PGCPS Parents Testify Against Cell Towers on Elementary School

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Update: Democracy Dies in Darkness – The case of Delegate Carolyn J.B. Howard.

Delegate Jay Walker  (seen here) and others are said to have began to kill bill PG-402-17  in November 2016  when they voted to form a sub-education committee.

According to the information received from Tonya Wingfield (an activist) who attended the meeting in Annapolis on February 22, 2017. According to her,  the action to kill bill PG -402-17 began in November 2016 by Delegate Jay Walker and Prince George’s County delegation when they voted to form a sub-education committee.

But nothing under the sun stays hidden. We believe Delegate Carolyn J.B. Howard is working closely behind the scenes as a Deputy Speaker Pro Tem and a Member of  Ways and Means Committee  to sabotage the bill and engage the issues in the dark. Prince George’s County public school children deserve better than what these leaders are offering at the moment. Playing political games which hurt the citizens of the county have no place in a developed society.

As one of the oldest and most perplexing phenomenon in human society, political corruption exist in every country in the contemporary world and it is not exclusively a problem of developing countries. The classical concept of corruption as a general disease of the body politics was stated by ancient political philosophers Plato and Aristotle. Plato in his theory of the “perverted” constitutions-Democracy, oligarchy, and tyranny-worried that these regimes instead of being guided by the law were serving the interest of the rulers. “These fundamental general notions of corruption all practically define corruption as dysfunctional. For it is seen as destructive of a particular political order, be it monarchy, aristocracy, or polity, the latter a constitutionally limited popular rule, and thus by definition devoid of any function within a political order.” This classic conception of corruption continued into modern times, and is central to the political thought of Machiavelli, Montesquieu and Rosseau. For Machiavelli corruption was process by which the virtue of the citizen was undermined and eventually destroyed. “Since most men are weak and lacking in the virtue of the good citizen except when inspired by a great leader, the process of corruption is ever threatening. And when virtue has been corrupted, a heroic leader must appear who in rebuilding the political order infuses this virtue into the entire citizenry.” Arnold Heidenheimer (1993 p. 25)

Read more >>> Democracy Dies in Darkness – The case of Delegate Carolyn J.B. Howard.

Delegate Carolyn J.B. Howard (D-24-Mitchellville) is engaged in cover up and she appear to be using her position to suppress democracy and advance political corruption due to lack of transparency based on how she has handled bill PG -402-17

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Gov Hogan Pledged To Restore Integrity To Annapolis

“Governor Larry Hogan is leading the way in cleaning up the ‘Good Ol Boy’ government in Annapolis. I definitely support his efforts on Ethics Reform, Transparency and Liquor board appointments. And of course, his redistricting efforts are laudable.” (“Deb Rey For Delegate,” Facebook, 1/19/17)

Candidate Larry Hogan: “On Day One We Are Going To Get To Work On Cleaning Up The Mess In Annapolis And Restoring Integrity To Our State Capital.” (“Larry Hogan Gubernatorial Announcement Speech,” Change Maryland, 1/31/14)

The Hogan Administration Has Worked To Root Out Corruption Across The State

Following His Inauguration, Governor Hogan Acted Quickly And Signed An Executive Order  To Hold Public Officials Accountable; Executive Order Outlined The Standards Of Conduct For All Members Of The Executive Branch.

Executive Order Barred Members of The Executive Branch From Certain Activities. “Less than three hours after taking office, Hogan had already signed his first executive order. It bars state employees from the executive branch from soliciting any kind of gift from anyone doing business with the state, and he ordered state employees not to give anyone any special treatment. ‘My first act as Governor holds all those who serve in the Executive Branch of state government to the highest possible ethical standards,’ Governor Hogan said in a news release announcing the executive order.” (“Larry Hogan Sworn In as Maryland’s 62nd Governor,” WBAL, 1/21/15)

