Prince George's Groups Call for Council to Keep Planning Chairman
Prince George’s Advocates for Community-based Transit, Prince George’s Green Power Coalition, Coalition for Smarter Growth, Clean Water Action, Progressive Cheverly, Jews United for Justice
Press Release
For Immediate Release
March 1, 2010
Contacts:
Lisa Lincoln, Green Power Coalition: 301-642-3135
Cheryl Cort , CSG: 202-244-4408 x 112
Civic Groups Call for Council to Keep Planning Chairman
Residents cite need to complete Envision Prince George’s and other planning initiatives; groups ask for accountable and transparent government
A broad cross-section of Prince George’s residents and organizations called on the County Council to keep the current planning initiatives going and not replace Planning chairman Sam Parker.
“Why would we make a switch now? We believe the next County Executive should nominate, and the new County Council confirm the next four-year term Planning Chairman. County Executive Johnson has provided no reasons to justify this change at this time,” said Lisa Lincoln, representing Prince George’s Green Power Coalition and Progressive Cheverly. Lincoln continued, “Mr. Parker has demonstrated outstanding leadership with the Envision Prince George’s effort and should see it to fruition.”
Envision Prince George’s is an ongoing public engagement process that has convened hundreds of Prince George’s residents to chart the future of the county. Lincoln noted that she and residents from all over the county have participated in forums and on-line input: “Envision Prince George’s is a unique opportunity for residents of all ages and economic backgrounds to have a voice in the future development of our county.”
Recently, County Executive Jack Johnson proposed replacing long-serving Sam Parker with Johnson’s senior aide for a new four-year term as Chairman of the Planning Board of Prince George’s County which is part of the joint Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. The request is unusual as it comes within a year of the close of Johnson’s term, who is term-limited. In the fall, voters will elect a new County and County Council.
Prince George’s Advocates for Community-based Transit co-chair Jimmy Allen also expressed opposition to replacing Parker this late into Johnson’s term. “We have unfinished business with several planning efforts. Forcing out Parker now will be a big set back to the county. There’s an orderly way to transition to a new administration. The fall election should determine the new leadership of the county,” he said.
With a role in approving much of the county's development and guiding land use policy, the planning board chairman is one of the most powerful appointments a county executive can make. Given the significance of the position and the proximity to the 2010 election, residents and civic groups have called on the County Council to turn down Johnson’s bid to replace Parker.
Rabbi Bob Saks, University Park resident and Board member for Jews United for Justice commented, "Confirming a new chairman now would needlessly disrupt ongoing public processes and alienate voters who have put their trust in Prince George’s County government. The foundation of people's trust in government is based on their sense that their leaders and decision makers are accountable to them."
“Voters and people looking to do business in the county are watching. They want honest government and a predictable process for dealing with development issues. This sends the wrong signal,” said Capitol Heights resident Brad Heard.
The County Council will vote later this month on a proposed replacement for Chairman Parker.
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