Baker and PG political elite to take to media to push Question 7

The leadership of Prince George’s County today will take to their bully pulpit in the hopes of swaying weary county residents about the need to support Question 7 that has struggled in recent polls.

Prince George’s County Executive, County Council Members, Senators, Delegates and Municipal Leaders to Hold Press Conference on Question 7

Upper Marlboro, MD – Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker. III, will be joined by over 20 elected officials from Prince George’s County including  County Council Members, County Members of the Maryland House of Delegates and State Senate, along with municipal leaders from around the County to discuss Question 7, the expansion of gaming in Maryland ballot referendum today Thursday, October 11, at 6:00 p.m. at the Prince George’s County Administration Building (CAB) in the County Executive’s Office.

WHAT:                 Press conference on Question 7

WHO:                   Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III, Members of the Prince George’s County Council, Members of the House of Delegates from Prince George’s County, Members of the State Senate from Prince George’s County, Prince George’s County Municipal Leaders

WHEN:                 Thursday, October 11, 6:00 p.m.

WHERE:               Prince George’s County Administration Building

County Executive Office, 5^th Floor 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive Upper Marlboro, MD

 

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Casino opponents plan protest with demands for Annapolis

JOIN PRINCE Georgian’s Against Gaming at National Harbor

__________________________________________________________________

On Thursday, August 9^th 2012, as a host of organizations and concerned citizens will converge on the State House in Annapolis at the Lawyer’s Mall for a Rally and Press Conference at 11:00am.

 Please join us as we tell the Governor and the Maryland General Assemble why we don’t want gaming at the National Harbor.

 Buses will load at pick-up points in Prince George’s County:

1. Oxon Hill Road & Indian Head (Park & Ride) from 9:00-9:30am

2. 5625 Allentown Road, Camp Springs from 9:00-9:30am, and

3. The I-HOP at Hampton Mall (Central Avenue & 495) 9:15-10:00am,

and arrive in Annapolis at 10:30am.

Press Conference at 11:00am

Visit Delegates at 12:00pm

Buses will load at 1:00pm and return to Prince George’s before 2:00pm

Free Food, Beverages and Transportation Provided. Confirm your attendance at PGAgainstGaming@gmail.com or call (301) 326-3470

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1.     Governor O’Malley and the Assembly are attempting to rush through    a proposal for a new casino in just two to three days of debate.

2.     The Governor and Assembly are proposing to create a commission of unelected individuals to determine casino tax rates, possibly bailing them out on the backs of working families.

This is not a good deal for Prince George’s County and we don’t want it!

Join us in Annapolis! Call (301) 326-3470

As proposed by the Prince George’s County Contractor’s and Business Association

Any deal made should include:

• A fair and transparent bid process for competing developers….AN OPEN BID PROCESS AND NOT A SOLE SOURCE,

• Establish an area which would allow operators to propose locations that would be within a 2 mile radius of I-495 between Woodrow Wilson Bridge and Route 50,

• Establish a value added to any proposal that includes substantial minority equity ownership,

• Requirement of a minimum of 35% minority equity ownership participation with local preference requirements,

• Establish a 35% minority contracting participation and local preference requirements and local hiring goals consistent with Prince George’s County Bill – CB17,

• The County must not give up any of its revenue to subsidize a developer proposing a site in Prince George’s County or to pay impact fees to a facility in another jurisdiction,

• The Prince George’s operator shall adhere to the same standard as other State of Maryland locations with the exception of Allegheny County,
• There should be a requirement that any licensee proposing to submit a proposal to the State of Maryland for a location in Prince George’s County must have no outstanding debt to the County, including Bonds or TIF’s, and

• Funding for; the Education Trust Fund, local impact grants, non-profits dealing with gambling addiction and the small, minority ad women-owned business account.

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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.

Setback to Baker, state panel rejects new casino in PG

Prince George’s Executive Rushern Baker

Today the special commission that was charged by Governor Martin O’Malley, Speaker Michael Busch, and Senate President Mike Miller to explore finding a consensus on the hotly debated proposal of expanding casino gambling into Prince George’s County had planned to announce a deal on a plan that would be considered in a special session the week of July 9th, but those plans have been scrapped. Panel leaders announced they have not been able to reach consensus and there would be no extension in their work. That is fancy talk for saying they failed.

