GEORGE’S COUNTY

“It is time for us to meet our smart growth goals and put townhomes in the right place: transit-oriented and local area centers.”

The Concerned Citizens of District Four have been fighting against development proposals at Freeway Airport and Frank’s Nursery, both at the edge of Bowie’s city limits.

In Prince George’s, development and zoning proposals are voted on by the County Council. The only town with local zoning rights is Laurel.

The new County Council majority, often called the “People’s Council” by councilmembers and advocates aligned with Blegay, has voted to implement rent stabilization and to expand procurement opportunities for local businesses. WI said. “Our city is only 8% Black, but 34 % of all homeless people are Black. I am working hard to end homelessness because we don’t want deep poverty to be criminalized.”

Lightfoot said she worked to try to close racial gaps in her city.

“We need to build wealth in communities where it is often denied,” she said. “We need to be present at the tables of power and not just seek to get crumbs. Black people need to be united and stop being crabs in the barrel.”

Adams said it is essential for any mayor, particularly Blacks, to hire the right people in their administration.

“The job comes at you all day, all night and all the time,” he said. “You must have the right team in place. I bought the right people on board to watch my back.”

Turner said Black mayors don’t get a honeymoon period from constituents or the mainstream media.

“We as Black mayors have to produce,” he said. “Black mayors do not have a long runway to produce results. Somebody else may have a long runway, but we do not. Our own people are tough on us. They really want results now!” WI @JamesWrightJr10

James Wright / WI Staff Writer