Governor O'Malley Declares the Port Towns of Prince George's County Maryland's "Capital for a Day"
Bladensburg, Colmar Manor, Cottage City, and Edmonston part of Governor’s day of events
BLADENSBURG, MD (September 17, 2008) – Today, Governor Martin O’Malley, joined by Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown and members of the Executive Cabinet, spent the day in the Port Towns of Prince George’s County, declaring that area Maryland’s “Capital for a Day.” The monthly program launched by Governor O’Malley last year brings the State Capital to every corner of Maryland through a series of events across a diverse selection of Maryland cities, towns and communities.
The Governor began the day with an official Cabinet meeting, where local leaders briefed the Governor and his Cabinet on the challenges and opportunities facing the Port Towns region. Among the local presenters, the Governor heard from Mayor Walter Lee James Jr. of Bladensburg, Mayor Diana Fennell of Colmar Manor, Mayor Adam Ortiz of Edmonston, Town Commission Chair Aileen McChesney of Cottage City, County Executive Jack Johnson, and Senator David Harrington (District 47).
Throughout the day, Governor O’Malley met with local elected, community, business, and tourism officials during this fifth in a series of “Capital for a Day” declarations across the State. The Governor’s activities, as well as those of his Executive Cabinet, focused on the ongoing local, county, and state partnerships necessary to achieve real and steady progress for the people of the Port Towns of Prince George’s County.
“I am proud to officially proclaim the Port Towns of Prince George’s County Maryland’s ‘Capital for a Day,’” Governor O’Malley said, joined by State Senator David Harrington, county, and local officials at the Bladensburg Waterfront Park on Wednesday. “Since the cornerstone of our progress is an ability to work beyond the confines of the State House with local partners throughout our One Maryland, we’re proud to bring the State Capital to the people of Maryland where they live and work. Strengthening our local partnerships where they already exist, and establishing those partnerships where they have lapsed, is absolutely critical to the progress of areas like this.”
“As a proud Prince Georgian, it is a pleasure to help Governor O’Malley bring his vision of One Maryland to my home county,” Lt. Governor Brown said. “The Port Towns and Prince George’s County are remarkable assets to the State of Maryland and vital partners in our efforts to keep Maryland on the path of progress.”
Capital Funding to Prince George’s County has increased by over $54 million, or 38% compared to the first two years of the previous administration. In addition, school construction funding to the County has more than tripled compared to four years ago, exceeding in just two years the entire school construction amount to Prince George’s County of the previous administration’s four years. This includes a 304,000 square foot renovation of Bladensburg High School, which the state contributed $28 million towards.
“It is truly an honor for Prince George’s County to have Governor O’Malley declare the Port Towns Maryland’s ‘Capital for a Day,’ said Prince George’s County Executive Jack Johnson. “The Port Towns make up a significant portion of the rich history of our county and we are pleased that the Governor chose them for this honor and took time out of his busy schedule to learn about what makes the Port Towns special and how we can work together to make them even better.”
Governor O’Malley helped break ground for the new Colmar Manor Community Center, a state-of-the-art, multi-use facility that will serve the needs of the Colmar Manor community and surrounding areas. In addition to housing the Colmar Manor Police Department and the Town’s administrative offices, the new facility will provide recreational opportunities to include a regulation basketball court, fitness and game room, computer lab, senior outreach center, jogging track and a multi-purpose room with a large seating capacity. Construction on this $4.9 million project will begin in October.
“We’re very proud Governor O’Malley is spending time with us as we break ground for the new Colmar Manor Community Center,” said Colmar Manor Mayor Diana Fennell. “As a former Mayor, Governor O’Malley understands the importance of being close to the people we serve, and we’re pleased he’s joining us in bringing our vision to reality with this new community center.”
Governor O’Malley later shared lunch with the Port Towns Community Development Corporation, an organization of area residents and community leaders that engages in strategic partnerships and collaborative economic development for the Port Towns. Discussion at lunch centered on development projects in the area and opportunities for the Port Towns during the upcoming Bicentennial celebration.
“Cottage Cty is a town of only 1,200, similar to the size of the other Port Towns of Prince George’s County,” Cottage City Commission Chair Aileen McChesney. “‘Capital for a Day’ presents an extraordinary opportunity to elevate the momentum and potential of this region to the state level.”
“We are thrilled to have Governor O’Malley back in Edmonston,” noted Mayor Adam Ortiz. “As four distinct towns, the Port Towns of Prince George’s County have a unique collaborative relationship, and we are excited to showcase this partnership for the Governor and his Cabinet. Smart growth and revitalization know no boundaries, and having strong partners at all levels of government is critical to the success of towns like Edmonston.”
Following the Governor’s “Capital for a Day” declaration in Bladensburg Waterfront Park, Governor O’Malley planted a tree with representatives from the Port Towns Youth Council, a youth leadership organization whose members are selected by their schools or community leaders to act as the voice of community youth in their homes, neighborhoods, schools, churches and civic organizations. The tree planting, a signature event at each “Capital for a Day” declaration, not only symbolizes the Governor’s commitment to environmental initiatives but also signifies the nurturing qualities necessary to sustain any progress.
“We the People of Bladensburg and the Port Towns Community are excited and thankful for the opportunity to host ‘Capital for A Day,’ said Mayor Walter Lee James, Jr. “This initiative is a true testament to the people that our Governor and his administration truly care about the needs and concerns of those they serve. The tree planting ceremony happening on this day, not only has environmental significance, but also speaks to the fact that it is our responsibility to plant healthy seeds in the hearts and minds of our young people, which in turn will create a positive, safe, clean and sustainable community.”
Governor O’Malley ended the day with a boat tour of the Anacostia River, joined by Washington, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty and led by the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS), an organization whose mission is to make the Anacostia and its tributaries swimmable and fishable, and to restore and protect the local environment for the health and enjoyment of local residents. The tour included information about AWS initiatives, ongoing restoration projects, and the future goals of these efforts. At a press conference following the boat tour, Governor O’Malley announced Mayor Fenty as Chair of the Anacostia Watershed Restoration Partnership Leadership Council, which is tasked with the development and implementation of a restoration plan for the watershed.
“Capital for a Day,” a program launched by Governor O’Malley more than a year ago, brings the State Capital to every corner of Maryland through a series of monthly events across a diverse selection of Maryland cities, towns and communities. The Port Towns of Prince George’s County represent the fifth “Capital for a Day” of 2008. Three more such events are planned for the remainder of 2008 in areas including Cumberland, Gaithersburg, and Ellicott City.