The proposal, which was pushed by County Executive Rushern Baker, took over the final days of the regular session of the General Assembly. Many blamed Senate President Miller for holding up budget negotiations in an attempt to push the hand of the House of Delegates but by midnight both proposals had failed to be approved. Legislators returned to Annapolis last month to resolve budget work and planned to return next month to deal with the casino proposal. News today that the commission named to draft the plan both chambers would debate failed to reach a deal seems to end those plans. Governor O’Malley had indicated he would not call another special session unless the panel was successful.

Last week officials with MGM Grand announced plans to develop a casino at Prince George’s National Harbor in what some elected officials said was another attempt to push the hand of legislators. MGM promised the deal would create more than 1,000 construction jobs and more than 4,000 jobs after the casino opened. For Prince George’s County, which struggles with job creation, that was big news. Additionally a state report released said the casino would generate more than $200 million annually in education funding for the state. Opponents to the casino point to the promises made by the lottery and said they never came to fruition. Community groups and church leaders in the county also opposed the plan saying the amount of crime and social issues the casino would create was not worth the risk.

Sources in the Prince George’s County government say the executive and his team will continue to explore ways to move forward with their plans. Any expansion in the county would first have to be approved by both the legislature and voters in a constitutional amendment.

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National Harbor to get first private charter Yacht

Private Charter Yacht to Arrive at National Harbor

Entertainment Cruises Announces National Elite, Early Summer 2012

 

National Harbor, MD [May 22, 2012] – Entertainment Cruises, parent company of Odyssey Cruises, Spirit Cruises and Elite Private Yachts, the nation’s largest dining cruise company, is thrilled to announce the newest addition to their Washington, DC Metro based fleet—the National Elite. This addition will expand the DC Metro fleet to a total of five ships; other ships include the Odyssey, Spirit of Washington, Spirit of Mount Vernon and private yacht Capital Elite.  Arriving in early summer of 2012, the National Elite is the first private charter yacht to be berthed at National Harbor Marina.

Previously known as the Romantica, a De-Naming, Re-Naming and Christening Ceremony is to take place mid-July 2012 to inaugurate the vessel as the National Elite in honor of her new home.

“While we currently offer cruises out of National Harbor, we are excited to establish a permanent presence in the area,” said Vice President and General Manger Sal Naso.  “The National Elite will offer National Harbor visitors and Prince George’s County residences alike an unparalleled way to experience the locale. “

US Coast Guard certified to carry up to 150 passengers, the National Elite is 124 feet in length with a beam of 24 feet.  She boasts three decks for large and small events alike and offers a “Private Bridal Changing Suite” for wedding charters.  Her interior is stylishly designed with two plasma televisions, large panoramic windows to take in unbeatable views and a lounge and bar area with luxurious leather lounge chairs.

The National Elite also has her own galley where Executive Chef Scott Reynolds will prepare all food freshly onboard.  Chef Reynolds has a culinary degree from Keiser University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Loyola University.  He comes to Entertainment Cruises from the Marriott Annapolis Waterfront Hotel Pusser’s Caribbean Grille where he led all food operations including banquet execution, room service and the full service restaurant.

The National Elite will sail along the Potomac River from National Harbor past Old Town, Alexandria and, by way of Reagan National Airport, on toward Haines Point.  The private charter yacht is available for group charters of anywhere between 70 and 150 guests.  She is customizable with a variety of menu choices for plated or food station lunches or dinners of up to 120 guests or cocktail receptions of up to 150 guests.

For media quality images and more information about the National Elite or any of Entertainment Cruises’ unique ships, contact Elyse Goldberg at elyse@lindarothpr.com.

About Entertainment Cruises

Chicago-based Entertainment Cruises, Inc. was formed in 2006 when Spirit Cruises LLC, and Premier Yachts Inc., joined forces (www.EntertainmentCruises.com).  The company serves 1.5 million guests annually with a fleet of 24 ships in nine cities – Baltimore; Boston; Chicago; Norfolk, Va.; Philadelphia; National Harbor, MD; New York; Washington, D.C.; and Weehawken, N.J.  Entertainment Cruises’ brand portfolio includes dining and entertainment cruises Odyssey Cruises, Spirit Cruises, Mystic Blue Cruises, and Bateaux New York; Elite Yacht Charters, which offers custom private charters; and Baltimore Harbor Cruises.  Ships are one-, two- and three-deck vessels, and accommodate from 110 to 850 guests, depending on the individual ship, for lunch, dinner and sightseeing cruises year-round.  The company and its products are known for outstanding product quality and service.

