For Church And County
Sen. C Anthony Muse Starts Run For County Executive
Story and Photos By Hamil R. Harris
Standing at the podium inside of a packed Oxon Hill hotel ballroom, Senator C. Anthony Muse, sounded more like the pastor that he also his as preached the political gospel of why he should be elected as the next county executive in 2018.
Voters at the Muse announcement. PHOTO: COURTESY BRANDI CALHOUN
“How is it that the school’s CEO can make $450,000 a year when other people are making $10 an hour and on food stamps,” preached as those in the packed room erupted. “Something is wrong…somebody is over paid…we can do better!”
In most Democratic races, politicians are careful not to skew the line between church and state but for the last two decades, Reverend/Senator Muse has married the two to be blessed as the leader of the county’s least, last and left who see Muse as their man because of what he says.
“I went from no house to the church house to the state house…nobody can tell me that dreams can’t come true,” said Muse, who in addition to being in the Maryland State House for 16 years is also the pastor of the Ark of Safety Christian Center, who likes to talk about how God delivered him despite the fact he was in 11 foster homes and kicked out three schools.
PHOTO: COURTESY BRANDI CALHOUN
In terms of the future Muse has big plans that include making the county a medical hub for cancer treatment and reforming the school system. In an interview he said, “We can do better, look how Johns Hopkins has reformed East Baltimore, we can have affordable housing. We have to work for the people and not the process.” According to sources, the Muse campaign is targeting issues such as economic development for small, local and minority-owned businesses transportation infrastructure, education, housing, veterans’ services and aid to seniors. Muse would also address rent stabilization and the residual effects of the foreclosure crisis the county endured.
Although he has been in politics for more than two decades, Muse is painting himself as an anti-establishment candidate. He is reported to represent a more conservative aspect to the democratic base in Prince George’s.
Muse has been a state senator since 2007. He serves as chair in 2008 and has been on several committees including Judicial Proceedings, Fair Practices and State Personnel Oversight, The Joint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families and the Joint Committee on Health Care Delivery and Financing.
Prior to the Senate, Muse was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates, (Dist. 26, 1995-1999).
He admits to having “ups and downs.” But despite that, Muse sits on several powerful panels in Annapolis which includes the State Committee on Fair Practices and State Personnel Oversight and others.
In 2018, voters will decide between Muse, Prince George’s States Attorney Angela Alsobrooks and possibly several other candidates for County Executive.
Muse’s chances seem better in this race and at time when many are looking for a stronger champion on behalf the least of county voters to challenge a conservative White House and Republican governor.