Governor Hogan Worked In Conjunction With State And Federal Partners To Target Corruption At The Eastern Correctional Institution; Efforts Led To The Arrest Of 80 Individuals Involved In A Racketeering Conspiracy, The Largest Federal Indictment In State History. “Federal authorities have won indictments against 80 people, including corrections officers and inmates, in an alleged conspiracy to sneak heroin, cocaine, cellphones, pornography and other contraband into the Eastern Correctional Institution in Westover. The largest federal indictment in Maryland history is the latest to allege that officers and inmates used sex, drugs and violence to run a criminal enterprise out of a state prison facility.” (Kevin Rector, Justin Fenton, and Jessica Anderson, “Feds Indict 80 People – Including 18 Corrections Officers – In ‘Massive’ Maryland Prison Corruption Case,” The Baltimore Sun, 10/5/16)

Governor Hogan: “The indictments announced today are a clear victory in the fight against corruption, and I want to thank all the hardworking federal and state law enforcement officers whose tireless dedication and sacrifice made it possible. This morning, I spoke with Maryland U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein and personally commended him for his work and partnership with our state investigators to successfully execute this complex operation. While running for office, I made it clear that the systemic corruption that had been allowed to take hold in our state prison system was unacceptable, and I promised Marylanders that our administration would combat it head on. Today, together with our federal partners, we have taken decisive action to make good on that promise.” (Press Release, “Statement from Governor Larry Hogan on Eastern Correctional Institution Corruption Indictments,” Office Of The Governor, 10/5/16)

Governor Hogan Has Received Widespread, Bipartisan Support for His Ethics Reform Proposals

Capital Gazette Editorial: “Lawmakers Should Act On Hogan’s Ethics Bills” (Editorial, “Our Say: Lawmakers Should Act On Hogan’s Ethics Bills,” Capital Gazette, 1/23/17)

“All of Hogan’s ideas are worth passing.”

“Democrats may not like it that a popular governor now has the opportunity to take the high ground by advocating cleaner and more open government – but they are the ones who’s lack of action created this opening for him.”

Carroll County Times Editorial: “State Officials Must Back Hogan’s Public Integrity Act” (Editorial, “State Officials Must Back Hogan’s Public Integrity Act,” Carroll County Times, 1/21/17)

“Holding government officials more accountable? Rooting out corruption? Having government business conducted in the open? Less politicized voting districts? Yes, yes, yes, and yes, please. (Editorial, “State Officials Must Back Hogan’s Public Integrity Act,” Carroll County Times, 1/21/17)

“These proposals are far from partisan, rather they are simply good government and deserve the support of the entire legislature.” (Editorial, “State Officials Must Back Hogan’s Public Integrity Act,” Carroll County Times, 1/21/17)

Senate President Mike Miller (D): “Ethics is going to be a major focus of the 2017 session. We look forward to looking at the governor’s proposals and working with him.” (Bryan Sears, “Hogan Legislation Focuses On Redistricting, Ethics and Lobbying Reform,” The Daily Record, 1/19/17)

Senate Minority Leader J.B. Jennings (R): “This should be about letting the voters and the public know that they can trust their state government to do what is ethically moral and what is right.”  (Pamela Wood, “Hogan Proposes Maryland Government Ethics Reforms,” The Baltimore Sun, 1/19/17)

“These are great pieces of legislation that will help us clean up the political environment here in Maryland and I look forward to working on their passage.” (“Senator J.B. Jennings,” Facebook, 1/19/17)

Senator Douglas J.J. Peters (D): “I don’t think any of us would not support more transparency.” (Pamela Wood, “Hogan Proposes Maryland Government Ethics Reforms,” The Baltimore Sun, 1/19/17)

Speaker Mike Busch (D): “We look forward to working with the governor to make sure Maryland has the highest standards of transparency and ethics.” (“Gov. Larry Hogan Proposes Sweeping Ethics Reforms,” WBALTV, 1/19/17)

House Minority Leader Nic Kipke (R): “[Hogan’s ideas] would go a long way to deter some of the bad behavior that occurs.” (Pamela Wood, “Hogan Proposes Maryland Government Ethics Reforms,” The Baltimore Sun, 1/19/17)

