From the Educationdoctor

A deadly mistake in Prince Georges

Thursday, August 19, 2010; A16

A YOUNG WOMAN was murdered last week, an apparent victim of domestic violence and an unforgivable bureaucratic error.

Prince George's County police say that LaCole Hines, 17, was shot in the head Aug. 9 by Marcus D. Shipman, her 23-year-old boyfriend. Ms. Hines was in a Landover liquor store when Mr. Shipman allegedly walked in, shot her and sped away in a waiting car driven by a 16-year-old accomplice. Mr. Shipman and the teenager were arrested after they crashed the car. Ms. Hines died at an area hospital late last week.

What makes this heinous act all the more tragic is that it might have been prevented. Two weeks before the shooting, police issued an arrest warrant for Mr. Shipman after he threatened Ms. Hines with a gun -- a felony, first-degree assault. But he was never arrested because the Prince George's Sheriff's Office, which has primary responsibility for serving most of the warrants issued in the county, misfiled the document, the sheriff's office said. Instead of being handled on a priority basis, it was stashed away among misdemeanor warrants.

The employee responsible for the alleged mistake faces disciplinary action, the sheriff's office said, and the office has instituted a process by which the classification of warrants will be doubled-checked -- something that was apparently not being done before the Shipman mistake. "My heart goes out to the 17-year-old girl," Sheriff Michael A. Jackson said in a statement. Mr. Jackson, a Democrat who is running for county executive, labeled the incident "a very serious lapse in my agency." (Readers should know that The Post has endorsed one of Mr. Jackson's opponents, Rushern L. Baker III, in the Sept. 14 primary election for county executive.)

Mr. Jackson said that this lapse was an "isolated incident." But how can he know that this was an aberration? For years, the sheriff's office has had severe problems carrying out its duty to serve warrants in a timely fashion. In 2002, when Mr. Jackson was first elected, the office had a backlog of 30,000 unserved warrants. This was a major campaign issue for Mr. Jackson, who used it as an argument for unseating the incumbent sheriff.

Yet now he won't or can't provide even a ballpark figure of outstanding warrants. His spokesman asserts that the office "has no backlog," but that is only because the office now refuses to use that term; the backlog has become a "structural inventory." Rafael Hylton, a member of the sheriff's office who is running to replace Mr. Jackson, puts the backlog at 48,000 warrants. Mr. Hylton told the Gazette newspaper that shrinking the backlog will be a priority if he is elected.

Backlogs and errors are almost inevitable when dealing with the thousands of warrants that sheriffs' offices are asked to serve each year. But Mr. Jackson's apparent failure to control the problem and his unwillingness now even to acknowledge it all but guarantee mistakes. In the case of LaCole Hines, the carelessness proved fatal.

Fresh makeup for the County Council

Gazette Newspaper – August 19, 2010

www.gazette.net

Prince George's County Council members are limited to two four-year terms, and with five of the nine current members prevented from seeking re-election, the county's leadership will be significantly different after the Sept. 14 primary election. The 37 candidates for the nonpartisan seats will face a mountain of challenges: a tight budget, high crime and struggling schools, to name a few — all for the annual salary of $96,417.

The following council candidates possess the best strategies, leadership experience, dedication to an open, transparent government, and commitment to improving the community:

- District 1: Constituent area includes Adelphi, Beltsville, Calverton, College Park, Laurel, Montpelier, South Laurel, West Laurel and Vansville.

With eight years and four two-year terms as a Laurel city councilman, Frederick Smalls brings experience handling economic development, zoning issues and public safety and is the best candidate to succeed term-limited County Councilman Thomas E. Dernoga.

Smalls, the director of administration, finance and human resources for the Maryland secretary of state's office, brings experience as a Laurel Regional Hospital board member and former PTA president. Smalls has successfully worked on leading environmental efforts in the city and hopes to continue his work on the county level.

The one hit to Smalls' record is the city's lack of progress on the ailing Laurel Mall, which has struggled to attract popular retailers and is in need of revitalization; however, Smalls has learned from the pitfalls of revitalization efforts and has strong plans for dealing with developers on future projects.

Smalls' strongest competition comes from Mary Lehman, who has worked as an aide to delegate Joseline Pena-Melnyk (D-Dist. 21) of College Park and Dernoga, and as the president of the West Laurel Civic Association, but Lehman doesn't have as clear a strategy to accomplish her goals.

Candidates Sam Epps, Valerie Cunningham and Crystal Thompson would have too steep a learning curve to be as effective in their first term.

- District 2: Constituent area includes Adelphi, Avondale, Brentwood, Chillum, Green Meadows, Hyattsville, Langley Park, Lewisdale, Mount Rainier and North Brentwood.

Incumbent Will Campos remains the best choice to represent his constituents. In his first term, Campos spearheaded efforts to find a site for a new Hyattsville elementary school to alleviate overcrowding in schools in the region. Campos worked with state leaders to provide tax credits for the university town center project in Hyattsville and support for the U.S. Route 1 corridor to spur construction and attract retailers.

For his next term, Campos wants to include Mount Rainier in revitalization efforts by making infrastructure improvements, turning the area into a vibrant downtown space and completing work on the western portion of EYA (Eakin, Youngentob and Associates) Arts District Hyattsville, a $200 million residential and commercial project along Route 1.

Campos combines creative ideas — such as establishing a trolley system through the district to add character and identity in the area — with logical plans, such as reviewing county contracts to eliminate unnecessary spending.

Challengers Dottie McNeill and Sabrena Turner need more experience on a municipal level.

- District 3: Constituent area includes Beacon Heights, Berwyn Heights, College Park, East Pines, Glenridge, Landover Hills, Lanham, New Carrollton, Riverdale Park, Seabrook, Templeton Knolls, University Park, West Lanham Hills and Woodlawn.

County Councilman Eric C. Olson deserves re-election to the post through the solid performance during his first term, which includes a successful push to prevent council members from receiving raises unless county employees get one as well; formation of "walking town meetings," where he walks through neighborhoods with residents to hear their concerns (he says he has walked every community in his district); startup of the countywide Youth and Gang Violence Prevention Task Force; and championing legislation to help stop pawn shops from enabling petty crimes.

His opponent, retired business owner Al Whiting, is a political newcomer who says he opposes the Purple Line, a much-needed mass transit project for this district.

- District 4: Constituent area includes Bowie, Glenn Dale, Greenbelt, Lanham-Seabrook, Upper Marlboro and Westchester Park.

Democratic incumbent Ingrid Turner and Republican challenger Fiona Moodie are both unopposed in their primaries.

- District 5: Constituent area includes Bowie, Blandensburg, Cheverly, Colmar Manor, Cottage City, Edmonston, Fairmount Heights, Glenarden, Landover, Lanham, Mitchellville and Springdale.

Incumbent Andrea Harrison won a special election for the seat of her former boss, David C. Harrington, who was appointed to a state Senate. Harrison was his deputy chief of staff and policy director, but has little to show for her two years on the council.

Challenger Pat Thornton offers much more leadership and, of the three candidates for this district, offers the most promise.

Thornton has worked as marketing director at the Prince George's County Economic Development Corp., which works to attract and support businesses, for the past six years and has strong plans for bring jobs and federal dollars to the county. While at the EDC, she has worked with the top 100 employers in the county and understands their needs — and how to attract more businesses.

Thornton expresses frustration over the county's missed grant opportunities and pledges to have a staff member better monitor available funding.

Harrison points to the county's triple-A bond rating and managing the budget during tough economic times as her main accomplishments. Challenger Nakia T. Ngwala shows a lot of promise but lacks experience and her plans, such as bringing federal agencies to the Metro stations in Prince George's County, lack specifics.

- District 6: Constituent area includes South Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Kettering, Largo, Mitchellville and Upper Marlboro.

Derrick Leon Davis, chairman of the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund and a parent coordinator for Prince George's County Public Schools, identifies a clear strategy for environmental jobs growth, a transportation corridor, community revitalization and transit-oriented development around Metro stations.

Davis, who lives in Suitland, has the leadership and community experience several of his challengers lack — he was elected to the county's Democratic Central Committee and has served as a constituent services aide on the County Council. He also has a thorough understanding of the issues and will likely be a consensus-builder on the council.

Mark Polk, a Bowie attorney and former county police captain, is a strong contender but — along with Venus Bethea, a Prince George's County District Court commissioner, and Leslie Johnson, wife of the current county executive — lacks leadership experience. Polk offers an interesting data-driven approach for measuring leadership performance; however, his resolute stances may make him a polarizing force on the council.

Arthur Turner, chairman of the Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee, has helped promote economic development, but his embarrassing disputes with union leaders raise concerns about his ability to handle county conflicts.

- District 7: Constituent area includes Bradbury Heights, Capitol Heights, Coral Hills, Hillcrest Heights, Seat Pleasant and Suitland.

Darrell Miller, former mayor of Capitol Heights, is the strongest contender in a race with no standout candidates.

