E-News in Brief – April 21, 2017

An Update from Councilman Mel Franklin

E-News in Brief for Community Leaders                                                                                                                      

Council Votes to Establish a Public Notice Website for County Public Meetings and a New Commission on Fathers, Men, and Boys

At Tuesday’s Council session, the County Council unanimously adopted CB-6-2017, which requires all public bodies of the County Government to post notice of their meetings on a central website for the benefit of the public and to promote open government.  This requirement, supported in committee by the County Executive, will go into effect on October 1, 2017.  The Council also unanimously adopted CB-9-2017 to establish a Commission on Fathers, Men, and Boys in Prince George’s County to pursue policies and programs “that will effectively address the social economic concerns of fathers, men, and boys, including: (1) Fatherlessness and responsible fatherhood; Employment and Economic Opportunities; (3) Family law and domestic violence; (4) Hunger, Poverty, and Homelessness; (5) Health and well-being; and (6) Rehabilitation and reintegration.”

For more information, go here: https://www.melfranklin.net/prince-georges-county-to-establish-commission-on-fathers-men-and-boys/

County Council to Hold Five Public Hearings on the FY2018 Proposed County Budget

From the County Council: “The Prince George’s County Council will hold five public hearings during the months of April and May, on the County’s Proposed Spending Plan for Fiscal Year 2018.   All public hearings will be held in the first-floor Council Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive in Upper Marlboro.  The Council will hold its first budget public hearing on Tuesday, April 18 at 2:00 p.m. for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission spending plan.  A second budget public hearing is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18 for the Annual Action Plan/Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).  A public hearing will be held on Monday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m., for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) budget.  On May 2 and 8 at 7:00 p.m., public hearings will be held for the proposed FY 2018 County Operating, Capital Improvement Plan and Board of Education budgets.  Citizens are encouraged to participate in the Council budget review process. To speak before the Council, sign up online at http://pgccouncil.us/458/Public-Hearing-Notices-Sign-Up-to-Speak or contact the Clerk of the Council during normal business hours at 301.952.3600.”

For more info: http://pgccouncil.us/454/Budget-Portal

Condolences on the Passing of Governor Hogan’s Father, Former County Executive Lawrence Hogan

“On behalf of my constituents and family, we extend our condolences and prayers to Governor Larry Hogan and his family on the passing of his father, former Prince George’s County Executive and Congressman Lawrence J. Hogan.  Congressman Hogan was a true profile in courage when, after an impassioned speech and against the wishes of his party, he was the only Republican on the House Judiciary Committee to vote for all three articles of impeachment against President Richard Nixon for covering up the Watergate scandal.  This stand helped our nation by shifting momentum in Congress toward impeachment, leading President Nixon to resign.  We honor him for his service to our country.”

Full press release: https://www.melfranklin.net/statement-on-the-passing-of-lawrence-j-hogan-former-prince-georges-county-executive-and-congressman/

NBC4’s Coverage of New Foreclosure Legislation: http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Prince-Georges-County-Cracking-Down-Zombie-Foreclosures_Washington-DC-419900093.html

“A Prince George’s County councilman is introducing legislation to hold people and banks accountable for foreclosed properties that are neglected. News4’s Darcy Spencer reports.”

Parks and Recreation: Invitation to Donate to the Kids to Camp Campaign

Your donation today will make a great summer for Prince George’s County children attending M-NCPPC Parks and Recreation day camps.  Donations will contribute to experiences for eligible children based on documented need and is tax deductible.  Give a child adventure, imagination, sports, the arts, nature and FUN. Pay it forward!

For more info, go here: http://www.pgparksfoundation.org/Donate/Kids_to_Camp_Campaign.htm

Please Join Your Neighbors and Take the Once-a-Week Trash Feedback Survey: https://www.melfranklin.net/councilman-mel-franklin-launches-once-a-week-trash-feedback-survey/

Prince George’s County Family & Friends Day is August 27, 2017, 3PM-6PM: Please stay tuned for more details about this annual countywide festival.

For more info, go to

Website: www.melfranklin.net/news/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/friendsofmelfranklin

Twitter: www.twitter.com/melrfranklin