Delegate Bob Long (R): “As an elected official, we all need to be held accountable and set an example for our fellow citizens.” (“Delegate Bob Long, 6th District,” Facebook, 1/20/17)

Delegate Deb Rey (R): “Governor Hogan is leading the way in cleaning up the ‘Good Ol Boy’ government in Annapolis. I definitely support his efforts on Ethics Reform, Transparency and Liquor board appointments. And of course, his redistricting efforts are laudable.” (“Deb Rey For Delegate,” Facebook, 1/19/17)

Public Integrity Act Of 2017

Governor Hogan’s Proposal Prohibits Former Officials And Employees Of The Legislative And Executive Branch From Lobbying For One Year After Leaving State Service. “A former official or employee of the Legislative Branch or Executive Branch may not assist or represent another party for compensation in a manner that is the subject of legislative action for 1 calendar year after the official or employee leaves employment with the Legislative Branch or the Executive Branch.” (“House Bill 879,” Maryland General Assembly, 2/6/17)

The Governor’s Proposal Prohibits Legislators From Pushing Or Affecting Legislation That Directly Benefits Their Employer Or A Business They Own. “A member of the General Assembly may not take legislative action, or otherwise attempt to influence amy legislation, that affects an entity: that employs the member or in which the member has, or is in the process of acquiring, an interest; and that the State has awarded, or for which the State is reviewing an award of, a license, a lease, or contract or any State funds.” (“House Bill 879,” Maryland General Assembly, 2/6/17)

The Governor’s Proposal Reforms Current Ethics Laws To Give The State Ethics Commission Oversight Over All Elected Officials And Registered Lobbyists And Consultants. “The Ethics Commission consists of the following members: one member of the Senate of Maryland appointed by the President of the Senate; one member of the house of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House; and the following seven members appointed by the Governor: with the advice and consent of the Senate,  five members, at least one of whom shall be a member of the principal political party of which the Governor is not a member; one member nominated by the President of the Senate; and one member nominated by the Speaker of the House.” (“House Bill 879,” Maryland General Assembly, 2/6/17)

via Calvert Beacon

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Arrests Made in Murder of Up-and-Coming Rapper and former PGCPS Student, Police Say

Days after Douglas Brooks was gunned down on Parkway Terrace Dr., Prince George’s police returned to the Suitland neighborhood to remind the community that a killer is still out there.Brooks, who went by the stage name “Swipey”, was found with multiple gunshot wounds; not far from his mother’s apartment. He previously went to prince George’s County public schools.

Two men have been arrested in connection with the death of an 18-year-old up-and-coming rapper in Suitland, Maryland. Police believe there may be additional suspects. We previously covered his story here after he was shot.

According to NBC4 News, Diante Brewer, 19, of Southwest Washington and Deshawn Watkins, 18, of Southeast Washington have been charged with the death of Douglas Brooks, 18.

Brooks, who was better known as “Swipey,” was found fatally shot outside an apartment complex Aug. 21. 2016.

Police believe Brewer and Watkins intended to rob Brooks and others who were attending a party at the apartment complex. Police believe there may be additional suspects.

“I’m dying inside. I’m dying right with him,” Freda Brooks, Douglas’ mother, said. “He was a smart boy. I didn’t want him to be no rapper.”

Freda Brooks said Douglas Brooks graduated high school at 16 years old and was at the top of his class. She said music is what he loved and what he chose to purse instead of accepting a college scholarship to Morgan State University.

“He made his own mark, made his own name,” she said. “He took his money allowance, everything, for studio time and did what he had to do.”

Douglas Brooks’ manager, Kevin Baldwin, of the record label M.O.P3, told The Washington Post Swipey had already performed alongside rappers, including Fat Joe and Wale, a Washington native.

“He wanted to give to the people his creation. He wanted to give the people his artistry and what he was about,” WPGC DJ Tony Redz told News4.

Redz recalled how the teen impressed him in the short time he knew him.