Miller served four years overseeing the roughly $2.5 million budget of Capitol Heights. He took a grant-focused approach while at the helm — which he says bore fruit after he failed to win re-election this year. He plans to continue that approach on the county level to jumpstart economic development, pay for road improvements and build more recreational centers, but is unable to provide a solid long-term solution void of the grants.

Still, Miller has the combination of leadership experience, an outlined strategy for district and county improvements and focus that other candidates lack.

Challenger Eugene Grant, mayor of Seat Pleasant, outlines some specific plans for economic development in District 7 but his strategy is too reliant on partnerships and community engagement, which can be unreliable. Candidate Natasha Shamone-Gilmore's strengths are her community and leadership experience, but she offers few details.

- District 8: Constituent area includes Camp Springs, Clinton, Forest Heights, Fort Washington, Glass Manor, Marlow Heights, Oxon Hill and Temple Hills.

In a race with several competent, accomplished candidates who would do well on the job, Jerry Mathis, a Fort Washington real estate agent and community leader, gets the nod. Mathis provides solid, well thought-out plans to redefine the county's economy and schools, and he has the business and community advocacy experience to support his vision. He has long been at the forefront of county issues, successfully fighting for historic preservation and local business.

Among the race's other top contenders is Archie O'Neil, a former county police commander who has strong plans for capitalizing off National Harbor's success and wants to improve Metro access.

- District 9: Constituent area includes Accokeek, Aquasco, Baden, Brandywine, Camp Springs, Cheltenham, Clinton, Croom, Eagle Harbor, Fort Washington, Joint Base Andrews, Piscataway and Upper Marlboro.

Attorneys Mel Franklin and Tamara Davis Brown, two top-notch professionals and community leaders, would both thrive excel in replacing outgoing Councilwoman Marilynn M. Bland.

Our nod narrowly goes to Franklin, a Marlton resident and Maryland assistant attorney general, who has hit the ground running with improvement strategies that address all facets of the economically and demographically diverse district. Franklin has smart plans for fostering growth and development in the district's developing tier and around Metro stations, attracting business with incentives while ensuring the necessary infrastructure will support growth, and preserving the rural tier with stricter zoning protections.

Brown of Clinton also is a talented leader and a proven advocate for residents, with solid plans for sustainable economic development, preservation of the rural tier and transit-oriented development.

However, Franklin, who is a member of the board of trustees for Prince George's Community College, the board of the Indian Head Highway Area Action Council and the county's Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee, has the leadership experience to be a powerhouse on the council.

Zalee Harris a.k.a. Maryland's Education Doctor
Read and research more - this is not a game!
301-861-0303
www.zaleeharris.com
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PRESS RELEASE

July 8, 2010
Mount Rainier
One Municipal Place
Mount Rainier, MD 20712

Contact: Jeannelle Wallace

Email: jwallace@mountrainiermd.org

Phone: 301-985-6585

Mount Rainier, Maryland -- Councilmember Alta Morton, Council Representative for Ward One died this morning, (Thursday, July 8, 2010) at Holy Cross Hospital after years of struggling with sickle cell anemia. She was 50 at the time of her death. Ms. Morton had been serving as a Ward One representative since being elected in May 2005 and re-elected in May 2009. Her death is a devastating loss, not just to the City of Mount Rainier, but to our community and Prince George's County.

During her 50 years, Ms. Morton achieved many milestones, one of which was her election to the Mount Rainier City Council. Ms. Morton was the Policy Director to Prince George’s County Councilwoman Andrea Harrison and Liaison to District 5 municipalities, where she worked on land use, planning and development.

Ms. Morton had over 20 years combined experience in community and economic development. Her strength and experience was in the housing industry, and included mortgage lending, and counseling consumers, project management, as well as drafting architectural plans and providing other visual materials. She worked with Community Development Block Grants; HOME; housing trust fund and bond programs; and various task forces and committees; as well as non-profit boards including Gateway Community Development Corporation (CDC) and the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area (ATHA).

Ms. Morton had one daughter, Alexandra, who lived with her and is attending American University. Prior to her death Ms. Morton resided in Mount Rainier with her partner, Mario Sanchez, and their four boxer dogs. In addition to Alexandra and Mario, she leaves to mourn her passing, her parents and a host of friends and relatives.

The family is making arrangements and those will be announced once finalized.

SOUNDING OFF

There are so many ways to communicate and to stay in touch today that we are often overloaded.

There is snail-mail, email, telephones, social networks, and on and on. Sometimes I believe that we are moving toward a society that does not wish to interact with people. I heard the other day, that "young people" do not know how to interact with adults except through social networks, where they do NOT have to meet, talk with or otherwise interact with anyone! "They cannot relate. They don't do well with people. If you wish to interact with them, then you had better learn the various social networks."

Is this the world we really want for our children? As a child, I was taught that one-on-one communication was the number one way to market yourself.

Do we wonder why children are being suspended/expelled from elementary school? We are not teaching them basic survival skills in a family, community, city, state, country or the world. We must be able to turn this around.

People to People Communications is still a very important skill, and we should foster it in our children, homes, schools, workplaces, and in our communities.

Let's take our children out from behind the computers, game boys, nintendos, etc., and teach them the art of communications. When EVERYTHING is so impersonal, how do we expect them to develop the proper emotions about different situations. Computers/game machines, etc. crash and you replace them. People crash and are NOT replaceable.

If we do not rectify the direction that our youth are headed, we will NOT be able to build enough jails; hire enough police; or provide any sense of safety and security in the not so distant future.

Let's start a serious dialogue about the need to preserve our "humaness." Your comments are invited.

APRIL 1, 2010 IS HERE!

NATIONAL CENSUS DAY HAS ARRIVED!

According to the Census Bureau, MOUNT RAINIANS have only turned in 47% of the census form mailed out to them!

• Everyone in the United States must be counted. This includes people of all ages, races, ethnic groups; citizens and noncitizens.

• Census forms will be delivered or mailed to households in March 2010.

• Households should complete and mail back their forms upon receipt. Remember, we can’t move forward until you mail it back.

• Census Day is April 1, 2010. Responses to the census form should include everyone who will be living at your address on that date. (It is not necessary to wait until Census Day to return census forms, however. Forms should be returned as quickly as possible.) People should be counted at the residence where they live or sleep most of the time.

• The individual in whose name the housing unit is rented or owned should complete the form on behalf of every person living in the residence, both relatives and nonrelatives.

• Census workers will visit households that do not return forms to take the count in person.

MOUNT RAINIANS must be counted, IF WE ARE TO GET OUR FAIR SHARE OF THE more than $400 billion per year in federal funding to be distributed based on the 2010 CENSUS.
FILL OUT AND SEND IN YOUR CENSUS FORM TODAY!

Got YOUR CENSUS QUESTIONNAIRE? MAIL IT IN TODAY!

Just a quick update to let you know that by now census forms have been mailed or hand-delivered to nearly all households across the U.S., and we’re happy to report that the census is on time and on budget. Staying on budget will depend, of course, on mail participation and not having to send census takers out to households that didn’t mail back their forms.

If every household completed and mailed back their census form, taxpayers could reduce the cost of taking the census by $1.5 billion. We appreciate all of your efforts to ensure full participation from your community.

We are getting reports from a small number of communities that they are receiving census questionnaires that have a city in the address on the envelope that is different than whatthey usually see on their mail.

This does NOT mean that they will be counted in the city listed in the mailing address on the envelope. The census questionnaire contains a bar code that ensures that census respondents are counted at the physical location where they received their form, not the postal delivery address.
The 2010 Census mail-out is the largest single delivery ever undertaken by the United States – over 120 million forms. To streamline delivery in a mailing this large, packages of forms were sometimes lumped together under the same city name. This is not a problem; for every address there are multiple post office names that are perfectly acceptable for accurate delivery.
As long as the cities in question are served by the same post office, the forms are delivered correctly, and again, the actual physical location of the household is included in the bar code. Throughout the country the census forms are being delivered to the correct location, even those that do not have a city that people are used to seeing on their mail.

The 2010 Census Address List is the most accurate ever compiled. Throughout the decade census employees have been building the census address list. This process included the massive effort to bring census maps into GPS alignment, regularly updating address information, and working with every municipality in the country to update boundaries and check addresses. This process culminated with census employees walking every street in America to make sure each household is in the correct geographic location long before the forms were addressed and mailed.
It’s all part of the Census Bureau’s mission to “Count Everyone Once – and Only Once – And In the Right Place.”

** The Census Bureau will begin posting daily mail participation rates on our Web site next week. Visit the site now to see how your community did in Census 2000, and come back next week to get a daily rate tracker for your community you can embed on your own Web pages. **

Link: http://2010.census.gov/2010census/2000map/

An OPEN LETTER to the Residents of Mount Rainier Maryland

An OPEN LETTER to the Residents of Mount Rainier Maryland

Are you up for the "Take 10" challenge?

On behalf of the U.S. Census Bureau, and the residents of Mount Rainier, I am challenging each of you to join me in making history by helping me to get every man, woman and child counted in MOUNT RAINIER by completing and mailing back the 2010 Census questionnaire during the 2010 Census.

