Fiscal Responsibility

Let’s be honest—many of us have been affected in some way by the financial challenges facing our country, state, and County. Whether it’s within our own households or among neighbors, family, and friends, most of us have experienced coming up short on a bill, helping a loved one stay afloat, watching someone lose a job, or seeing a “for sale” sign appear too soon. Whatever your story may be, as your neighbor, I share in those same realities.

This week, the sitting Council celebrated the unanimous passage of a FY 2027 Operating Budget. While it was good news that a budget agreement was reached before the June 1 deadline, what was not great news was that once more the Council felt free to transfer $39 million from the budget of the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission to be used on various operations and parochial projects favored by members of the County Council via the Project Fund. It was not great news because the same Council was earlier in the year chided by the Maryland Delegation in Annapolis and affirmed by Governor Wes Moore for taking similar action while out of the normal budget formulation cycle. The change here was that this transfer was completed during the budget formulation cycle.

Stated plainly, the Council has been funding the government by robbing it’s award winning parks services to pay for every other function, from property standards to tax collection and this should cause us all pause.

As your District 4 Council Member, I will approach fiscal oversight with both compassion and discipline. The Prince George’s County Charter clearly outlines the Council’s responsibilities: to enact legislation, approve operating and capital budgets, set tax rates, and conduct oversight. These are not ceremonial duties—they are serious obligations that require transparency, accountability, and courage. I will not be a silent supporter of decisions that fail to serve the public interest.

During my tenure as Director of the Prince George’s County Office of Community Relations from 2018 to 2025, I managed a multi-million-dollar annual budget and led a team dedicated to delivering on commitments made to residents, businesses, and community partners. That experience taught me the importance of responsible planning, disciplined spending, and measurable outcomes.

The County’s budget must never be treated as a personal tool to fund vanity projects or reward political allies. Strong governance depends on maintaining clear boundaries between branches of government and ensuring proper checks and balances. As a Council Member, I will uphold these principles and demand accountability at every level.

Effective fiscal management requires collaboration. The Council must work closely with the County Executive and agencies through the committee process to ensure that approved budgets are executed as intended. This includes evaluating programs honestly, identifying those that are under-performing, and making informed decisions to improve or redirect resources. It also means ensuring that procurement processes are fair and that qualified vendors are selected to deliver high-quality services.

We must also restore a culture of respect and professionalism in governance. That means treating employees, business owners, and community partners with fairness and integrity. It means rejecting divisive practices and fostering an environment where collaboration—not conflict—drives progress.

Every dollar invested in Prince George’s County should work for Prince George’s County. When employee wages are not competitive, when funding decisions become politicized, or when businesses face unnecessary delays, we lose credibility. These challenges not only frustrate residents but also weaken our ability to attract and retain strong business partners. Over time, this drives up the cost of doing business, slows economic growth, and places greater pressure on property taxpayers.

As your District 4 Council Member, I will uphold the Charter and support policies, budgets, and investments that reflect sound fiscal, legal, and ethical judgment. My focus will be on strengthening accountability, improving service delivery, and ensuring that every decision contributes to a higher quality of life for all residents of Prince George’s County.