex marriage bill. This year, with a flip by two of those  delegates, Tiffany Alston and Marvin Holmes, they split nearly evenly.

The 23 member delegation has 14 African-American members. Six of those members voted for the legislation.

Pena-Melynk, Gaines, Marvin Holmes, Tiffany Alston, Jolene Ivey, and Michael Summers. Delegate Veronica Turner was absent for the vote but had pledged her support before falling ill.

The other seven voted against the legislation.

Carolyn Howard, Michael Vaughn, Aisha Braveboy, Dereck Davis, Melony Griffith, Jay Walker, and James Proctor.

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BREAKING NEWS, Unconfirmed Reports of Del. Alston Flip on Marriage Vote

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Delegate Tiffany Alston (D-Prince George's)

Unconfirmed reports from the Office of House Speaker Michael Busch, backed up by key supporters of the same-sex marriage bill being debated on the floor, indicate Prince George’s County Delegate Tiffany Alston will vote to legalize marriage for same-sex couples. Alston made headlines last year after co-sponsoring the legislation only to switch her vote when she came under intense pressure from many of the large churches in her district.

Reaction to news their delegate may vote to allow same-sex marriage in Maryland has been mixed. One resident blasted Alston as being nothing more than “typical and a liar” after she was led to believe during a town hall meeting the 24th district team held earlier this year Alston would vote no. A minister at the mega-church First Baptist of Highland Park called Alston’s flip a serious mistake and reminded a group of other residents just last week that Alston had voted in committee against the bill. “We just can’t believe anything she says,” he went on to say.

With Alston’s vote in the bag, supporters are expected to have reached the number they need to pass the bill out of the House of Delegates, and send it to the Senate where it is expected to pass. Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley has pledged to sign the bill but supporters and oppentents expect it to be petitioned to the ballot in November.

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Dist. 24 Delegate charged with new theft case, from the state

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Delegate Tiffany Alston (D-Prince George's)

The Baltimore Sun has the following story on Delegate Tiffany Alston being charged with theft from the State of Maryland.

** Updated with Speaker Busch’s statement

Prince George’s County Del. Tiffany Alston was indicted this morning on charges that she arranged for the General Assembly to pay the salary of a employee in her private law practice.

Alston, a Prince George’s County lawmaker, is also facing charges that she misused her campaign fund by using political donations to buy a wedding dress.

The new charges were handed up this morning by an Anne Arundel County grand jury after an investigation by Maryland’s Office of the State Prosecutor. The prosecutors alleged that she had a $100-a-day clerk position added to her office payroll, which is funded by taxpayer dollars. The employee never worked in Annapolis, prosecutors say. Instead the individual was assigned to her law firm, authorities said. The prosecutors allege that $800 was stolen.

Alston denied any wrongdoing in the initial theft charges. (We are trying to get in touch with her on the latest ones, and will add her response.) Several lawmakers have said that she’s approached them to co-sponsor legislation auditing the state prosecutors office, which is charged with investigating lawmakers.

House Speaker Michael E. Busch Thursday requested that the Department of Legislative Services conduct biweekly “reviews” of Alston’s legislative account and “assume responsibility for verifying the time sheets of her legislative employees,” according to a statement from his office.

“While it is important to remember that Delegate Alston has not been convicted of a crime, I believe that the allegation of theft of state dollars warrants an immediate response to assure the public that legislative funds are being used appropriately by those who have been entrusted with them,” said Busch in a statement.

Other than the charges, Alston, a freshman delegate, is best known for an episode last session during the debate on same-sex marriage. She walked out of a House Judiciary Committee voting session on the bill and withdrew her support from the measure even though she initially co-sponsored it.

She, along with several other lawmakers, also walked out of a Legislative Black Caucus meeting in October. Their action denied the body the quorum needed to take a position on Gov. Martin O’Malley’s proposed Congressional map.