From the Desk of Former Mayor Malinda Miles

It has been two years since I decided to remove myself from the political scene in Mount Rainier, MD, Prince George's County, and the State of Maryland. Holding the lofty position of Mayor was such a great honor, but as the years flew by, I realized that it was time to do something else -- get a life.! I did, and still continue to provide resources to the residents through The Front Porch Ministries (TFPM). Real people pass through The Front Porch Ministries weekly. LIFE is good.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Visiting with our FUTURE ELECTED LEADERS!

On march 14, I had the pleasure of visiting Thomas Stone Elementary School, Mount Rainier, Maryland to talk to the fourth grade classes about the "If I Were Mayor Contest..." sponsored annually by the Maryland Municipal League (MML). What an awesome and wonderful experience. This year's theme of RESPECT went along nicely with President Bruce Wahl's theme and platform on CALM (Courtesy Align Learn Move Forward) Yields Civility.

The theme of respect is quite timely as it relates to Mayors and Councils learning to work together. Even though the job does not come with a position description, there are just some courtesies that come from just plain home training, life experiences, and simple and honest respect for other people. When brought to the table, people work more harmoniously together, and POSITIVE THINGS get done. No energy is lost fighting and/or arguing about things. A united front is formed, and a true force in the community is established.

Without respect, for position, authority, staff, and other council members, all efforts become futile and jeopardize the ongoing forward movement of the municipality. Without respect councilmember all run in different directs driving their own agenda, and causing confusion among those that might be willing to help. It also provides the community with a disjointed or dysfunctional council.

Since Civics are no longer taught in many schools, I am proud that MML takes this opportunity to introduce municipal government to fourth grade classes across the entire State of Maryland. Thank you to the students, teachers, and administrators that helped the three municipal mayors in our area bring municipal government to the classroom. Here are a few of the pictures that were shared with me from that adventure.

To learn more about the MML Contest, please visit this website: http://www.mdmunicipal.org/index.aspx?NID=168

The Mayor and Council

Constituents and others meeting with the Mayor, and of course

getting autographs!

One of Thomas Stone Elementary's GREAT fourth grade classes!

Mayor Malinda Miles

As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents. It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved. It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces. I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible. This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.