By Deborah Bailey
AFRO Contributing Editor
Veteran Prince George’s County Councilwoman Jolene Ivey (D-Prince George’s County- District 5) is now head of the County Council. Ivey took the gavel with the unanimous support of 11 council members, all of whom were in attendance at the gavel exchange ceremony inside of Largo’s County Council hearing room Dec. 5.
“As Prince George’s County grows we should make sure that our families thrive along with it. Strong parents lead to great students, a more vibrant economy and safer communities,” Ivey said.
Ivey stated that resources for teachers, support for the local business community, new housing that minimizes traffic congestion and support for the county’s non-profits were also priorities.
“We have to stay laser-focused on the budget,” said Ivey, adding that “being able to pay for schools, to pay for police, the fire department” is top priority.
In her first remarks as council chair for the 2024 session, Ivey lauded the council for their role in advancing the county’s development. She also warned they must stand united to deliver results including prioritization of county resources for vulnerable residents, smart development and increasing staffing of public safety positions to improve Prince George’s County for citizens in 2024.
This is the unity our council requires and the unity our residents deserve.
Prince George’s County Councilwoman Jolene Ivey
While Ivey’s selection by her peers for council chair was smooth sailing, a short dispute rose for the vice chair’s spot, as both Sydney Harrison (D-Prince George’s County- District 9) and Walla Blegay (D- Prince George’s County- District 6), were nominated. Harrison ultimately won the post, following a failed vote to affirm Blegay.
Ivey’s constant refrain and warning was for council members to stand united in serving Prince Georges’ residents in 2024.
“This is the unity our council requires and the unity our residents deserve,” Ivey said.
She shared that, “We’ve come a long way in Prince George’s County. The FBI Headquarters has found a new home and will relocate from the nation’s capital to Greenbelt.”
Virginia lawmakers have requested a federal investigation into the relocation decision, stating that Greenbelt was chosen for political reasons, according to a letter sent to the U.S. General Services Administration’s office of the inspector general.
Many are hopeful that the original decision will be upheld. It would bring in much needed economic growth, as there is a projected $58 million deficit in the fiscal year that begins in July of 2024, according to an October report from the Spending Affordability Committee. Leaders have proposed strict spending cuts to balance the county budget amid the dipping tax revenue in order to fund essential departments with public services.
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