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The O’Malley casino commission: PG gets none, MoCo well represented.

Governor Martin O’Malley on Face the Nation

On Monday Governor Martin O’Malley appointed his long discussed Working Group on Gaming. Despite what the governor puts out as a wide ranging portfolio, this group has one task, deciding if the state will allow an additional casino at National Harbor in Prince George’s County. However guess what we weren’t supposed to notice? None of the voting members of the group are from Prince George’s County.

Here are the official voting members of the group -

• Governor’s Chief of Staff Matthew Gallagher
• Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management T. Eloise Foster
• Secretary of Appointments Jeanne Hitchcock
• Senior Policy and Legislative Advisor Joseph Bryce
• Senator Edward Kasemeyer
• Senator Nathaniel McFadden
• Senator Richard Madaleno
• Delegate Sheila Hixson
• Delegate Peter Hammen
• Delegate Frank Turner

Now before we get all crazy and stuff the governor did also name alternates to the group and there are two members from Prince George’s County in that group, but both of them are pro-slots coming to the county. The members of that group are below.

Senator Douglas Peters, Senator George Edwards, Senator Robert Garagiola, Delegate Dereck Davis, Delegate Robert Costa, and Delegate Eric Luedtke.

So here is how things balance out.

Voting Members of the Working Group

Baltimore City – 2

Howard County – 2

Montgomery County – 2

Non-voting Members of the Working Group

Anne Arundel County – 1

Montgomery County – 2

Prince George’s County – 2

Total= Baltimore City 2, Howard County 2, Montgomery County 4, Prince George’s County 2

From looking at this you would think that this site was going to be in Montgomery County.

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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.

Sen. Muse comes out against casino in special session

State Senator C. Anthony Muse today released the following editorial opposing consideration of a new billion dollar casino during the expected special session. The opposition from Muse for consideration is interesting as he represents the area that both potential sites, National Harbor and Roscroft, are located.

“The Only Gaming During a Special Session Should be Doubling Down on the People’s Business”

 

Whether you support casinos in Maryland or not, one thing is certain, the proposed expansion of gaming will have no direct impact on the fiscal year 2013 budget.  In fact, projected revenues from a proposed casino in Prince George’s County would not be realized for nearly six years, at best; and projected revenues from table games are a few years off as well. Further, the expansion of gaming hinges on the voters of Maryland agreeing to support the referendum, which some may say is likely, but there are no guarantees.  For these reasons, and many others, it seems irrational and irresponsible to tie the ability of the General Assembly to pass a responsible budget for this year to the condition that we send a question to referendum that may fail.  This is a gamble that I don’t believe the state should take.

Governor Martin O’Malley was right when he said, “Our republic was not built on gambling gimmicks, bingo games or bake sales.”  I believe that our republic was built on intellect, courage and humanity; and the future of our republic depends on brave men and women standing for the greater good and putting personal interests aside to get a job done for the citizens of Maryland. 

We ended this session with the people’s business unfinished, because the special interest of gaming dominated the closing days of the General Assembly.  As a result, Maryland must cut $512 million from education, public safety and other services.  In addition, tuition rates will increase at state universities, making higher education less affordable for our young people.  My home county, Prince George’s, will likely see a $65 million reduction in state aid, resulting in cuts to k-12 education, public safety and other services.

I understand that Senate President Mike Miller and County Executive Rushern Baker have a desire to bring slot machines and table games to Prince George’s County, but I believe it is mutually exclusive from this year’s budget and should be dealt with during the course of the regular session next year.   I don’t believe it is worth gambling with the important issues that we as public servants must face today.  Right now, the Prince George’s County Public School System ranks 24th of 24 in the state, yet we are now facing devastating cuts to our education system because we could not pass a responsible budget.  Just a couple of weekends ago, there were five killings and four shootings in Prince George’s, yet we are now risking cuts to public safety.  Conditioning this year’s budget on gaming is at best poor judgment, or at worse one of the greatest abuses of power that this state has ever seen.