“He performed and he shook every kid’s hand and he took every picture and that’s what the kids remember,” Redz said. “He took his stardom and he used it in a positive way to say ‘Hey kids, I’m from where you are.'”

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text, “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgpolice.org and submit a tip online.

Diante Brewer, 19, of Southwest Washington and Deshawn Watkins, 18, of Southeast Washington have been charged with the death of Douglas Brooks, 18.

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Democracy Dies in Darkness – The case of Delegate Carolyn J.B. Howard.

Delegate Carolyn J.B. Howard (D-24-Mitchellville) – Maryland Deputy Speaker Pro Tem engaged in suspicious gamesmanship and dubious alliances at the expense of the county citizenry.

While test scores in the states second largest school district remain among the lowest in the region, Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker and some of the county’s elected School Board remain in a bitter power struggle over control of the school system, its budget, and the current Superintendent “the CEO”.

PG -402-17 was introduced by the Delegate Carolyn Howard and Senator Muse representing Prince George’s County at the request of County Citizenry and to oppose the role of the County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III.   However, on February 22, 2017, Delegate Carolyn Howard who is the Deputy Speaker Pro Tem and a Member of  Ways and Means Committee  decided to sabotage the bill and engage the issues in the dark.

First, the meeting was advertised as being held on Wed, Feb 22, 2017 8:30am, room 218 Lowe House Office Building. However, on Feb 22, 2017, the room location for the meeting was changed in a suspicious manner at the last minute from room 218 to room 318 at 9 am.  This gamesmanship threw a lot of people off as they did not know there was a meeting  deliberating the issues in room 318. During the meeting, it became clear that Delegate Carolyn Howard has decided to sideline Senator Muse and she is now supporting the Current CEO. As a result of the sabotage of PG -402-17 by Delegate Carolyn Howard in which she stated to be working closely with the CEO’S office in Prince George’s County, Senator Muse has now decided to introduce another bill to help fix the issues and address the issue in original bill. Delegate Carolyn Howard seem to be working in the dark  with others to kill democracy in Prince George’s County while keeping things hush hush. Several questions come to mind:

• why did Delegate Howard fail to post the meeting and the agenda  here ~~>>http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=03&id=hru&tab=subject3&ys=2017RS
  
• Why change rooms of the meeting as advertised for February 22, 2017 from room 218 to room 318 in Lowe House Office Building and fail to inform the public of the same?
• What role are the Prince George’s County based unions playing in sabotaging democracy in Prince George’s County?
• What role is the CEO’s office playing to undermine democracy in Prince George’s County?
• Why is an important bill such as  PG -402-17 being discussed in the dark?
• What role is Delegate Howard playing in connection with the liquor board in prince George’s county of which her husband is a member?
• Does her position as an elected official create a conflict of interest to the people she is supposed to serve?  The liquor board, known officially as the Board of License Commissioners, regulates more than 600 liquor stores, restaurants and other businesses in Prince George’s County.

Well, With the crowning of Delegate Carolyn J.B.Howard as the Deputy Speaker Pro Tem, the election cycle appears to have come full circle. Many supporters of an elected school Board with a strong Inspector General (IG) position are understandably disappointed and angry. A truly historic opportunity has been missed. But there are many positive lessons to be drawn from this experience, and there are many reasons to be optimistic when it comes to the future of the democratic revolution in the Prince George’s county. First and foremost, we must keep the long view of history in mind. It is an undeniable fact that interest in change in governance and the fight against corruption since the arrest of a few elected officials has hit the mainstream. The significance of this development, especially in a county that has been subjected to decades of corruption hysteria which continues regularly, should not be underestimated. It appears the plum government jobs and corruption in the state of Maryland will continue to ensure the wealth of local politicians unless something is done to change the status quo. We will continue to ask tough questions until the light shines through.

