Candidate name:Marilynn M. Bland

Part affiliation: Democrat

Residence: Clinton

Occupation: County Council Representative, District 9; Nurse

Education: B.S., Nursing, University of Southern Mississippi

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

Supporting the County Youth Commission, senior citizens, and all activities that promote the health, safety, and general welfare of District 9 and the County as a whole.

How would you rate the performance of the current council: excellent, good, fair or poor?

Good , because with everything, I am always looking to raise the standard while promoting the health, safety, and general welfare of District 9 and the County as a whole .

Is the rate of growth in District 9 too fast, too slow, or just right?

It is not an issue of too fast, too slow, or just right. I believe District 9 is on a path to smart growth.

What programs would you add to the budget and how would you pay for them⁄ I spearheaded the new Youth Commission, and I will support anything to promote the overall health, safety, and general welfare of District 9 and the County as a whole from county resources.

Should National Harbor be built with a mandatory percentage of all contracts going to minority owned businesses? If so, what percentage and why?

The issue for me is employing as many Prince Georgians as possible and that the process of awarding contracts is done in a fair and equitable manner.

Should there be any changes to the adequate public facilities law?

These issues are being evaluated and a decision will be made at the appropriate time.

Does the council have too much, not enough or the right amount of oversight of the school system?

This determination is complex and must be based on the totality of the circumstances. It believe the Council should act as the particular circumstances dictate.

Are there any programs, taxes, or fees that should be cut? What would you do with the money from the savings?

This determination is ongoing from budget cycle to budget cycle. Again, this is another complex determination. I will continue to support allocation of financial resources to programs to promote the overall health, safety, and general welfare of District 9 and the County as a whole from county resources.

Do you support day labor centers in Prince George’s County?

This issue must be decided based on the totality of the circumstances. The most equitable solution is chosen based on those circumstances. All relevant issues with the workers must be determined in a fair and just manner.

What qualifications do you possess that make you a worthy candidate?

I was elected twice to the elected school board and am currently serving on the County Council. I have dedicated 10 years of public service to Prince George’s County.

What would you do to ensure the success of the County’s key economic development projects?

Provide whatever support is required if the project is in the best interest of District 9 and the County as a whole.

What must be done to ensure the long-term success of the Prince’s Hospital Center?

Ensure it has the necessary financial and human resources because access to quality health care for all citizens promotes a better quality of life, which is one component of government’s duty in furthering the health, safety and general welfare of citizens not only of Prince George’s County, but of our country as a whole. I will support efforts to facilitate Its success.

What are the biggest challenges to significantly reducing crime in Prince George’s County?

Recruiting and retaining enough qualified police officers and community awareness.

How would you address the population shift from Washington, D.C., and the problems it poses for Prince George’s County?

This determination is made case-by-case based on the totality of the circumstances. The most equitable solution is chosen based on those circumstances to protect citizens’ freedom of movement rights.

Do you support slots in Prince George’s County? If so, where?

No.

Do you support an east-west link and where should it go?

Yes. It should go where the County investigative agency responsible for its oversight has determined is in the best interest of Prince George’s County to optimize such a valuable transportation resource.

Should municipalities have more control over local zoning?

No, except within their respective jurisdictions.