The state of Maryland is facing a structural deficit, and yet we allowed one special interest to potentially cost taxpayers additional money to bring the General Assembly back into session to pass the budget that should have been and could have been passed in the 90 days the people have allotted for us.  If we allow gaming to play a role during a special session, shame on us!  We would be sending a message to the world that Maryland can be bought and bossed by special gaming interests, and that we are willing to sacrifice education, healthcare, public safety and transportation for the promise of revenues generated by slot machines and table games.  I believe the people of Maryland deserve better of us.  Let’s not gamble with their future.

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Power Player: Andrea Harrison – The difference a chair makes

County Council Chairwoman Andrea Harrison (D-Springdale)

In 2010 right after news broke that Jake and Leslie Johnson had been arrested and charged with corruption, attention turned to who would lead the Prince George’s Council. With Leslie Johnson refusing to step down, everyone knew the body would spend the year public eye. The battle was between the incumbent Vice-Chair Andrea Harrison, who had called for Leslie Johnson to step aside and not be sworn-in, and Ingrid Turner, who is a member of the same sorority as Johnson, and needed her vote to topple Harrison. In fact Turner, according to Jack Johnson, had promised to name Leslie Johnson to the powerful Economic Development Committee, a post she would be able to use supporting her husband’s corrupt deals. In the end Turner refused to comment on the Johnson situation and won enough votes to take the gavel from Harrison. It wasn’t until after the public pressure became too much that she supported efforts to strip Johnson of any committee assignments.

Fast forward to this year and we see a whole different picture. In 2010 the AKA sorority had to be proud of the three of their members who had been elected to serve on the council. Now Johnson is gone and another one, Karen Toles, is under investigation. Toles if you remember was stopped earlier this week for going over 100mph on a county highway and refusing to stop. After being stopped, police report she identified herself as councilwoman and in the end was given a warning. The traffic incident created a firestorm which led to news that this was not the first time the councilwoman had been in trouble. The difference this time is who is running the council.

Yesterday Councilwoman Toles announced she would voluntarily give up her county issued car until she completed a police course on safe driving. Today Andrea Harrison, who has since been elected chairwoman, announced the council would strip the councilwoman of her car until the investigation into the matter was resolved, not just the safety course Toles promised to take. Her quick leadership compared with Ingrid Turner who proceeded her marked a change in style. It isn’t the first act of bold resolve.

Harrison recently balked at a proposal by County Executive Rushern Baker to build a casino at National Harbor or bring gambling into the county. In November, one month before Harrison took over from Turner, the council voted 5-4 against a resolution to ban slots in the county. Harrison voted in the minority. Compare that to the recent 9-0 vote the council took in February to oppose a bill backed by Rushern Baker to build a casino at National Harbor. Harrison also led the council in amending a state bill that just passed this week by the Prince George’s County Delegation that provides tax breaks to companies who develop in the county. Harrison wanted to ensure none of the breaks went to any potential gambling companies. In the coming year her role in government will only grow. She will also play a key role in deciding if the Executive will get his choice for County Counsel, the county’s attorney, whose nomination he withdrew and resubmitted after some council members said she lacked the independence they desired. She will also wield a lot of influence in the final budget the council approves.

Harrison was elected to the Prince George’s County Council in 2008 during the special election to replace David Harrington who resigned when he was appointed to the Maryland Senate. She was reelected in 2010. Before being elected to chair the council, Harrison served as Vice-Chair and Chair of the Council of Governments (COG).

—FULL STATEMENT FROM THE COUNCIL CHAIR

The Prince George’s County Council is committed to public safety.  On February 22, 2012, Council Member Toles received a citation for an unsafe lane change and a warning for speeding.    Council Member Toles has stated that she will voluntarily enroll in a driver improvement class and discontinue use of her County assigned vehicle during that time.  The County Council supports her decision, however, until this matter is resolved, we have agreed that Council Member Toles will have no use of or access to a County assigned vehicle for her safety and the safety of others. 

Power Player- Power Player is a new feature for our blog that will highlight individuals whose influence has the potential to make changes in the operation of the Prince George’s County community.

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