Prince George’s County Council District 5

What’s the job: The legislative branch of Maryland’s county governments. Responsible for introducing and voting on legislation, approving county spending and providing oversight of county operations. Elected to a four-year term.

Democratic

Name: Shayla Adams-Stafford

Age: 40

Personal: Married, three children.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, urban studies with concentration in political science, Wellesley College; master’s degree, teaching: certification in secondary social studies, Duke University.

Experience: Prince George’s County Council Member, District 5; Prince George’s County School Board Member, District 4; Phelps ACE High School instructional coach; AdaptiveX CEO and founder; RemixEducation founder and executive director.

Questionnaire

Q: As a council member, what will be your primary focus to help improve the lives of Prince George’s County residents?

Q: The county faces competing fiscal pressures, especially when it comes to funding county public schools. What should the county’s funding commitment to the school system look like?

Q: Prince George’s County has made major investments in its schools, yet academic outcomes have remained a persistent challenge. How would you hold the school system accountable?

Q: With tens of thousands of county residents employed by the federal government, how should the county work to diversify its economy and support residents affected by federal layoffs?

Q: The county council recently passed legislation to limit ICE activity in county spaces. Do you support this approach? What more should the county do to protect immigrant residents?

Q: The county has convened a task force on data center development. How should the council use that work to shape future development decisions?

Q: Do data centers have a role to play in the county’s economic development?

Q: Housing costs continue to strain residents across the county. What specific policies would you champion on the council to increase the supply of affordable housing?

Name: Wynton R. Johnson Sr.

Candidate did not respond to The Banner’s voter guide questionnaire.