Formerly Incarcerated Joseph Tolbert III Seeks Delegate Seat to Advocate for Reentry Support

Joseph Tolbert III, a candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 25 in Prince George's County, is advocating for legislation to assist individuals transitioning back into society after incarceration. Having faced significant legal challenges in his youth, including a 20-year prison sentence for a drive-by shooting at the age of 17 and a subsequent arrest for drug trafficking at 35, Tolbert's journey has led him to seek political office.

Now 50, Tolbert is determined to remove obstacles that hinder the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals. He emphasizes the necessity of creating employment pathways, enhancing training opportunities, and implementing fair hiring practices, particularly within government agencies. "If we are given the opportunity to provide for our families and live in decent neighborhoods, we would prefer that over the street life," he remarked.

Reflecting on his past, Tolbert recalls the moment he decided to change his life after his arrest by the FBI. He committed himself to education while in prison, taking paralegal and correspondence classes that opened his eyes to the legislative process. "If I was to run for office and really make some changes, I need to be a legislator," he said.

After his release in 2005, Tolbert faced challenges in securing employment and support. However, he eventually graduated from D.C. Central Kitchen’s Culinary Job Training Program and advanced to management positions at Hilton. Motivated by a desire to effect change, he is now running for office, stating, "I feel like we’re headed in the wrong direction, and I want to be part of the process to put this back on the right track."

Public safety is a key issue for Tolbert, who believes that accountability is essential for community security. He proposes mandatory sentences for protective order violations and aims to address public safety concerns through legislative measures.

In the competitive race for District 25, Tolbert faces six other candidates, including former Delegate Angela Angel, who acknowledges the value of diverse backgrounds in the legislature. Angel has previously collaborated with Tolbert on various issues but has expressed concerns about some of his rhetoric regarding reentry.

Tolbert remains focused on his mission to advocate for returning citizens, asserting, "Why aren’t we making a pathway? I know that a pathway will pull some people out of that street life and create a better lifestyle for their families."

Reported by HarborBeat based on Maryland Matters (source).