Remembering Contributions To The Future of Prince George’s Made By Exiting County Leaders In 2018

Rushern L. Baker III

Like another leader who was elected to the executive office and inheriting a political challenge, Mr. Baker had to turn controversy and a negative image around during his watch. He rose to the challenge, leaving office with the good things about Prince George’s better: “it’s a great day in Prince George’s.”

Dr. Kevin Maxwell

He came back to Prince George’s County Public Schools in 2013 to prepare students for success in higher education, the workplace and community. He increased academic offerings and enrollment increased, expanded program offerings and drew many families back to county schools.

Exiting County Council members

Council members completed their second and final terms under term limits in 2018. They include: Council Members

Mary Lehman: The former journalist joined the council and helped create the strongest environmental policies in the state, affordable housing policies, public health initiatives that promote better nutrition, expand access to Farmer’s Markets and reduce food deserts and more.

Andrea C. Harrison: Following in her late father’s very large footsteps, the Honorable James C. Fletcher, Jr., Andrea chose to be a fighter when she came to elected office. She was the first woman elected to represent District 5 on the County Council, occupying the seat once held by her father. See more.

Karen Toles: She worked to create and support legislation that strengthens working class families and she led and supported legislation to allow women who are fighting domestic violence issues the ability to take time from work to start and process court documents. More

Obie Patterson: The former civil rights activist developed a reputation with his constituents based on his aggressive representation on their behalf in increased policing, improved opportunities with National Harbor and former incarcerated citizens returning from incarceration. Patterson’s regular McDonald’s coffee meetings and annual prayer breakfasts endeared him with his communities for years. More

In Memoriam // Ed Brown: The pioneering work of activist, publisher, writer, photographer and media professional Ed Brown came to an end in 2018 with his passing. The Award Winning Ed Brown Show, a monthly cable-based show, aired from Bowie for over 10 years. Brown completed over 1,300 shows over the years and hosted luminaries from across the region. A co-worker and friend remembers Ed Brown “as a champion of civil rights and political truth. A person of high intellect and passion. He was a person with moral compass and character. A true-life seeker, speaker and teacher.” His legacy continues.

Dr. Wallace Loh: From supporting and fighting for the Purple Line to creating an economic development boom in College Park, Dr. Loh has done more to unite the University with the county in his eight years than his predecessors over the preceding decades. Additionally, the academic partnerships and resources that the University developed and worked on with the county helped create unprecedented health, public safety, and educational outcomes. Loh announced his resignation from the University this year.

In Memoriam // Jordan McNair: University of Maryland offensive lineman Jordan McNair, age 19, showed signs of extreme exhaustion, and had difficulty standing upright while running a set of 110-yard sprints. The popular student-athlete died June 13 of heatstroke suffered during a football workout sparking tragedy and controversy at the university and across the community. The family has launched the Jordan McNair Foundation to honor Jordan’s memory and to “diminish the number of heat related deaths that occur in student athletes.”

Mike Yourishin: A young family man and budding master photographer, Michael Yourishin produced stellar work covering two administrations – over 10 years – of the Office of the County Executive for Prince George’s County. Yourishin is retiring from the office but will work with the public relations office of the Prince George’s Fire Department. Beyond illuminating the work of the county executive, Yourishin’s photography creatively documents many of the most prominent moments in county growth and development.