In the meantime, county residents needs to call her and ask her to stop playing games with the future of the county schools and to do what is right for the families and students of prince George’s County. Write or Call her and let your voice be heard. This is not a time for cowardice. The enduring symbol of the United States is not the barbed wire fence, it is the Statue of Liberty. So, be encouraged. She can be reached at the following address;

House Office Building, Room 301
6 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3919, (301) 858-3919
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3919 (toll free)
e-mail: carolyn.howard@house.state.md.us
fax: (410) 841-3925, (301) 858-3925

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Two PGCPS teens shot while waiting for bus at PG County Metro stop, one critically injured

HILLCREST HIEGHTS, Md.  — Terrifying moments in Hillcrest Heights when two teenagers were shot while waiting for a bus at the Naylor Road Metro Station.

“It could have been me or one of my friends, it could have been any of us, that’s crazy,” said 13-year-old Osharra Pittman, as she waited with her friends for a bus Saturday afternoon.

According to police, a 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl were shot around 2:00 a.m. Saturday as they waited inside a bus shelter. The window was shattered, and the teens were rushed to the hospital, where they were last listed in stable condition.

Police tape covers bus shelter at Naylor Road Metro Station after 2 teens were shot here this morning. Live update at noon. @NewsChannel8 pic.twitter.com/SKcDMClHAI

— Ryan Hughes (@HughesCBS3) February 25, 2017

#UPDATE: @MetroTransitPD says 2 teens shot at Naylor Road Station are in stable condition. The suspect is a male + left on foot. @ABC7News pic.twitter.com/KlYQrz3e3S

— Ryan Hughes (@HughesCBS3) February 25, 2017

“It’s sad, it’s really sad. It’s just so many guns out here on the street,” said George Hazeal, as he waited for a bus.

Investigators said a male suspect opened fire and left the scene on foot, but a motive was still unclear.

Busses and trains were up and running Saturday, but police tape covered the bus shelter and shards of glass covered the sidewalk.

Darshea Robb and her family were left shaking their heads and praying for the young victims.

“I feel like it’s because with the weather getting warm people feel like they can just do whatever they want,” Robb said. “You got to protect yourself and make sure your kids aren’t out here at that time.”

Police have not released any other information on the suspect, who is still on the loose, at this time. They said they are reviewing surveillance video to try and get a better idea of what led to the shooting.

Via WJLA

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PGCPS Mother Shoots, Kills Teenage Son After Argument, Police Say

Mother Shoots, Kills Teenage Son After Argument, Police Say, Angelique Chase is charged with killing her 17-year-old son.

Mother Shoots, Kills Teenage Son After Argument, Police Say | NBC4 Washington

Police say a mother shot and killed her teenage son after they got into an argument Thursday night.

Officers were called to the 6200 block of Buckler Road in Clinton, Maryland, about 9 p.m. When they arrived, they found 17-year-old Christopher Perry suffering from a gunshot wound.

He died at the hospital a short time later.

Police believe Perry and his mother, 48-year-old Angelique Chase, got into an argument prior to the shooting. Chase was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and assault.

She is being held on a no-bond status.

She is being charged with second degree murder along with assault charges. She was arrested at the scene.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text, “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgpolice.org and submit a tip online.

Via NBC4,      wusa9

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MD House Ways and Means Committee to hear classroom digital device safety bill

Press Release
House Ways and Means Committee to hear classroom digital device safety bill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 23, 2017

(ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND) The House Ways and Means Committee of the Maryland General Assembly will hear legislation on Friday, February 24th at 1:00 that directs the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) to craft safety guidelines for the use of digital devices in Maryland public schools.

Delegate Steven Arentz (R-District 36) has sponsored the legislation, House Bill 866, “Primary and Secondary Education – Health and Safety Guidelines and Procedures – Digital Devices.” The bill has 25 co-sponsors and broad bi-partisan support. An identical bill has been cross-filed by Senator Steve Hershey (R-District 36), co-sponsored by Senator James Brochin (D-District 42) and Senator Susan Lee (D-District 16). It has been referred to the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee.

HB866 aims to protect Maryland students from the health hazards that medical experts have for many years associated with daily use of digital devices. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has had regulations governing the use of computers for office workers since the 1990s, but schools have no medical oversight.

