Maryland Community Newspapers Online
Marc Tartaro (Ward 1)
Tom Lopresti (Ward 2)
David Hiles (Ward 2)
Alicia Joseph (Ward 2)
Timothy P. Hunt (Ward 3)
Matthew D. McKnight (Ward 3)
Scott R. Wilson (Ward 3)
Alaa Yousef (Ward 3)
Carlos Lizanne (Ward 4)
David Thomas (Ward 4)
Ruth Ann Frazier (Ward 5)
Pastor Herrera-Macuran (Ward 5)
Ward 1
Age: 54
Occupation: Registered architect at the Smithsonian Institution.
Reason for running: I chose to run for City Council four years ago so that I can work with the community in fashioning a vision and future for our children and neighbors in Hyattsville.
Top three priorities: Weather the economy over the next two to four years. Continue to invest in Hyattsville's future by funding new programs for our residents. Implement initiatives for sustainability and efficient government operations.
Why should people vote for you? I have lived in Ward 1 for over 23 years. I have worked on city advisory committees, volunteered and served one term on the City Council representing Ward 1.
Other relevant activities: City Council vice president for two terms. Worked with children and parents in our community as Soccer Commissioner and a coach and am serving in my third term as president of the HMB Boys and Girls Club.
Ward 2
Age: 46
Occupation: Owner, Tom Lopresti Plumbing and Heating Inc.
Reason for running: To relieve the unfair burdens being placed on our citizens, i.e. commercial vehicle, driveway ordinance. To keep our neighborhoods safe and family friendly. To restore the neighborly quality of the city.
Why should people vote for you? I am a lifetime Hyattsville resident. I have served on the board of a $15 million credit union. I have the experience of running a small business. I will champion causes that will improve quality of life.
Other relevant activities: Member, Code Advisory Committee; St. Jerome's CYO co-director; Coach, St. Jerome CYO and Hyattsville Hornets; Secretary, BOD KCC Federal Credit Union
Age: 51
Occupation: Economist, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Reason for running: I want to help build on the foundation for progress laid over the last six years. I want to support continued quality development, particularly around the West Hyattsville Metro Station.
Top three priorities: Restart teen programs, improve parks and recreation programs and improve our quality of life policing.
Why should people vote for you? My experience on the Riverdale Park Council and as a community volunteer makes me ready to work for our neighborhoods on Day 1. I have already established information online to address concerns about foreclosed and vacant properties.
Other relevant activities: Former president, Riverdale Elementary PTA; former vice president, Hyattsville-Mount Rainier-Brentwood Boys and Girls Club, currently trustee. Member, Hyattsville Elementary PTA and Northwestern HS PTSA. Married, two kids, two cats.
Age: 37
Occupation: Physical Scientist/Engineer with the NASA / Goddard Space Flight Center
Reason for running: I believe I can represent the voices of the residents of Hyattsville while putting my extensive background, skills and experiences to good use serving the community.
Top three priorities: Public safety: Support appropriate funding and benefits for the Hyattsville City Police Department. Education: Encourage the creation of a college scholarship program. Development: Ensure that development does not increase our tax burden.
Why should people vote for you? I believe that I have a great deal to offer based on my skills and experiences. I am willing and ready to listen and represent the residents of Hyattsville while serving our community.
Other relevant activities: Taught at The Johnson Preparatory School in Brooklyn, N.Y. for over 10 years. Taught undergraduate Environmental Law and Environmental Waste Management. Worked with the New York City Department of Health in the Lead and Asthma Departments.
Ward 3
Age: 36
Occupation: Stay-at-home parent
Reason for running: To help Hyattsville move forward emphasizing our strong sense of community within our neighborhoods while carefully allowing development that will blend in and not adversely affect our quality of life.
Top three priorities: Manage development and the impact on existing neighborhoods and infrastructure. Fight crime and keep our community safe. Maintain and build our relationships with neighborhood schools.
Why should people vote for you: While serving our community I will be transparent when working with residents, independent when working with other elected officials and business interests and fair when developing policy.