During each Decennial Census, the Census Bureau undertakes the count of every person residing in the United States, as mandated by Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution. To encourage everyone to take 10 minutes to answer the 10 simple questions on the 2010 Census form, the Census Bureau has launched the "Take 10" campaign. Through "Take 10," you can visit http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/ to get updates on the proportion of households that have mailed back the 2010 Census forms. You also will be able to view differences between your community's participation rates and those of neighboring communities or other areas across the country.

The "Take 10" Challenge - Tools to Inspire the Mail Back Participation Rates for the 2010 Census

During the 2000 Census, 72 percent of occupied households mailed back their forms. In 2010, the Census Bureau is challenging communities to do even better. As the Mayor of Mount Rainier, I am challenging you to help me make sure that every resident in Mount Rainier is counted. The Census Bureau's "Take 10" campaign offers a wide range of tools for our community to meet this challenge. These include:

• An interactive, map-based, "Take 10" Web site that allows local areas to track and compare their 2010 Census mail back participation rates, which will be updated on a daily basis at http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/, and to look up their 2000 Census participation rates.
• An electronic toolkit is available which includes talking points, sample speeches, new releases, newsletter copy, event suggestions, flyers, stickers, and doorknob hanger templates, and more.
• Suggestions on how to use friendly competition with other communities to inspire your community to participate in the census.

As a resident of Mount Rainier, you play an important role in making sure we can the dollars we need to continue revitalizing our community. You can also make sure that your neighbors complete mail back their forms. The 2010 Census questionnaires will be delivered from March 15-17, 2010. From the time the forms are delivered until the closing of the mail campaign at the end of April, you have the opportunity to complete and mail this importance document back to the Census Bureau. I believe that you can do this and the you can and will encourage your neighbors to also complete and return their census form.

The stakes are high; an accurate count of our population helps to ensure that our municipality receives its fair share of federal funding that will be allocated based on our population. This funding includes resources for services, such as health care, education, and roads.

You must complete and mail back your census forms between March 15, 2010 and April 15, 2010. The good news is that the 2010 Census questionnaire is one of the shortest in history-just 10 questions that only take about 10 minutes to complete. I hope the CITY OF MOUNT RAINIER can count on you to complete and return your census questionnaire, and to encourage your neighbors to participate in the 2010 Census.

Visit http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/ now to see your area's 2000 Census mail participation rate and check the site daily for updates.

The 2010 Census: It's in our Hands.

Sincerely,


Malinda Miles
Mayor
Mount Rainier, Maryland

The City of Mount Rainier is proud to announce that the United States Army Drill Team will perform their intricate and inspiring drill routine at this year’s National Night Out on August 4th. Their performance will begin at 7 pm so come out and enjoy an exciting evening of military precision!

The U.S. Army Drill Team, one of the 3rd U.S. Infantry's renowned specialty units, has earned international acclaim through its breathtaking routines with bayonet-tipped 1903 Springfield rifles. Organized to support The Old Guard's ceremonial commitments, the Drill Team has thrilled millions of youngsters and proud Americans for more than 25 years with their daring and complex performances. When not performing for the President or visiting dignitaries and heads of state, the Drill Team travels extensively supporting Army recruitment, acting as "good-will ambassadors" for the Army and participating in major military and civic functions.
Michael E. Scott

Community Shredding Day

Please mark you calendars for Saturday July 18th, 2009 for community shredding day. Priority One Shredding of Bowie, Maryland will provide free personal shredding services and secure document destruction from 8 am until 11am at the Bunker Hill Fire Station. Priority One Shredding is a leading provider of personal and business secure document destruction. Residents are welcome to watch their documents being destroyed, and once the shredding process is completed, the remains are locked in the mobile destruction unit until the paper is recycled. Priority One will also provide residents with a variety of identity theft prevention information free of charge.

If you miss the community shredding day on July 18th, be sure to bring your bulk documents to National Night Out. Priority One will be onsite from 6-9 pm providing shredding services to residents, again free of charge.

FROM THE DESK OF THE MAYOR JULY 2009

The Maryland Municipal League (MML) represents the 157 towns, cities, and special districts in the State of Maryland. Annually, it hosts, on behalf of the municipalities and special districts, a convention that consists of workshops, vendors and exhibitors, and special sessions on issues that impact local governments. This year, core workshops included the following topics:

Consensus and Team Building
Basic Risk Management
Impact of Foreclosure on Code Enforcement
Municipal Officials Liability
Structure of Municipal Government
Using Geocache for Economic Development
Issues and Answers: MDE and State Planning
Traffic Calming 101
Why We Need Urban Pocket Parks
Speed Cameras Are Finally Legal, Now What?
Employee Wellness Programs
Green Building Codes
Roundtable: Cabinet Secretaries
Maryland Public Information Act
Overcrowding Forum
Smart Growth
Strategies for Reducing the Waste Stream
Non-Point Source Pollution

In addition to workshops and networking, the MML also recognizes municipalities for their accomplishments during the year. This year, Mount Rainier received a standing ovation for the gallant and heroic work of Corporal Eddie Murphy. Last year, Corporal Murphy saved the life of a small child in our community. The child had stopped breathing when he arrived on the scene. He immediately took charge of the situation, rendered CPR until the EMS unit arrived and took over, and worked with the parents to make sure that they were okay. For this heroic moment, Corporal Murphy received the "Employee of the Year Award." Mount Rainier is proud to have such dedicated employees. KUDOS Officer Murphy.

Yes, there were parties, receptions, business meetings, and a host of other activities available to all participants. I must say, however, that yours truly attended many of the workshops as possible, as well as the various business meetings and elections. As a result, I was re-elected to serve on MML's Board of Directors, and appointed to serve as chairperson of the MML's Communications Committee. Being on the MML Board of Directors provides another opportunity for Mount Rainier to be recognized as a "City on the Move." It also gives us a voice in determining what legislative items should be vigorously pursued (speed cameras, highway user fees, etc.) by MML during the legislative session.

As chair of the Communications Committee, I will have the opportunity to work with other legislators from around the State to come up with a theme or program that promotes municipal government while reaching out to help our children learn more about local government through the "If I Were Mayor Contest."

By attending this year's Convention, I was able to hear first-hand from County Executive Jack B. Johnson that the City would be awarded 8 to 12 summer jobs for some of our youths. Janis Lomax will be heading up the summer youth employment program. Since there will only be 8 to 12 slots this year, PLEASE make sure that your child registered with the County's Youth Employment Services and Summer Jobs Program, 9400 Peppercorn Place, Room 110, Largo, Maryland 20774, Tel: (301) 883-599, M-F 8:30am to 5:00pm.

Residents can learn more about the Maryland Municipal League by visiting their website a http://www.mdmunicipal.org. It is also a good site to help teach our children facts about Maryland. Thank you for letting me represent you at MML.

Mount Rainier Elections. Our election took place on May 4, and may seem like old news to some, but it is new news to others. On that day, more than three hundred(300) of a possible 3500 voters came out to have a voice in their City government. The headline in the Washington Post about local elections says it all " In Towns, Every Vote Can Pay Off, By Ovetta Wiggins and Nelson Hernandez, Washington Post Staff Writers, Thursday, May 14, 2009. In small municipalities, many residents do not see the need to stop there busy day to vote. They do not realize that it is local elected officials that are responsible for those little things in their everyday lives, e.g., trash removal, recycling, tree trimming, pot holes, street paving, sidewalk repairs, public safety, and yes those ever barking dogs. Your mayor and council are there for you, and it is up to you to elect those persons that will work for improvements in your City. Improvements within the City help to increase your property value and ensures the quality of life for all. To those 330+ residents who came out and voted in this election, THANK YOU! Although I ran uncontested, I appreciate immensely those 181 votes that I received, and extend a personal thank you to each one of you. I hope that you will continue to take an active role in Mount Rainier's growth and development.

Mayor and Council on Recess. If you have not already heard, the Mayor and Council voted at its last meeting that it would recess until the first Tuesday in September (September 1). Although we are on recess, we will be minding the shop. Special meetings of the Mayor and Council will be called as necessary to conduct business, and of course our staff will continue to carry out assigned functions. If you need any member of the Mayor and Council, do not hesitate to call. Our information is listed in this report, "The Message," Channels 21 and 70, as well as on our website www.mounrainiermd.org. We want to hear from you.

Contacting the Mayor and Council members. To contact the Mayor you should send an email to mayormiles@malindamiles.com and/or mayormiles@gmail.com. Both work, but only the "gmail" account can be viewed anywhere in the world. Therefore, it is the preferred account. You may also reach the Mayor by calling City Hall, 301-985-6585 and leaving a message. In previous years, I have made my cell phone number available, but it stays so full of voice mails, that it is impossible to return all of the calls. Rest assured that messages will be picked up and returned as quickly as humanly possible. If it is an emergency, PLEASE let staff know so that they can call and provide the nature of the urgency, and a speedy response can be provided.

