Prince George’s County Council District 5

A: My primary focus is building a district where every resident can thrive not just get by. That means prioritizing economic opportunity, public safety, and quality of life in a way that is equitable and sustainable. I’m focused on strengthening pathways to good-paying jobs, supporting small businesses, and ensuring residents have access to essential resources like healthy food, reliable transportation, and safe housing. Just as important is investing in our communities - parks, schools, and neighborhood infrastructure, so people feel proud of where they live. I believe government should be responsive and accessible, so I’m equally committed to constituent services and engagement, making sure residents feel heard and supported.

A: As a former school teacher, instructional coach and member of the Prince George’s County School Board, I believe our public schools must remain a top funding priority because they are foundational to our county’s long-term success. Strong schools drive economic growth, public safety, and community stability. That said, we must balance this commitment with other critical needs by ensuring every dollar is spent effectively and transparently. I support fully funding our obligations to the school system while also requiring clear performance metrics and accountability. At the same time, we can pursue strategic budgeting by leveraging state and federal resources, improving operational efficiencies, and prioritizing investments that have cross-sector benefits, like youth programming and mental health services. This isn’t about choosing between schools and other needs; it’s about making smart, aligned investments that uplift the entire county.

A: If you ask my colleagues, I am the first to mention accountability and oversight as I fully understand that investment without accountability is not enough. Our students should be seeing real outcomes. As councilmember, I will advocate for stronger collaboration between the council and the school system, grounded in clear, measurable goals around student achievement, literacy, and college and career readiness. That includes regular public reporting, data transparency, and targeted interventions for underperforming schools. At the same time, accountability must be paired with support, ensuring educators have the tools, training, and resources they need to succeed. As the chair of the Education and Workforce Development committee, I have already began this work.

A: Prince George’s County has long relied on federal employment, but we must proactively diversify our economy to ensure resilience. That means investing in high-growth sectors like technology, healthcare, and green infrastructure, while also supporting entrepreneurship and small business development. We should strengthen workforce development programs that align with these industries, helping residents transition into new opportunities when federal jobs are impacted. For those directly affected by layoffs or budget cuts, the county can provide rapid response resources, job placement services, retraining programs, and financial support networks. By building a more dynamic, locally rooted economy, we not only protect residents from uncertainty but also position the county for long-term growth and innovation.

A: I absolutely support this approach to ensure that county spaces remain safe and accessible for all residents, regardless of immigration status. Limiting ICE activity in certain county facilities helps build trust so families can access essential services like healthcare, education, and public safety without fear. Public safety depends on trust, and when residents feel protected, they are more likely to engage with and support their communities. Our approach must reflect both compassion and a commitment to equity.

A: The data center task force provides an important opportunity to shape thoughtful, forward-looking development policy. As we review its findings, we must carefully weigh economic benefits alongside environmental sustainability and community impact. While there are cases where data centers generate revenue and attract investment, they also bring concerns around energy use, land use, and infrastructure strain. I believe decisions should be guided by clear standards including it’s location not being in a residential area, prioritizing renewable energy integration, minimizing environmental harm, and ensuring developments align with community needs and zoning goals. Community input must be central to this process. Growth is important, but it must be responsible, transparent, and aligned with our long-term vision for the county.

A: I do not believe data centers should be the centerpiece of our economic development plans. While they can contribute to the tax base, they typically do not create a large number of permanent jobs. If we pursue data center development, it should not be a residential area and should come with strong community benefits such as infrastructure improvements, environmental safeguards, and potential partnerships for workforce training. Ultimately, our goal should be to balance revenue generation with meaningful economic opportunities for residents.

A: Addressing housing affordability requires a comprehensive approach that increases supply while protecting existing residents. I support expanding inclusionary zoning policies to require affordable units in new developments, particularly near transit and job centers. We should also streamline permitting processes and incentivize the development of mixed-income housing to accelerate production. Zoning changes can play a key role by allowing for greater density where appropriate, including accessory dwelling units and transit-oriented development. At the same time, we must invest in preservation, protecting naturally occurring affordable housing and supporting homeowners at risk of displacement. Housing policy should be intentional, equitable, and rooted in the goal of ensuring every resident has access to a safe, stable place to call home.