Other relevant activities: Treasurer, University Hills Area Civic Association; Secretary and Columnist, Hyattsville Life and Times community newspaper.
Age: 31
Occupation: Research Archaeologist – Maryland Historical Trust
Reason for running: I believe in community service and have been a very involved city volunteer. I think I can do a better job enhancing residents' quality of life as a council member.
Top three priorities: I want full implementation of the "Safe Cities" initiative, better technology and IT training for staff, and a significantly expanded Recreation and the Arts Department with emphasis on youth programs.
Why should people vote for you? Look at my background with the city. I have already been working for you. I have the experience and temperament needed and have proven myself capable and willing to collaborate.
Other relevant activities: I created the Hyattsville Crime Map at www.macnachtan.com/hyattsville. I serve on the city's Bike/Pedestrian Safety Committee, Information Technology Committee, and am the Vice President of the Hyattsville Life and Times.
Age: 58
Occupation: Retired
Reason for running: I'd like to be of service to the community. I have a fair degree of financial acumen to share. I can serve as institutional memory to the council and staff.
Top three priorities: I'd like to see the city prosper from our stewardship. It is much less expensive for the council to learn from the mistakes of others than to waste taxpayer money making the mistakes ourselves.
Why should people vote for you? I'll advocate for a return to the ethic that the council and staff work for the residents, sound fiscal management and retention of essential city services.
Other relevant activities: Currently involved with the Planning, BB&T, Bike and Pedestrian, Environment Committees and others in the city as well as other committees and boards.
Age: 31
Occupation: Director of Event Operations for Marriott International
Reason for running: I would like to proudly represent my city and allow residents to experience the great potential this city holds. Although I am originally from another country, I feel fortunate to reside here.
Top three priorities: Foster more community events that bring residents together within their age groups. Encourage people to further their education. Prepare people for employment opportunities and bring more job fairs to the city.
Why should people vote for you? I possess the attitude needed to promote positive changes. My leadership roles have shown me that there is always more potential for greatness. I would like to encourage others to embrace what Hyattsville has to offer.
Other relevant activities: Assisted in opening the first LEED certified green hotel at the UMUC Inn & Conference Center by Marriott. Directed event to provide high school seniors with formal wear for 2009 prom season.
Ward 4
Age: 64
Occupation: Business manager
Reason for running: I love this community, I love Hyattsville, I'm a long-time resident and I have been on the City Council for six years so I have the experience.
Top three priorities: Combat crime in the city even though crime has been reduced in the last two years. More development so we do not increase taxes. We have good service but I'd like to improve that on an everyday basis.
Why should people vote for you: I'm the person who understands the ethnic groups living in the city. I would like to see the city be full in diversity, pluralist and tolerant.
Other relevant activities: I run a small business in the city for 20 years and that business helps every person in the city no matter what race and I have been involved in different activities.
Age: 51
Occupation: Motorcycle Sales Consultant for "Old Glory Harley Davidson"
Reason for running: The desire to run for City Council came from close friends and neighbors. In today's economic times it requires a disciplined philosophy to help all legal citizens in the protection of their lives and property.
Top three priorities: To make Hyattsville a safe, clean city. To make sure the city's government functions in the best interest of all citizens. To ensure city government functions adhere to conservative spending of tax monies.
Why should people vote for you? See previous questions.
Other relevant activities: Lived 31 years in Prince George's County and 22 years in Ward 4 of Hyattsville. Active United States Navy 1976 – 1980: Reserve USNR 1980 -1996. Member of Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society.
Ward 5
Age: 69
Occupation: Retired from the CIA
Reason for running: I have 12 years of "hands-on" experience serving Ward 5 residents as a member of the City Council. I want to continue that service to my neighbors and community.
Top three priorities: Safety for all residents, additional police officers and open government
Why should people vote for you? My reputation is built on prompt personal services and a firm belief and support for our city's public safety. A successful community thrives on volunteers. I pride myself on my hours of volunteer service.
Did not respond to candidate questionnaire.