Our Council members have provided the following as their contact information, and you are encouraged to use it when needed:
Ward 1: Alta Morton, Councilmember
Phone: 202-309-5455; altamm1@yahoo.com
Jimmy Tarlau, Councilmember
Phone: 301-335-6099; jtarlau@cwa-union.org
Ward 2 Ivy Thompson, Councilmember
Phone: 301-985-6585; friendsforivy@gmail.com
Bryan Knedler, Councilmember
Phone: 301-699-3134; bknedler@aol.com

People who often go unnoticed in City government. Mount Rainier has the most die-hard staff in municipal government. They respond to residents at the drop of a hat. They take verbal abuse (should have to, but they do). They do an outstanding job for the City for really low compensation, and they stay with us, year after year. The following persons (employees) are to be commended on their services to this City:

Graciella Carbonnel and Robert (Bob) Paige, the un-song husband and wife team of Mount Rainier -- Graciella and Bob have been with Mount Rainier for more than 20 years. This husband and wife team have worked behind the scenes with our cameras and television equipment for years. They produce and run our television productions. If it is on channel 21 or 70, they produced and recorded it. If there is a display for any event, including Main Street at the MML Convention, they designed and produced it. If there is an event going on in the City and shown on our local channel, they were there to record it. Our recorded historical history is a product of their love, labor and work for the City of Mount Rainier. In addition to their work in the studio, Graciella can be found driving our call-a-bus and performing other tasks for the City. See the MRTV report on our website for more details about the work of this fine couple, and our very fine employees. Thank you to both of you for all that you do!

Charles Stewart -- Charles is a long-time resident and employee of the City of Mount Rainier. Charles was one of the first to get his LCD licenses to drive our trash truck. He can be seen around the neighborhood cutting grass for our seniors, and working with other public work employee to ensure that our City stays clean. He is an un-song worker that most will not know, because he is not on the front line, he is behind the scenes. Thank you Charles for not only working for the Great City of Mount Rainier, but loving it enough to also live in it.

Captain Jimmy Stoots -- Home grown proof that you can raise um right in Mount Rainier. Captain Stoots came up through the ranks to become second in command in our police department. He did code enforcement, parking tickets, and went to the academy for police officers, he was in the police union, and now, we can be proud of his nearly twenty years in the employment of the City of Mount Rainier. Captain Stoots mother still resides in the Great City of Mount Rainier. She is also the widower of our former chief of police Denny Husk. Captain Stoots comes from a family of dedicated public servants, and we are honored to have him in our employ. Kudos to you for the service that you render to our Great City.

What you should know about Cable Television. Many years ago, the mayor and council voted unanimously to bring a cable franchise to our City. A few years back, the City confirmed its decision to give exclusive cable rights to Verizon and Comcast. What does that mean to you? Well, it means that the dish, and any other service that wishes to do business in Mount Rainier cannot. Why did the City make this decision? One of the reason given at the time was those awful looking grey dishes that are popping up in yards, on roofs, and everywhere else without any consideration for others or the aesthetics of our neighborhoods. Back then the dishes were huge and even more noticeable. Now, they are smaller, but comes in twos and threes. Another reason for the decision, was the revenue cable generates for the City. Currently the City receives almost $100,000 each year in revenue. This constant flow of revenue help the City to provide better communications to the community through our cable channels (which are free to the City). It provides the cameras needed to tape events and broadcast them so that those who are unable to attend can watch in their homes. All in all, the City has a twenty plus year commitment to Comcast and Verizon, and those dishes violate our contract. If you have services other than with Comcast and/or Verizon, you are in violation. Please take the necessary actions to correct this violation immediately. Thank you.

Mayor and Council passes Fiscal 2010 budget. The Charter requires that the City passes a budget for each fiscal year. Our fiscal year is July 1 to June 30 of each year. This year for the first time, in my history with the City, Mayor and Council passed its budget weeks before the due date. The budget highlights for the year are:
1. Continuation of the Homeowner's Property Tax Credit Program for residents who meet the Maryland State Homeowner's Property Tax Credit program and whose income is below $60,000.
2. Setting aside funding to continue improvements in youth recreation programs.
3. Funding to continue working with the removal of dead trees, limbs, branches and stumps.
4. Keeping our downtown area neat, clean, and welcoming.
5. Repayment on the new trash truck, patrol car, and the property acquisition loan for the Bass property.
(NOTE: There is also $10,000 in the budget for the preservation of windows and other maintenance of City Hall. Because of our approval for a grant from the Maryland Energy Administration, these funds will be used for other work in the City.)

There no increase in taxes again this year. In addition, Mayor and Council will not be decreasing any of the services currently enjoyed by our residents. In fact, over the past year, we have increased services and will continue to retain those services, e.g., the longer hours at the police station.

Identity Theft is Real. If you have not experienced this new crime phenomena, thank your luck stars. Many people in our region can tell you the horrors of identity theft. To help with the elimination of this crime in our community, the Mayor and Council will be hosting two events that will aid in protecting your identity.

The first event will be hosted on July 18. Corporal Murphy (the MML's employee of the year), is scheduling a community shredding day. This is an opportunity to bring out all of your "old" personal data and watch it become shredded and recycled for FREE.

This event will be repeated on "National Night Out (NNO)" on August 4, 2009 at Thomas Stone Elementary School. Come out and support these two events. They will help to de-clutter your house while making your personal data less attractive to crooks and thieves.

It's important to protect your personal information, and to take certain steps quickly to minimize the potential damage from identity theft if your information is accidentally disclosed or deliberately stolen:
• Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports, and review those reports carefully. Notifying one of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies is sufficient.
• Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently.
• File a police report with police department. This is an essential step in claiming your rights.
• Report your theft to the Federal Trade Commission, online, by phone, or by mail.
And before identity theft happens, learn how to safeguard your information at ftc.gov/idtheft.

Identity Theft: What To Do If Your Personal Information Has Been Compromised
The bottom line for online threats like phishing, spyware, and hackers is identity theft. ID theft occurs when someone uses your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other personal information without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. That's why it's important to protect your personal information. To find out how to deter and detect identity theft, visit ftc.gov/idtheft.
But, according to OnGuard Online, if your personal information is accidentally disclosed or deliberately stolen, taking certain steps quickly can minimize the potential for the theft of your identity.
• Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports, and review the reports carefully. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert; a call to one company is sufficient:
• TransUnion: www.transunion.com, 1-800-680-7289
• Experian: www.experian.com, 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
• Equifax: www.equifax.com, 1-800-525-6285
Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. Look for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you didn't open, and debts on your accounts that you can't explain.
Close accounts. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently:
• Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your okay. Follow up in writing, with copies of supporting documents.
• Use the ID Theft Affidavit to support your written statement.
• Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged.
• Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.
File a police report. File a report with law enforcement officials to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime. This report will also help you claim your rights as a victim of identity theft.
Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Your report helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations.

Online: ftc.gov/idtheft
By phone: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338) or TTY, 1-866-653-4261

Don't forget to MARK YOUR CALENDARS and REMEMBER to attend one or both of the Shred Day events planned for just for you by our police department.

Police Union contract negotiations coming up in September. Time does fly when you are having fun, and even more so, if you are not. It is that time of year when the Mayor and Council must look at its relationship with its employees. Currently, we have group of employees that are unionized our employees in the Police department. Because of the current state of the economy we will be holding the line on raises, COLAs, benefits, and salaries. As we make decisions around each of these issues, we will be keeping in mind the major financial increases that were made under the previous contract. Some of the increases made during last contract negotiations included:
1. Increases in health care
2. Increases in the retirement system, and
3. Increases in salaries and other benefits

These cross the board increases have had serious impact on our budget and budgetary decisions during the past fiscal year. The goal this year is to make minor improvements and adjustments as we move forward with retaining good working relationships with our employees.

Swine Flu -- For the record, Swine Flu has not gone away, and your Emergency Preparedness Team, headed by Tonie Davis and Chief Michael Scott, is still staying abreast of this virus. Supplies were purchased for this event and are ready for use should the need arise. Please continue to use good hygiene as this is the best preventive method for this disease. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of this disease, consult with your physician immediately.

Mount Rainier Day Was a major success. If you missed our annual celebration of fun, food, dance, and entertainment, you MUST mark your calendar for Mount Rainier Day 2010. It is the year that we celebrate our 100th birthday! The Centennial Committee, headed by Councilman Jimmy Tarlau is looking for a few good men, women and children with ideas for celebrating our birthday all year long. (See Councilman Tarlau's information later in this report.) Call him and sign up today. Committee meetings have already started.

Peace Month -- May 2009. Thank you MJ Park for making the month of May a true experience in peace. Activities were held throughout the City during the month of May in spite of all of the rain. The first event was the dedication of the Peace Garden at 30th and Arundel Road. This celebration was well attended and enjoyed by all. Other activities were held at Joe's Movement Emporium with MJ taking the lead. On behalf of the Mayor and Council, I extend a wholehearted thank you to MJ, Jerry, Timmy, and everyone else that worked so hard to make Mount Rainier one of the leading communities working for peace in our community.

Principal Janet Reed, continued the tradition of our Peace March on June12 at Mount Rainier Elementary School. Thank you Principal Reed!

