PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY: Municipal Election Wrap-up by Richard Elliott

(UPPER MARLBORO, MD – May 21, 2023) – District 25 residents will now have Kent Roberson (D) serving as one of their Delegates in Annapolis. Roberson, the Democratic Central Committee Chair, was unanimously appointed to the vacancy created by the retirement of Delegate Darryl Barnes (D) in a Central Committee meeting on May 4.

In Seat Pleasant, longtime Councilmember Gloria Sistrunk retired, leaving a Council vacancy in the 5th Ward. This vacancy will be filled by members of the Seat Pleasant City Council.

Sistrunk, the daughter of former Seat Pleasant Councilmember Virginius V. Williams, was first elected in 2016. The 53-year town resident has been involved in the community and politics since 1994 with the 7th Councilmanic District Constituent Fund Committee (CDCFC). Sistrunk was elected to fill the position of President in 1999 for the CDCFC, where she remained the president for 12 years.

In Fairmount Heights, longtime Mayor Lillie Thompson Martin officially retired from public service after 32 years of serving on the City Council or as Mayor in Fairmount Heights. She hosted her Retirement Celebration on May 6 at the Largo Hilton. Some of the many guests in attendance included Mount Rainier Mayor Celina Benitez (D), Councilwoman Jolene Ivey (D-District 5), Delegate Tiffany Alston (D- District 24), and North Brentwood Mayor Petrella Robinson. Congressman Glenn Ivey (D- District 4) gave her a congressional commendation for her service.

Thompson Martin was first elected to the Town Council in 1990 after serving as Secretary of the Civic Association. She was elected mayor in 2003 and also served as a substitute teacher at Fairmount Heights High School.

In Forest Heights, Mayor Calvin Washington (D) announced his resignation earlier this week. Washington has served on the City Council since 2018 and is also an active law enforcement officer in the County.

Councilmember Troy Barrington Lilly (D) is serving as Acting Mayor until a special election is held in the coming months. In a press release posted on the City’s Facebook page, the Town of Forest Heights said “We would like to thank former Mayor Calvin Washington for his commitment, service, and contributions to the Town of Forest Heights and beyond. Together, the town council members and staff will ensure to continue moving the community forward. Please join us in wishing former Mayor Washington farewell,”. A reception has been scheduled to honor Washington on May 12 at 6:30 PM at the Forest Heights Municipal Center.

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ELECTION RESULTS

Mayor Rocio Treminio-Lopez SPEAKS

Dear community members,

It is an honor to address you today and share with you my vision for our community. My mission is to establish an environment that is both clean and safe, and above all, welcoming to all. I am a strong proponent of diversity and inclusion, recognizing that the attainment of racial equity is vital to our community’s unity and well-being.

Collaboration and teamwork are the keystones to achieving our goals. We must all work together, bringing our unique experiences and perspectives to the table, to create an environment that fosters empowerment and support for each community member. It is our duty to prioritize the needs and potential of our minority members, ensuring that they have access to the resources and opportunities necessary to realize their full potential.

I firmly believe that by respecting and valuing our differences, we can cultivate a community that thrives on inclusivity and equality. By nurturing an environment that is safe and supportive for all, we can establish a sense of belonging and unity that will enable our community to flourish.

I urge each and every one of us to unite and work towards a shared goal of creating a community that not only maintains cleanliness and safety but also values diversity, inclusion, and racial equity. Together, we can accomplish our mission and create a better community for all.

Thank you,

Mayor Rocio Treminio-Lopez