May 24, 2018

For Immediate Release

Mel Franklin Receives the Unanimous Endorsement of All of Prince George’s County’s Public Safety Unions for County Council At-Large

Prince George’s County Council Member Mel Franklin Receives the Critical Endorsement of All Five Public Safety Unions

Contact: Mel@melfranklin.net

Upper Marlboro, MD – The public safety unions representing Prince George’s County’s police officers, fire fighter/EMS employees, sheriff’s deputies, correctional officers, and civilian public safety employees have endorsed Council Member Mel Franklin (D-District 9) in his candidacy for Prince George’s County Council At-Large.  During Councilman Franklin’s nearly 8-year tenure on the Council, including two years as Council Chairman and one year as Chair of the Council’s Public Safety & Fiscal Management Committee, the County has increased its public safety budget by over 30%, reduced crime by half, and significantly increased public staffing and resources.  Today, Councilman Franklin released the following statement:

“I am truly honored and humbled to receive the unanimous endorsement of our County’s public safety unions.  Our men and women in law enforcement and public safety risk their lives each and every day so that my family and thousands of other families in our County can live our lives in safety.  I do not take the risks and sacrifices made by these brave men and women and their families for granted and my constituents are forever grateful to them.  When I took office in December of 2010, we confronted a near daily wave of violence, but through persistent and dedicated partnership between our public safety officers and employees, elected officials, and the community, along with significant increases in resources, we have cut crime in half and helped foster the major economic development and jobs revival that we are experiencing today.  Today’s progress began with public safety and we will continue to support our men and women in public safety just as they have supported us.”

The unanimous endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 89, IAFF Prince George’s County Local 1619 (Fire/EMS), Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 112 (Deputy Sheriffs), Prince George’s Correctional Officers’ Association, and Prince George’s Police Civilian Employees Association can be found here.  The Maryland 2018 Democratic Primary will be held on June 26, with early voting occurring from June 14-June 21.  Voters may vote for up to two At-Large candidates.

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