My New Soap Box, Domestic Violence. Until recently, I probably thought very little about domestic violence. It was something that happens, but not in our neighborhood. Well, since March 30, 2009, my naive thinking has forever been changed. On that day, I started working for the Family Crisis Center, Inc. of Prince George's County (no it is not a County run Agency). It was also on that day, that I witnessed, a husband and wife fight and explode into the streets. Since I do not know the details of how it started or who started it, I will only say that I witnessed a man beat his wife so badly that he knocked out one or more of her front teeth! Blood was everywhere. We offered her protection, called the police, and provided basic care. Unfortunately, she chose to return home because she felt that she deserved the "beating," and had "nowhere" else to go.

Domestic violence is real, and it is happening right here in our community. We need to become outspoken and proactive in ridding our community of this kind of behavior. I spoke with our Chief, and he told me that this is not an isolated incident. Domestic violence is one of the primary calls to our police station. Our officers are frequently responding to these calls and have very few tools to use when they get there.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call 301-779-2100, and speak to someone. Or you may call the 24-hour Crisis Hotline at 301-731-2103. There will be someone there to help YOU, and it is FREE!

Websites that maybe of interest:
Malinda Miles --- www.malindamiles.com and http://themayorsspot.blogspot.com
Historic Mount Rainier Maryland --- http://www.mountrainiermd.org
Mount Rainier Police Department -- http://www.mountrainiermd.org/government/mrpd/index.html
Chief Scott's Blog -- http://mrpdchief.blogspot.com
Bunker Hill Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company --- http://www.mrvfd.org
Mount Rainier Elementary School --- http://www.pgcps.org/~mrainier/
Thomas Stone Elementary School --- http://www.pgcps.org/~tstone/index.htm
Hyattsville Middle School --- http://www.pgcps.org/~hyattsms/
Northwestern High School --- http://www.pgcps.pg.k12.md.us/~nwest
Prince George’s County Municipal Association http://www.mdmunicipal.org/chapterweb/pgcma
Maryland Municipal League --- http://www.mdmunicipal.org
Friends of the Mount Rainier Library (FOL) --- http://www.mtrainierfol.org/
Gateway Community Development Corporation www.gateway-cdc.org
Washington Metro Area Transit Service http://www.wmata.com/
Mount Rainier Business Association (MRBA) www.mrbassociation.org
H & F Fine Arts --- http://www.hffinearts.com
Cora B. Woods Senior Center --- http://www.pgparks.com/places/seniorctr.html#Cora%20B.%20Wood
The Washington Glass School -- http://washingtonglassstudio.com
Joe's Movement Emporium --- http://www.joesmovement.org/
The Family Crisis Center, Inc -- www.familycrisiscenter-pgco.org

PRE-CAUTIONS FOR THE SWINE FLU

With the outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus now affecting residents across the United States, and the possibility that some Maryland residents may have been infected with the disease, the Mayor & Council along with MRPD deemed it wise to let Mount Rainier residents know of precautions that individuals should take in order to minimize the possibility of being infected by this virus.

The most important precaution recommended by health officials is for individuals and families to use common sense and everyday actions to stay healthy. The Centers for Disease Control recommends the following precautions:
• Stay informed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website will be updated regularly as information becomes available. http://www.cdc.gov
• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing by infected people.
• Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. The CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.
• Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children, emergency warning signs that need immediate medical attention include:
o Fast breathing or trouble breathing
o Bluish skin color
o Not drinking enough fluids
o Not waking up or not interacting
o Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
o Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
o Fever with a rash
In adults, symptoms that need emergency medical attention include: o Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
o Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
o Sudden dizziness
o Confusion
o Severe or persistent vomiting
More detailed information about swine flu can be obtained by visiting one or more of the following web sites:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm

Prince George’s County Health Department:
http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/Government/AgencyIndex/Health/index.asp

District of Columbia Health Department:
http://newsroom.dc.gov/show.aspx?agency=doh§ion=17&release=16843&year=2009&file=file.aspx%2frelease%2f16843%2fSwineFlufactsheet.pdf

World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/en/

Chief Scott and I met this afternoon and are coordinating with City staff and CERT Coordinator, Tonie Davis, to get precautionary and educational materials out to our residents, schools, and church groups.

The City has obtained protective equipment for use by all staff. CERT members and Councilmembers will be issued protective masks, gloves and sanitizer for distribution as they deem necessary.

We must be prepared to aggressively respond to potential outbreaks of the virus and to take immediate precautions to prevent individual infection from occurring.

We will monitor the local situation on a daily basis and distribute any additional information to our residents as it is warranted or necessary.

In the next few days you will be able to access the City’s cable channels, Comcast channel 71, and Verizon channel 21 for information and updates.

RE-ELECT MALINDA MILES AS YOUR MAYOR

I am running for Re-ELECTION as your Mayor. I hope that you will vote for me on Monday, May 4, 2009. The Election will be held at Mount Rainier's City Hall, at One Municipal Place. Voting will start at 7:00am and will continue until 8:00pm.

If you voted in the last Presidential Election, you are registered and eligible to vote in Mount Rainier's City Elections. If you are NOT registered to Vote, you may register to vote in this election no later than April 2, 2009.

Here is voter registration information that you can use to register to vote.

Voter Registration Requirements for VOTING in Prince George's County/Mount Rainier MD

You must be:

A citizen of the United States.
Eighteen on or before the Election.
A resident of Mount Rainier, Prince George's County.
Not have been convicted of a felony, or if you have, you have completed serving a court ordered sentence of imprisonment, including any term of parole or probation for the conviction.
Not under guardianship for mental disability.

When to Register

21 days prior to any election (April 13, 2009).
11 days after any election.

Where and How to Register
Online -- You can download an Adobe Acrobat version of the voter registration form from the Maryland State Board of Elections at www.elections.state.md.us./citizens/registration/index.html

In Person -- The Motor Vehicle Administration, 10251 Central Avenue, Largo, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Motor Vehicle Administration, 11760 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Board of Elections, 16201 Trade Zone Avenue, Suite 108, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

By Mail -- Prince George's County Board of Elections, 16201 Trade Zone Avenue, Suite 108, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774


In School -- Each year the Board of Elections, in cooperation with the Prince George's Board of Education, conducts voter registration in every county high school.

Voter's Registration Data
Within two weeks of registration or a change in address, name or party affiliation, you should receive a Voter's Notification Card by mail. This card lists your polling place and the various districts (congressional, legislative, and councilmanic) in which your residence is located. Please save this card for reference.

If you do not receive your Voter's Notification Card within two weeks, please call the Board of Elections at 30... .

HEALTH CARE FOR UNINSURED
Atencion Medica a Personas sin Seguro Medico

The Governor’s Wellmobile, a University of Maryland, El Wellmobile de la Universidad de Maryland
School of Nursing, Mobile Medical Unit is on site in es una Clínica Médica Ambulante que llega al
Prince George’s & Montgomery Counties to provide area de Prince George’s y Montgomery para proveer
primary medical care, health services and medical atención medica a quienes no tienen seguro médico
referrals to Uninsured.

Monday/Lunes Tuesday/Martes Wednesday/Miercoles Thursday/Jueves Friday/Viernes

Deerfield Run Elementary
13000 Laurel-Bowie Road
Laurel, MD 20708
1st and 3rd Monday of the month, 1er Lunes de cada mes y 3er Lunes de cada mes
9 AM to 3 PM


Spring Hill Elementary School
6060 Springhill Drive
Greenbelt, MD 20770
2nd and 4th Monday of the month, 2do Lunes de cada mes y 4to Lunes de cada mes
9 AM to 3 PM
____________________________

CALL VANESSA ROBERTS
1-866-228-9668 FOR APPOINTMENTS Cool Springs Elementary

8910 Riggs Road,
Adelphi, MD 20783
Every Tuesday
Cada Martes
9 AM to 3 PM

_________________
CALL
VANESSA ROBERTS
1-866-228-9668 FOR APPOINTMENTS Adventist Church
Iglesia Adventista

8400 Carroll Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912

Every Wednesday
Cada Miércoles
9 AM to 3 PM

CALL
VANESSA ROBERTS
1-866-228-9668 FOR APPOINTMENTS Bladensburg Elementary
4915 Annapolis Road. Bladensburg, MD 20710
2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, 2do Jueves de cada mes y 4to Jueves de cada mes
1 PM to 7 PM
__________________________

Shining Star Missionary Church
5741 Martin Luther King, Jr. Hwy
Seat Pleasant, MD 20743
1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, 1er Lunes de cada mes y 3er Lunes de cada mes
11 AM to 3 PM

CALL VANESSA ROBERTS
1-866-228-9668 FOR APPOINTMENTS OFFICE

(CALL VANESSA ROBERTS
1-866-228-9668
FOR APPOINTMENT)

FOR APPOINTMENTS - CALL VANESSA ROBERTS @ 1-866-228-9668 - LEAVE MESSAGE
The Wellmobile Provides Healthcare for the Uninsured
Nurse Practitioners see patients and take care of their medical problems and Social Workers provide linkages and referrals to needed services

Services:
Sick visits
Full physical exams, including school and sports physicals
Simple screenings, including blood pressure and vision
Female exams and pap smears
Men’s exams