“More and more experts are proving that there are serious risks to our kids’ health because they spend every day on a digital device,” Delegate Arentz said. “Maryland students need to get the most out of this technology, so we want medical professionals to lead us in a safe direction.”

Researchers have shown that many of the same health issues addressed by OSHA are now facing students who use digital devices every day in school. Retinal damage from blue light emissions, myopia, sleeplessness, muscle and joint pain, headaches, blurred vision, obesity, anxiety and addiction have all been associated as health risks facing students because of daily digital device use.

The bill has substantial support from the state’s medical community. The Maryland State Medical Society (MedChi), which represents all of Maryland’s doctors, voted to support the legislation at their most recent meeting, according to Gene Ransom, MedChi’s Executive Director. One of the co-sponsors, Delegate Clarence Lam, is a physician who leads Johns Hopkins University’s preventative medicine residency program.

Believed to be the first of its kind, the Maryland bill also has the attention of several large health groups across the country. The nation’s leading vision health organization, Prevent Blindness, supports the Maryland bill. Senior Vice President Jeff Todd wrote a letter commending Maryland’s “efforts to ensure children’s vision, eye health and safety is at the forefront of any statewide effort related to childhood development.”

Optometrists from around the country have also sent support to the General Assembly urging passage of this legislation, including J. Scott Sikes, O.D., a NC Optometric Society Education Trustee and Dr. Geoffrey Goodfellow, OD, FAAO, an Associate Professor at the Illinois College of Optometry and an attending optometrist in the Pediatrics/Binocular Vision Service of the Illinois Eye Institute.

“Protecting eyesight when it comes to the progressive use of digital technology and screen time addiction in young people is our number one priority” said Justin Barrett, CEO of Healthe, a company that creates products “to reduce exposure to harmful digital UV and High-Energy Visible (HEV) blue light emitted from such devices.” “We hope the lawmakers will pass this important legislation to set a precedent for other states in the protection of all students.”

Dr. Nicholas Kardaras, PhD, LCSW-R, a nationally recognized addiction expert and author of Glow Kids: How Screen Addiction Is Hijacking Our Kids, writes: “I commend the screen safety effort in Maryland and strongly encourage the General Assembly to pass HB 866 and SB 1089 to mandate medically sound classroom regulations.”

Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) is a national advocacy organization with nearly 50,000 members, including 1,000 in Maryland. The group has asked Maryland lawmakers to give HB866 their “complete endorsement.” In a letter to the Ways and Means Committee, CCFC Executive Director, Josh Golin, writes, “It is critical that medical professionals develop clear, research-based, age-appropriate guidelines for the use of digital devices in schools.”

Citing its 30-page research document released in August, Parents Across America (PAA) is another national advocacy group endorsing HB866/SB1089. PAA notes that it “has prepared extensive materials about the harmful effects on children’s academic, intellectual, emotional, physical and social development when digital devices are misused and overused… We applaud the Maryland lawmakers who have responded quickly and appropriately to this critical situation.”

Maryland parents have rallied to support the classroom screen safety bill as well. Leslie Weber, Co-Founder of Advocates for Baltimore County Schools (ABCSchools), the largest public education advocacy coalition in the county, says, “This bill is greatly needed, especially in Baltimore County, where one of the nation’s largest 1:1 digital initiatives is underway. Children as young as 5 are in front of screens most days — objective guidelines from the DHMH are needed to ensure the safety of these students.”

Janis Sartucci, a member of the Parents’ Coalition of Montgomery County, said, “This bill is long overdue. Our children need to be protected from a variety of health risks that could affect them for a lifetime. We must get DHMH involved to be sure kids aren’t hurt.”

Queen Anne’s County parent, Cindy Eckard, has testified and written extensively about the need for medical oversight of classroom digital devices. Her Op Eds have appeared in both the Washington Post and the Baltimore Sun. During a recent radio interview Ms. Eckard told WBAL Radio reporter Robert Lang, “Of course we want our kids to master technology; we just don’t want them harmed in the process.”

