How can we change the tide for Prince George's County politics?
When I speak with others who live in the county, they're unsatisfied with the current political leadership and state of affairs. Corruption, cronyism, and grifting are running rampant in our county. We feel as though we pay high taxes (from both an income and property tax perspective), with nothing to show for it as far as amenities and our streets/highways are filled with litter and unkempt grass.
Aisha Braveboy appointed multiple people with a history of misconduct to various positions within the county (see Darryl Barnes, Shawn Joseph, Leslie Johnson, Samuel Moki).
The council also played "musical chairs" in the last few months, appointing and shuffling people to various positions.
At-Large --> Calvin Hawkins moved to work for Aisha's administration, Wala was appointed to At-Large.
District 4 --> Ingrid Watson, married to State Sen. Ron Watson (who supports data centers), was appointed to the PG Economic Development Commission, with no prior experience. Ingrid has been the subject of scrutiny because she did not actually live in District 4. The council appointed Tim Adams, former ineffective Bowie Mayor.
District 6 --> Wala moved to the At-Large position in January (now wants to run for Congress). Aisha recommended her unqualified scheduling assistant, Danielle Hunter.
Ed Burroughs III is under scrutiny for hiring his dad, among other things. Wanika Fisher is trying to run for State's Attorney with no prosecutorial experience.
What is the solution to getting these people out of office?
People are screaming "vote them out" with no viable alternatives. Honestly, it feels like we're in an echo chamber.
People don't want to volunteer for the campaigns of better candidates, they don't want to donate money to the campaigns of others (money wins campaigns, sending out mailers, billboards, and commercials are all expensive), and they want to sit on the internet and complain.
When it's time to vote, they either don't vote or vote for the incumbents. Is it laziness? How can we strategically right the ship politically in our county and bring back ethical leaders who actually want to help their constituents? What strategy did Mamdani use in NYC to beat the system and how can we implement it here?