Referrals for:
Primary care providers
Emergency services
Assistance with applications for governmental assistance and health insurance

Am I Eligible for Services?
You are eligible for services if you:
Do not have medical insurance
Are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid
Have insurance with limited coverage or high deductible
Do not qualify for other state and federal healthcare programs

El Wellmobile proporciona asistencia medica para los no asegurados
Enfermeras Avanzadas prestan sus servicios para cuidar de sus problemas medicos y Trabajadores Sociales para establecer vinculos y referencias a servicios necesarios

Servicios:
Visitas por enfermedad
Examenes fisicos completos, incluyendo examenes
Fisicos requeridos por las escuelas y examenes fisicos de deportes
Examenes basicos, incluyendo presion arterial y vision
Examenes femeninos y pruebas de papanicolaou
Examenes para hombres y ninos tambien

Referencias Para:
Centors de atencion primaria
Los servicios de emergencia
Asistencia con las solicitudes del govierno y seguros de salud

Estoy Elegible por Servicios?
Usted es elegible para los servicios se usted:
No tiene seguro medico
No esta cubierto por Medicare o Medicaid
Tiene un seguro con cobertura limitada o un deducible alto
No califica para otros servicios estatales y/o federales para la atencion de la salud

BUDGET WORK SESSION

AGENDA

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2009

COUNCIL CHAMBERS, UPPER LEVEL

FISCAL YEAR 2010 PROPOSED BUDGET

PRESENTATION BY CITY MANAGER

ELECTION BOARD MEMBERS NEEDED FOR MOUNT RAINIER ELECTION

At a regular meeting of the Mayor and Council on March 3, 2009, Resolution 2-2009 was passed appointing members to the City of Mount Rainier Board of Elections for a two year term. The next city election is scheduled for May 4, 2009 at City Hall. The polls will be open 7:00 am until 8:00 pm on Election Day. You may be required to work one other day on April 6, 2009 which is the candidate filing deadline date and all candidates running for election or re-election are certified.

Election judges are paid a stipend of $100 for each day worked (usually 1 or 2 days) and reimbursed for food purchased on Election Day which is usually a 13-14 hour day. If you are interested please contact the City Manager at City Hall at 301-985-6585 or notify either the Mayor or one of the council members. Contact information is available on the city’s website at www.mountrainiermd.org.

Greeting residents of Mount Rainier Maryland.

It has been four years since I campaigned and asked for your vote to elect me as Mayor of our City. Although it seems like yesterday, it is that time again, and I am writing to ask you to allow me to represent our City another four years.

What have I done during the past four years you might ask, and that is a very fair question. So, listed below are a few highlights that I believe has happened in our City since you elected me as your Mayor.

1. Your Mayor and Council has acted in a professional manner. There has been disagreements over various issues, but through it all your Mayor and Council remained professional. We debated the issues in the public forum. We did our homework by researching the issues, turning to the experts, and following the will of the people. We set the tone for behavior at our Council meetings, and you our residents acted accordingly.

2. Your Mayor and Council increased the flow of revenue in the City from difference sources of funding. We went after grants and partnerships that benefitted our community. Our partnership include two MOU with the Town of Brentwood for a regular police officer and a community police officer. This partnership in particular allowed our police officers to cross borders to follow and stop crime running in and out of our City. A few major arrests were made that increased the safety of our citizens and those in Brentwood without any additional cost to the City. This partnership also resulted in the increase of police officers for Mount Rainier that resulted in a high net return from the State of Maryland on the number of officers working in our police department. It also resulted in an increase in the City's budget by Brentwood paying for our services through a Community Legacy Grant ($90,000 and $70,000)from the County, and the Town of Brentwood voting to allow the City to provide one full time officer exclusively for their community. This partnership also resulted in two new police cars to patrol our streets that did not come out of the City's coffers.

3. The City has had high visibility from Governors, Lieutenant Governors, our delegates, and other legislators as well as from the media. Mount Rainier has become a destination for many who are seeking homes, entertainment, and just a day away from home. This is not at the level the Mayor and Council would like, but it certainly does not feel bad to be one of the best places to live in the Washington area. Need improvements? Absolutely, and the Mayor and Council are geared up and working constantly to keep this momentum up. To bring visitors to our City we are participating in the Maryland Municipal League's Geocaching program. If you have not heard about it you will hear more over the next few months. It is a cool way to get visitors to come and shop at our stores, and visit our City as they search for hidden treasures and seek to win a very prestigious medal that is numbered and registered at MML.

4. The City has been represented at each of the Legislative session on legislation that was of importance to the City for grants, bonds, public safety and a host of other legislation. This representation is important, if we are to compete with other municipalities for the scarce dollars that become available through those sources. Our delegates need to know what we want, what we need, and our help in telling the story to other delegations. Your Mayor has been active and visible, at home, at the County, in the State and with our Federal delegation. Meetings have been attended, letters have been written, telephone calls made, and emails sent as needed to ensure Mount Rainier's place at the table.

5. Recreation was also one of the winners during the past four years. Residents asked for and your Mayor and Council dug deep and came up with resources to make recreation a priority in this City. Basketball came back. The children continue to show their appreciation by being on the new court almost every day. They are not hanging out on the apartment stoops and value police time is not being used as often to chase them away. The skate park is not up and in use and the Mayor and Council had hoped, but valuable hours have gone into making this a reality. The Mayor and Council continue to work with Maryland National Capital Park and Planning to get the $175,000 spent for the park, and because of the diligence, the park should be completed by September, but no later than December. Summer programs and after school programs have been ongoing and increasing.

6. The City has won at least three additional awards for its creative approaches. The City won an award for the Tool Shed that provides residents with tools to use without having to purchase them for that one time use. The City won an award for its Bicycle Coop that provides youths and residents of all ages an opportunity to own a bike, learn how to fix them and use them to reduce the use of cars on our City streets. The City also won the Banner City award two years in a row for its ability to promote itself through meetings, networking, and attendance at various events. The City did not get the award, but for the first time in our history, the students at Thomas Stone Elementary won first, second, and third place in the "If I Were Mayor Contest for District 9. This program was promoted by the Mayor and Council in our two elementary schools with the fourth grade classes. This is an honor because the City gets the publicity for good schools, interested municipal officials, and newspaper coverage.

7. Better communication at all levels. There continue to be a vacuum in communication, but it is getting smaller every day. Every available resource is being used to help our residents know what is going on in the City. We use our two public channels (Verizon and Comcast) to provide up to date news about what is happening in the City; our website to provide information about the rules and regulations governing our City as well as other information that can be used to help our residents. In addition, the City publishes monthly its Newsletter that is distributed throughout the City at a cost of about $8,000. The City has reached out to businesses, and community groups to provide information. The Mayor and Council continue to look for avenues to increase citizen awareness and participation.

8. As in any community public safety continue to be high on the list. Since taking office, the City's police force has gone from 12 to 18; the Chief of Police is in almost everyone's ' living room with useful tips on safety, the Chief's Blog, and Chats with the Chief. Although not yet transparent, our police department has moved into the twenty-first century with information sharing with our residents. The hours of operation have also been increased to better coincide with our downtown needs. Mutual agreements have been worked out with some of our businesses to curb the sale of alcohol, and as was noted by one of my colleagues, the number of places that sale alcoholic beverages has been cut in half. Patrols are regular and visibility of our officers is at its highest in 40 years. Residents feel safe and a part of the City's public safety program.

9. The City's financial situation has improved drastically over the past four years. When I returned to the Council, the City was spending upward to $30,000 to get its audit done. The audit t was more than 18 months past due. The State was hounding us for continuing to be late, and our financial state was anybody's guess. Working with the Mayor and Council we hired a few people to get our books in order without immediate success. However, the Mayor and Council took a leap of faith and expended the money necessary to hire a real financial person to handle the City's financial affairs, and today, our audit cost less than $15,000, and is usually done within one month, and always filed with the State in a timely manner. Our finances are in order! Revenue and expenditures are adequately documented, and easily accessible to all. Our financial standing is good in the financial community. Because of our improved financial standing, the City was able to raise the funds to purchase the old Bass building, and will soon raise it for future development. The City's coffers are not running over with funds, but we were able to reach out and help some of our seniors and others by giving a tax credit for two years in a row. The tax credits did not exceed $15,000 total, but meant a lot to those who received them.

10. The staff of the City was placed in better financial standing through increases in raises, health benefits and retirement benefits. Some of the major complaints of staff prior to this Mayor and Council was the inaccuracies in their pay checks, the lateness in the payment of their benefits, the quality of the benefits that were offered by the City, and the frequent lateness of payroll. This Mayor and Council has been diligent in making sure that these complaints were addressed and corrected. Payroll is on time, and is accurate. Health care and pension benefits have been greatly increased. Disparities in wages have been aggressively been dealt with and corrected. Personnel and have written guidelines to follow, and are treated with decency and respect by Mayor and Council. Because of these changes our turnover has been reduced, injuries on the job are fewer, call outs are lower and because of these changes, our insurance rates have gone down helping with our financial bottom-line. With better financial management in place the City has been able to take on and overcome challenges that in the past had kept us from moving forward.