Ms. Eckard also noted that teachers have a legal duty of care to protect students from known hazards in the classroom. “This bill will help teachers too, giving them statewide, uniform safety guidelines, from medical professionals and specialists at DHMH.”

Links to medical research; recorded General Assembly testimony; a screen safety press conference held in Annapolis with actress/comedian Paula Poundstone, and detailed information regarding the legislation are available on the website www.screensandkids.us or email Ms. Eckard at screensandkids@gmail.com.

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PGCo Voters – Time To Take Back Our School Board!

By LORRAINE YURIAR on February 18, 2017

Yesterday, while potential candidate for governor, County Executive Rushern Baker was announcing the renewal of PGCPS CEO Kevin Maxwell’s contract, a bill was introduced in the House of Delegates to repeal the County Executive’s control of the school board.

HB 1565 will repeal sections of the 2013 HB 1107, allowing the PGCPS Board to return to an elected-only board.  Of course the school board, minus elected members Borroughs & Ahmed, has declared their opposition to this bill.  The board itself, especially County Executive Baker’s appointees, has plenty of scandal and corruption in it’s history.  While we the people have the ability to hold the elected members responsible for their actions at the ballot box, we have no way of holding the County Executive’s appointees responsible for their actions.  Add to that, County Executive Baker’s appointments have been less than stellar, getting involved with the misuse of credit cards, and even scamming free lunches from the school system.  And of course there is the matter of the County Executive hiring his former brother-in-law, Segun Eubanks, to be the Chairman of the board. Not only is Mr. Eubanks related to the County Executive, he is a director with the NEA, the largest teacher’s union in the country. One could question whether his loyalties lie with the students he is supposed to be caring about, the teachers he is paid to look out for, or his family, which includes his brother, Musa Eubanks, the Director of Community Relations in the County Executive’s office.  There is a whole spider web of connections within the County Executive’s office that look suspect, including having a sitting Delegate, Del. Dereck E Davis, working for the County Executive’s office, whose wife just happens to be the Deputy CEO of the PGCPS system.

Just to be clear —  Monique Davis was hired by CEO Kevin Maxwell, who was hired with the help of Segun Eubanks, who got his position because of a bill passed by the Maryland Legislature, a bill for which Del. Dereck E Davis voted.

The cronyism and corruption in the county run deep, and it all ties right back to the County Executive’s office.  This is why we must take the control of the school board back, out of the hands of an office that has been plagued with corruption for decades.  Doing so will give the citizens of our county the ability to hold the school board members directly responsible for the issues in the school system.  Issues like the cover-up of the problems in the Head Start Program and the sexual abuse of children – including special needs children that had PGC citizens, the local NAACP chapter, and even some PGCPS board members calling for the ouster of several board members, including CEO Maxwell.

HB 1565 needs to get the support of all Prince George’s County voters.  The bill has been sent to the House Rules and Executive Nominations committee. Please call your representatives, and the members of that committee and urge them to support this bill.

Read more at http://redmaryland.com/2017/02/pgco-voters-time-to-take-back-our-school-board/

Read more >>>  Kevin Maxwell, PGCPS CEO, gets four more years in Suspicious Circumstances

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Update:HB1107 Hearing in Annapolis Maryland postponed.

Update: The hearing concerning bill PG -402-17 which was to be held on Wed, Feb 22, 2017 8:30am, room 218 Lowe House Office Building has been postponed. Please check these links for the future hearing and dates.

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=03&id=hru&tab=subject3&ys=2017RS

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=01&id=hb1565&tab=subject3&ys=2017RS

School Board and CEO
If you are interested in testifying in support of PG-402-17, to return to an all elected school board.

We received this information late. You might want to call your elected officials concerning this bill.

See bill text at https://www.princegeorgeshousedelegation.com/legislation/bill-history?local=PG%20402-17

Read more >>> Kevin Maxwell, PGCPS CEO, gets four more years in Suspicious Circumstances

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