News You Can Use May 2026
- Karen Coakley
- 1 hour ago
- 6 min read
Election Year in Maryland 2026. “All Politics is Local,” according to former Speaker of the House, Congressman Tip O’Neill. I am focusing on our local elections. I sent two questions to the candidates running for County Council District 1 and the At-Large Council seats. District 1 includes Beltsville, Calverton, and Vansville Heights. There are three candidates for District 1 and eight candidates for the two At-Large County Council seats.
1) What do you believe is the Top Concern for Beltsville, Calverton and Vansville Heights?
2) What would you do to improve the situation?
Below are the responses that I have received in time for the May Beltsville News. The remainder will be in the June Beltsville News and Beltsville Matters. Just an FYI, all of the candidates who have responded were happy to participate and courteous! I have included email addresses if you wish to reach out to the candidates.
Candidate for County Council District 1
Michelle Garcia
The top concerns vary across Beltsville, Calverton, and Vansville Heights, but each reflects consistent feedback I have heard in my work with residents. In Beltsville, concerns center on private property issues (e.g., illegal businesses, overcrowding, etc.), which are overseen by the Department of Permitting, Inspection, and Enforcement, as well as inconsistent waste collection in certain areas, which falls under the Department of the Environment. In Calverton, residents have consistently raised concerns about speeding along Calverton Boulevard. In Vansville Heights, the primary issue is the high volume of traffic on Edmonston Road, particularly during rush hour.
While there are additional concerns, such as development pressures, exhibition driving, support for the Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department, and preserving the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, the issues highlighted above are the ones that have most consistently emerged in my engagement with the community.
What would you do to improve the situation? Private Property Concerns: I am currently working on a bill with Councilmember Dernoga to strengthen the rules against business use of residential property. Inconsistent Waste Collection: I am currently working with the Department of the Environment to impose fines on the contractor or to rescind the contract. I will hold all contractors accountable. Speeding: I will advocate for a speed camera on Calverton Boulevard as I did on Briggs Chaney Road. Traffic on Edmonston Road: I will work with our state delegation to resuscitate the longstanding road project extending Virginia Manor Road to Kenilworth Avenue.
Candidates for Councilmember At Large listed in alphabetical order.
Sydney J. Harrison, Councilmember
1) I believe the top concern for Beltsville, Calverton, and Vansville Heights communities is the impact of inflation (cost of consumer goods and services), on personal expenditures and government services. Raising costs and reduced personal wealth has been caused by several key factors (interest rates increase, federal government layoffs, state government budget cuts, and the middle eastern war). Raising inflation has placed additional financial pressures on working families.
2) What would you do to improve the situation? To improve the situation, I will continue my efforts towards attracting new business investments into Prince George's County, updating out-dated zoning master plans to encourage increased commercial tax growth, incentivize job creation, and creating more affordable housing opportunities.
Jolene Ivey At Large Councilmember
In Beltsville, Calverton, and Vansville Heights, residents share concerns about development, public safety, the environment, and the impact of actions by the federal government in the past year. Beyond that, the communities along the U.S. 1 corridor continue to experience heavy traffic, aging commercial corridors, and uneven property conditions.
Locally, the fate of the local fire station remains a concern. Career staff were relocated from Station 831 in early November, and the ongoing concern is when they will return. Because of that, there remains concern about reduced fire and EMS services in the area. I will continue to work with the Fire Chief and the fire department to see that the department is transparent with the community regarding the timelines and the future of the firehouse.
Another local concern, as well as one for the entire county, is the proposed closure of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC). The USDA's reorganization plan would close BARC after more than 100 years of operation, harming American farmers and risking billions in prior investment. The center supports many hundreds of jobs and irreplaceable agricultural research partnerships. The entire Maryland Democratic Congressional delegation has pushed back against the Trump administration’s plan, arguing it may even be illegal without Congressional approval. The County Council, with my support, has officially expressed opposition to the proposed closure. Additionally, families in the Beltsville area, as throughout the county and region, are struggling with the actions of this federal administration. In addition to BARC, the decision on the FBI headquarters, and the effects of the federal government layoffs and shutdowns, the increased ICE activity has created instability and fear in our communities. I have cosponsored a package of legislation that has passed in the County Council to protect our neighbors.
The way to address and work to make changes in these federal issues is for the Democrats to win the midterm elections. In the meantime, I will continue to work with the impressively active and involved residents in the Beltsville area.
Dr. Jennifer Rios
1) The biggest concern I hear from residents is how growth is outpacing infrastructure. Traffic is getting worse, roads need attention, and people don’t always feel safe walking in their own neighborhoods. There’s also a real concern about whether new development is actually helping the people who already live here, especially when it comes to small businesses and rising costs.
2) First, I would push for practical improvements people can see, like fixing roads, making intersections safer, and improving sidewalks and crossings. I would also work with state and regional partners to improve transit options, so people aren’t stuck relying only on cars.
Second, I would make sure new development is planned responsibly. That means not approving projects unless the infrastructure can handle them and making sure developers contribute to things the community actually needs.
I would also focus on supporting local businesses and job opportunities so that growth benefits current residents, not just outside investors.
Most importantly, I would stay in regular contact with residents and civic groups, so decisions are based on what the community is actually experiencing, not just what looks good on paper.
Keith Washington
A little bit about myself is that I spent 20 years in the US Army and 17 years as a Prince George's County Police Officer, mostly at the same time. I started and ran a foundation for kids to be awarded scholarships while I was a police officer, so I believe in service to my community and county. I am also a small business owner in Prince George's County and employ many county citizens.
1) The top concern is a lack of results after decades of the same leadership. Beltsville, Calverton, and Vansville Heights have been underrepresented for years. Residents are still dealing with worsening traffic, unchecked overdevelopment, strained infrastructure, and limited economic opportunity. At some point, we have to be honest: these aren’t new problems, they are the result of long-term inaction. Families are sitting in traffic longer, small businesses are struggling to stay open, and development decisions continue to prioritize outside interests over the people who actually live here. Residents don’t feel heard—and after decades of the same leadership, they’re right to ask: when does it get better?
2) First, I will bring immediate accountability. Thirty-five years is more than enough time to fix these issues. If they’re still not solved, it’s time for new leadership focused on results, not maintaining the status quo. I will push for a pause on overdevelopment until infrastructure—roads, schools, and public services—catches up. No more approving projects that increase congestion and strain our communities without clear, measurable benefits to residents. Second, I will fight to bring real economic investment into this corridor. That means supporting small and minority-owned businesses, ensuring local hiring, and making sure county resources are reinvested in the communities that have been overlooked for far too long. Third, I will take a smarter approach to public safety—focusing on prevention through youth programs, job training, and community partnerships so we reduce crime before it starts like I did as a police officer with a foundation for youth to pursue their life's dreams and goals. Most importantly, I will be present, accessible, and responsive. These communities deserve leadership that shows up consistently and fights for them every day—not leadership that has grown comfortable over decades.
This election is about a choice: continue with the same leadership and minimal results—or choose a new direction focused on accountability, opportunity, and putting residents first.
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