By Richard DeShay Elliott
(PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY – December 5, 2024) – Following a series of deadlocked votes from the Prince Georges’ County Council during their final legislative meeting of the year on Dec. 3, Councilmember Jolene Ivey (D- District 5) will remain chair of the governing body, while Councilmember Edward Burroughs (D-District 8), was elected to serve as vice chair.
Although no member received majority votes, the council is free to elect a new chair during the new legislative session, a point noted by Councilmembers Tom Dernoga (D- District 1) and Krystal Oriadha (D- District 7).
Ivey emphasized she is dedicated to keep doing the work necessary for the county, council and Prince George’s residents.
“To serve this esteemed body as chair is deeply humbling and it is a responsibility I do not take lightly. As we face the looming budget challenges, I am committed to maintaining our AAA bond rating while meeting the needs of all,” said Ivey to conclude the meeting. “The coming year will require all hands on deck as we navigate all the challenges we did last year with the same resources, and more needs. We have the hardest working council and administrative staff. Congratulations on a productive legislative year.”
Both Ivey and Councilmember Calvin Hawkins (D- At Large) have announced their intent to run in the special election replacing outgoing County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D).
Ivey will soon be elevated to the At-Large seat that she won on a Nov. 5 special election to replace Councilmember Mel Franklin, which will then trigger a special election for the District 5 seat she currently holds. The Council will remain at 10 members until that seat is filled.
While Ivey remains chair, that decision did not come without several steps.
Councilmember Wala Blegay (D- District 6) nominated Councilmember Eric Olson (D- District 3) for council chair, seconded by Councilmember Oriadha. Olson pledged to lead the Council in a fair manner, both the business community and vulnerable communities while partnering with the next county executive.
Councilmembers Blegay, Olson, Oriadha, Burroughs, and Dernoga voted in favor of Olson to lead the council.
“We need a leader of unity, someone who brings us all together, listens to all sides. He works with integrity, he will bring a unity among us, he will bring both sides together, and make sure that everyone has a seat at the table. Not just the Councilmembers, but all stakeholders. He is here to remind everyone that we need to work together as one body and I believe he is the best candidate at this time,” said Blegay. “No one should be chair by default.”
Councilmembers Wanika Fisher (D- District 2), Sydney Harrison (D- District 9), and Ingrid Watson (D- District 4), and Ivey abstained.
Councilmember Calvin Hawkins (D- At Large) was the sole “no” vote.
Ivey was then nominated to serve as the Council Chair by Fisher and seconded by Harrison.
Blegay, who was also nominated for chair and received five votes, Burroughs, and Oriadha voted against Ivey’s nomination. Dernoga and Olson abstained.
Fisher, Harrison, Hawkins, Watson, and Ivey all voted to confirm her nomination. While this did not represent a majority vote, she remained council chair by default as no other candidate reached a majority vote.
Oriadha was originally nominated by Blegay to serve as vice chair, a motion seconded by Dernoga that also failed on a five-five split. Burroughs was nominated by Blegay and was elected to serve as vice chair with six votes, with Hawkins serving as the swing vote.
Fisher said she’s confident Ivey can continue leading the council effectively as chair.
“I have known Jolene for a long time. She’s served us this year and she really saw us through hard times,” said Fisher. “I think we’ve gotten some bills done together and she will bring us together. At every challenge we’ve had, she’s faced them on.”