There are lots of other improvements and changes that have occurred over the past four years that can be seen in our City. These changes came about because you have a GOOD Mayor and Council in place. Men and women that are not only residents of the City, but leaders with a vision.

I have been and continue to be proud of this Council, and would appreciate greatly the opportunity to continue to work with them. Being Mayor is a challenging job. There are NO special perks. I only get one vote. I cannot veto or override any decision of the Council, and I don't have special dispensation to run the staff. The only differences between the Mayor and other Councilmembers is that the Mayor gets to run the meetings and call special meetings as necessary. Well there is one other difference, the Mayor is paid $6,800 a year, about $2,000 more than the Councilmembers. Outside of those differences, we are the same under our Charter. Any three (3) votes of the Mayor and Council passes or defeat a motion or an action.

Make no mistake, under this Council I have been given the privilege of attending to and addressing most issues on behalf of the Council, but that is because, I believe, the working relationship that we have established. There is a level of trust that exist, and has been continuously nurtured. Even when we do not see eye-to-eye, we respect the other person's position and views. We have managed to eliminate name calling and profanity. We have been able to share the authority that you the people have given us to run and manage our City using our skills and expertise. This is a different approach to government, but it has worked for us in Mount Rainier, and I am asking for another term of office to represent you and this "great" City.

City elections will be held on the first Monday in May at the Mount Rainier City Hall. You are encouraged to come out and vote. If you are not registered to vote, you may get voting information at http://elections.state.md.us/voter_registration/application.html. You must be registered by close of business on or before April 3, 2009. If you voted in the last November's election for President Barack Obama, you are registered to vote in Mount Rainier's City election.

I surely hope that you will vote, and that you will vote for me as your Mayor.

Malinda Miles
Mayor
Mount Rainier Maryland

PGCMA RECEPTION Feb 16, 2009

Please join PGCMA in Annapolis for its annual Legislative Reception on Monday February 16 (the sixteenth) at 6:00pm on the first floor of the Miller Senate Office Building. The address is 11 Bladen St, Annapolis MD 21401.

Parking is free after 6pm at the Calvert St garage and it's a short walk across the street. Or park at the Visitors Center at West & Calvert for a small fee. To find the entrance to the Miller Building, stand with your back to the front doors of the Capitol and walk straight ahead maybe 500 feet down the left side of the street. Session begins at 8pm on Monday nights so stay for the fun! See you there!

MEET THE GOVERNOR Feb 11, 2009

For more information on the event, contact Ashley's office at 410-974-5024. YOU MUST REGISTER AT 6PM IF YOU WANT TO ASK QUESTIONS.

Prince George’s County Elected Officials: Please see the attached invitation to attend the Governor’s Town Hall meeting in Prince George ’s County Wednesday (February 11, 2009) evening, 6:30pm at Dr. Henry Wise Jr. High School. Please feel free to forward this invite to your friends, family, colleagues, and constituents in your area. We are expecting a large crowd, and the entire cabinet will be on hand to assist citizens with the various government programs the state has to offer. Thank you very much and please let me know if you have questions. Best, Ashley Ashley R. Valis Intergovernmental Affairs Office of Governor Martin O’Malley 100 State Circle Annapolis , MD 21401 410-974-5024 Office 443-336-2800Cell avalis@gov.state.md.us

Recapping 2008 with an Eye on 2009

January 24, 2009

The year 2009 has already proven to be a awesome year. We have had extremely cold temperatures, the preparation and swearing in of the 44th President of the United States, Mr. Barack Obama just to mention two of the major events. Another awesome fact has gone unnoticed, but occurred right here at home, in the City of Mount Rainier is another full year of service from its Mayor and Council, staff, committees, and volunteers! Together they have made a major difference in all aspects of life here in Mount Rainier. The Following is a review of some of the major changes here at home during 2008.

1. Our Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Michael Scott, stepped up its policing and public relations through more regular meetings, communications, and visibility in our community. The Police Department extended its hours of operation from 9:00am to 11:00pm to provide better access to our residents, and continued to provide full-time police coverage to our sister municipality, Brentwood. Through this partnership, the leadership of the Chief, and the improved finances of the City, our Police force has been at its highest -- 18 sworn officers, and a civilian force that continues to get high marks.

2. For the second time, property rebates were given out to residents with incomes of $60,000 or less. Mount Rainier's lead in this has led other cities such as Hyattsville to implement the Mount Rainier model of giving back to its most needed residents.

3. Recreation for our youth became a true reality in Mount Rainier with the reinstatement of the basketball court at 30th and Arundel and drop-in basketball at Thomas Stone Elementary, youth bands and programs at Joe's Movement Emporium, after school programs at our schools, successful summer around the City in our churches, businesses, and schools. Mirna Mejia, a Mount Rainier resident brought organized soccer to Mount Rainier, and has now expanded it to 6th and 7th graders. It is called the Mount Rainier Community Soccer Club. Mount Rainier and Brentwood came together to form the Joint Mount Rainier Brentwood Recreation Council to work with Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC).

4. Mount Rainier Day was bigger than ever. We had more vendors, TWO Bands, and dignitaries from Maryland and DC. The major accomplishment announced during Mount Rainier Day was the partnership with the District of Columbia that is moving forward, and should continue to move as we take the Gateway Arts District across the DC line.

5. New Parking meters were installed, and their hours changed to reflect the change in usage and the new hours of our liquor stores and other businesses.

6. Little Friends for Peace continued to demonstrate how to meet and deal with violence while maintaining and keeping peace. Mount Rainier Elementary School once again held its annual Peace Parade to help our children focus on peaceful solutions to problems.

7. Began producing and distributing the Message in Spanish so that our Hispanic neighbors could participate in our City in an informed manner.

8. Mount Rainier Cable Television became a more visible part of our community with the addition of Verizon, and new programs such as "On Air With the Mayor," "News You Can Use," CitiScape," and pictures shown on MRTV during Council meetings and Work Sessions that related to the issue under discussion.

9. Mount Rainier Library received a make-over and eight new computers from the Bill Gates Foundation.

10. The Mount Rainier Bike Coop found a new home at 3601 Bunker Hill Road. This move was in direct response to the growth of the Bike Coop and the need to provide move use of 3601 Bunker Hill Road. The Bike Coop and its members continue to put Mount Rainier on the map with its innovations and youth participation.

11. The Call-A-Bus continues to bring many of our residents to and from their doctors' appointments, shopping, and to City events. It also continues to provide transportation for some of our students to recreation activities and after school care. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9: am to 3:30 pm. For reservations and additional information, call 301-985-6586.

12. Foreclosures became a major concern for the County and the nation, but Mount Rainier was NOT hit as hard as some of its neighbors. Our housing prices went down, but did not hit rock bottom. Our City finances also took a hit, but we were able to come through the year relatively unscathed.

13. The City began using temporary speed humps to help calm traffic in and around our schools.

14. Senator David Harrington was sworn in as the new Senator for the 47th Legislative District, and hit the ground running with a number of visits to the City of Mount Rainier to introduce himself and to identify our needs. He has continued to make himself available and has taken the lead in working with the municipalities in District 47 to be included in the Federal stimulus package.

15. The City initiated its own program in electronic recycling. Added a new trash truck to its fleet, and grappled with tipping fees, regular recycling, the need to renovate our Public Works Department. Although the City did not increase staffing in this department, it is one of the first departments in the City to increase its staff size through the use of long-term temporary employees from work programs.

16. Mount Rainier once again partnered with Brentwood to observe National Night Out (NNO) at Thomas Stone Elementary School. This annual event had a huge and wonderful turnout, and was proclaimed by many as the largest and best NNO in the County.

17. Mount Rainier began to rebuild its relationship with the Gateway CDC (representing Mount Rainier, Brentwood and North Brentwood), after many years of mistrust and an inability to work together on projects that were beneficial (e.g., the facade program)to Mount Rainier. With the new director in place it appears that Mount Rainier and Gateway CDC will be working together to rebuild trust and partnerships throughout the Gateway Arts District with immediate attention to the facade program on 34th Street.

18. Jodi-Beth McCain led the City through the needed steps to approve a corn co-op at 3601 Bunker Hill Road. Although not yet in operation, the City is looking forward to making the Corn Bin a reality in 2009. This just one more step for the City in its efforts to go green and to save our environment.

19. The City Council voted unanimously in August to purchase the Bass properties in the 3200 block of Rhode Island Ave. for the negotiated price of $953,000 (the appraised value). In December 2008, the Bass property was purchased by the City after the City received a 1.2 million bond from Sun Trust Bank. Currently the City is looking to raise the buildings on the property and convert the lot to parking until it can fine a developer.

20. Finally, Mount Rainier witnessed the largest voter turnout in its history on November 4, 2008. Lines were wrapped around the schools, and people waited patiently to cast their votes. This was a milestone in the City, and contributed to the overwhelming election of Senator Barack Obama as 44th President of the United States of America.

