From the Desk of Former Mayor Malinda Miles

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

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Decorating Your House and Yard for the Holidays?

Many years ago, the City of Mount Rainier's residents would decorate their homes with Christmas lights -- each one more decorative than the other. The mayor and council would select a team of judges to go throughout the community looking at each decoration. Then right after Christmas the judges would make their decisions known regarding who won first, second, and third places for their decorations.

This year, Councilmember Pedro Briones, Councilmember Alta Morton, and your Mayor will take on this awesome responsibility. The winners will be awarded a ribbon stating their ranking in the contest. This is a practice of many communities throughout the region. In Bowie, the winners get their names mentioned in the newspaper. In Brentwood they also carry out this festive competition to the delight of many of their residents. I hope that some of the residents of Mount Rainier will participate in this long forgotten tradition of ours by decorating their homes. If you decide to participate, please leave your decorations up until after December 29 so that the judges will have time to come by and see it.

Mayor Malinda Miles

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