The Prince George’s County Council has unanimously confirmed the appointment of Gloria Lawlah, a former state lawmaker, to the county’s planning board. The decision was made during a council meeting on Tuesday.
Lawlah, who is 87 years old, previously served in the Maryland House of Delegates from 1987 to 1991 and was a state senator from 1991 until her retirement in 2007. She has remained active in state politics, including a role as secretary of the Department of Aging under Governor Martin O’Malley.
As a member of the planning board, Lawlah will oversee the operations of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, which is currently embroiled in a lawsuit against Prince George’s County regarding the transfer of significant funds from the commission to the county government.
Lawlah succeeds Manuel Geraldo, who has been on the planning board since 2012 and was the last member not appointed by County Executive Aisha Braveboy. Geraldo, a lawyer and resident of Fort Washington, has been a vocal critic of the county council's financial maneuvers, particularly regarding the so-called 'project charges' that are central to the commission's legal battle with the county.
Geraldo expressed concerns that his outspoken opposition to the county’s financial strategies may have contributed to his removal from the board. He noted that while his term technically expired in 2019, he felt that other members had served beyond their appointed terms without similar consequences.
Braveboy’s spokesperson expressed enthusiasm for Lawlah’s appointment, citing her extensive experience in legislative leadership roles. In her nomination letter, Braveboy acknowledged Geraldo’s contributions to the community.
During the confirmation hearing, Lawlah emphasized her commitment to collaborating with seniors and ensuring quality services. She also pledged to work closely with both the county executive and the council.
District 8 council member Ed Burroughs praised Lawlah’s legislative achievements, highlighting her contributions to local infrastructure projects, including the extension of Metro’s Green Line and the funding for Oxon Hill High School.
Despite the praise, Geraldo remains skeptical about Lawlah’s suitability for the planning board, noting her lack of prior experience in such roles. He expressed a sense of inevitability regarding his replacement, stating that he expected it due to his dissenting views on the council's financial decisions.
Reported by HarborBeat based on The Baltimore Banner (source).
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