Tierny a good choice for Hyattsville

Thursday, July 13, 2006

As a regular viewer of the Hyattsville City Council meetings on cable television, I watched in awe as a resident spoke articulately about improving our city. This gentleman echoed many of the same issues and concerns I had as a 37-year Hyattsville resident and community activist. My jaw dropped when I heard him addressing issues such as improved street lighting, a street and sidewalk repaving plan, code enforcement, city budget, crime prevention, city government responsiveness, citizen involvement, our environment and much more. These are some issues for which I have lobbied for nearly two decades in Hyattsville. I kept wondering, who is this masked man?

As it turns out, he’s the Lone Ranger, a.k.a. Bill Tierney. As Ward 2 residents know, Tierney is running for the Hyattsville City Council. Although I live a stone’s throw from the Ward 2⁄Ward 3 dividing line, I know all 10 council members represent the city and its 17,000-plus residents as a whole. The mayor and council are the most powerful people in the city. Their decisions affect our taxes, property, infrastructure, public safety, traffic, schools, economic development, environment and more.

Tierney has been an active member of our community for many years. He has volunteered his time and energy serving on numerous city and church groups. I noted him sitting across the aisle from me at a recent crime watch meeting regarding incidents in Ward 2. He regularly attends council and other city meetings. Tierney is highly educated and worked for the U.S. House of Representatives.

Tierney is now retired and is a lifelong Hyattsville resident. I hope the Ward 2 residents take into consideration Tierney’s knowledge, vision and active involvement in Hyattsville when going to the polls to vote for Ward 2 City Council representative on Tuesday.

Barbara J. Runion, Hyattsville