There is change in America, but there is change in Mount Rainier. Our City is growing in population, resources, the number of youth, and the number of seniors. With this growth comes the need for more services. Mayor and Council are beginning the budget process, and we already know that this year there will be major cuts in funds from the State and the County. We also know that there are projects underway that must be funded.

GOALS FOR 2009
1. Pass a balanced budget prior to June 30, 2009

2. Build the skate park prior to November 2009

3. Raise the buildings on the Bass property and build a public/commuter parking lot

4. Identify new sources of funding to supplement current funding stream

5. Install a regular traffic light on Queens Chapel Road, and replace the current walk light

6. Implement and complete the facade program on 34th Street

7. Identify programs that qualify the City for funding under the Federal Stimulus Package

8. Move forward with the development of new library for the citizens of Mount Rainier

9. Continue to build on partnerships with neighboring municipalities, and to collaborate with them on various funding projects

10. Continue to look for ways to expand the City's commercial base

11. Work more closely with the 47th Legislative Team in ensuring the sovereignty of Mount Rainier

12. Identify and bring to Mount Rainier a Federal, State, or County program that services residents in Mount Rainier and in the neighboring municipalities.

13. Continue working with the District of Columbia on the Rhode Island Avenue project that will expand the Gateway Arts District into the District.

14. Improve and the overall financial condition of the City without raising taxes; while increasing and/or improving services.

15. Continue to bring positive recognition to the City of Mount Rainier as we prepare to celebrate our 100th year anniversary.

16. Moving forward in the City's efforts to go green. This is an important movement for the City as we as a nation and part of the global community see the effects of global warming. Recycling is a major stride in the right direction, but we need to do more. For the past few month the Mayor and Council has discussed recycling bins. If you do not have one, select one of your trash cans and place your recyclables in it and set it on the curb on Fridays. Public Works will collect it. We are also discussing many other environmentally friendly projects that will help save our environment.

The Maryland General Assembly is back in session, and you are invited and encouraged to stay in touch with our representatives (Senator David Harrington; Delegates Doyle Neimann, Victor Ramirez, and Jolene Ivey; County Councilman Will Campos). The Governor and everyone else is predicting a very lean year for the State. Cuts will be made to critical programs, but we need to make sure that those who represent us remember that we are an older municipality with limited resources and income. Every dollar they take away from us has a major impact on our future growth and development.

The Limited Partnership with Landmark LLC. This has kind of fizzled. I am not sure where we are at this time. A few months ago, the City received a letter suggesting that the market is so bad that maybe it is a good time to end our contract with them and wait on the market. As noted earlier, the City has purchased the Bass property. Landmark continues to say that their ability to move is contingent on taking control of all of the properties (funeral home, Bass, and Thrifty's). This has been an ongoing dialogue, with no results. The Council is in agreement that we should begin dissolution of the partnership, and seeking other alternatives. More on this during the coming year.

Crime Prevention an Crime Control. This continue to be a high priority, and our Police Department has done and continue to do an excellent job. As we move into the latter half of this fiscal year, we will receive a few additional police vehicles to replace the old ones, and continue to have good maintenance on the old ones. We will strive to maintain our contingency of police officers who are serving our residents at top quality. The station will continue to remain open until midnight to provide additional service to the community.

Planning for 2010 is under way. Mr. William Haskett, the father of one of our residents, has volunteered (pro bono) to write our history from 1985 to present. He is a retired professor from the University of the District of Columbia, and is quite well known in his field. We are honored to have him volunteer to write our history. Many of you will be called upon for your old pictures, news clippings, recollections, and documents. When called, please answer affirmatively so that we can capture the most accurate and up-to-date information about our wonderful City.

Elections are coming up the first Monday in May. Positions up for election are the Mayor, once Councilmember in Ward one and Ward two. Persons interested in running for these positions are encouraged to visit City Hall and obtain a copy of our current election guide. Also request a copy of recent changes voted in by the Mayor and Council at its January meeting. Nomination petitions must be picked up from City Hall and turned in to the Supervisor of Elections sitting at City Hall between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on the first Monday in April. The election will be held the first Monday in May, with those elected being sworn in the following week. Elections are held at the Mount Rainier City Hall from 7:00am until 8:00pm.

Senator David Harrington proposed the formation of an 47th Legislative District Economic Commission to come up with projects that could be implemented within 90 to 120 days after the economic stimulus package is released. The Commission has met several times since its formation and came up with a letter that was sent to President Barack Obama, Governor Martin O'Malley, County Executive Jack Johnson, Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara Mikulski as well as the Prince George's County Delegation. The City identified several projects that we believe are shovel ready, and simply in need of funds. More will be coming out on this over the next few months.

As part of its go green effort, the Mayor and Council approved two resolutions in support of green initiatives proposed by the Gateway CDC and Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF). These green initiatives, if funded will provide grants to residents for energy audits, weatherization and rehabilitation for older homes in Mount Rainier, Brentwood and North Brentwood. Corn stoves, solar energy projects, and other similar home improvements would qualify for this program. Initially the program will select up to five homes in the three municipalities to receive the grants based on a specified formula with the goal being that the project would be successful and additional funding would be made available. WACIF has promised to commit up to $200,000 to fund this Green Initiative. Mayor and Council are looking forward to working with the Gateway Community Development Corporation new executive Director Cheryl Derricotte who has attended a number of our Council meetings and the Economic Commission meetings held by Senator Harrington.


VOLUNTEER. Your City Needs YOU!

GeoCaching

The Maryland Municipal League Geocache Trail
Celebrating Maryland’s Cities and Towns.
MML District 9

The trail consists of 11 MML Districts (regions).

The MML Geocache Trail project will launch January 1, 2009 with 78 participating cities and towns. A trackable geo coin will be given to the first 500 geocachers as an incentive for locating at least 2 municipal caches in each of the 11 districts. To be eligible for the coin, geocachers must pick up a Passport at any of the designated county visitor centers. Geocachers must use the stamp in the cache on their Passports and write down the cache code word listed in each cache. After at least two municipal caches in each district are discovered, geocachers may return to one of the county visitor centers and have their Passports validated to receive their collectable coin.

For a complete list of participating visitor centers visit the MML web site at http://www.mdmunicipal.org/mmlhome/index.cfm or MGS web site at www.mdgps.org.

Recorded evidence from the early 18th century indicates that a settlement named Beale Town on the Anacostia River was located on the site that later became Hyattsville. The little outpost never achieved town status, and in 1742, for both economic and topographical reasons, the residents of the hamlet petitioned to have a new town laid out a half mile below Beale Town at Garrisons Landing (which was later named Bladensburg). The legislature granted the petition, and Beale Town ceased to function as a legal entity.

About a hundred years later, in March of 1845, Christopher Clark Hyatt purchased his first parcel of land in the area. The presence of the railroad and telegraph made it ideal for settlement, and soon the surrounding farmland began to be subdivided into housing lots. By 1859, the area had unofficially become known as Hyattsville by the post office and cartographers. The Act of Incorporation of the City of Hyattsville was signed into law in April 1886.

The city grew quickly as both a summer residence for Washingtonians beleaguered by hot and humid weather and as a community of year-round residents. During the mid 20th century, Hyattsville was the center of the commercial and political activities of Prince George’s County. In 1992, a portion of the residential area was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, Hyattsville is a thriving suburb enjoying the advantages of a small town. The types of homes cover the spectrum—Victorian mansions, bungalows, foursquares, Tudor cottages, contemporary town homes, and modern apartments. Just as the housing stock is diverse, so too are the backgrounds and interests of Hyattsville’s very active citizenry. Local projects focus on education, art, horticulture, the environment, religion, historic preservation, and business revitalization, just to name few.

The cache is located in a small municipal park in historic downtown Hyattsville, just past the Town Hall and Police Department. This little park has everything a kid would need to have a blast! There are also a couple of covered picnic tables for your use. Be mindful of parking signs and the traffic pattern close to the park. Find a spot to park and walk around town, there are a lot of little shops close by. Enjoy the incredible architecture as you walk through the town. The cache is a large Tupperware container packed with tons of Hyattsville goodies and information. Be aware that you will be in plain view all the time! Enjoy it, and welcome to Hyattsville.

HAPPY THANKSGIVNG TO ALL

November 26, 2008

Today, many of us will gathered together to give thanks to God for all of HIS goodness.

As we give thanks for all that we have been, let us be mindful of those that have little or nothing this holiday season.

As we thank God for our children let, us be mindful of those who do not have children or have loss children.

As we give thanks for our food, let us remember that there are those who will have nothing to eat during this season.

As we thank God for our clothes, let us remember that there are people out in the cold with no clothes and no heat.

As we give thanks to God for giving us eyes to see, ears to hear, mouths to talk, legs to walk, let us remember those who do not have these physical attributes or have lost them in battle for our Country.

Although, we may not have a Mercede in the garage, we may not have the biggest house in the community or the most improved, we may not even have a job come Monday morning, we many not have money in the bank, but we DO have our lives, we DO have our souls, and we DO have you, God, and for that we are THANKFUL.

So during this holiday season, we just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you Lord, for being our God and giving US SO MUCH.

Amen, Amen.