Why we need to make better voting decisions.

We are halfway through 2018 and mid-term elections are well underway. In my area, it’s time to think about who will be our next Governor and County Executive among other elected officials. 2018 is so important to me as I am determined to be an involved constituent. I am going get out of my bad habit of waiting the week before any election to do all the research of who I deem the best candidate for my vote.

Here is my own person reason of why we need to make better voting decisions. In my area, there is ongoing debate on whether it was the right decision 5 years ago to let County Executive Rushern Baker take over the school system. I was not one of those people who supported this action. Residents voted and Mr. Baker got his way by appointing Kevin Maxwell as the chief executive over school taking away most of the authority of elected school board officials. As a collective, we always want someONE to make it all work out with no questions asked. Now people are upset because Maxwell did not deliver what Mr. Baker promised: a reformed school system. I blame US! If we were better informed by asking more questions, taking the time to go to our neighborhood schools to volunteer (in any capacity) and donating supplies all year around, would we have the same outcome as now? I would like to believe we would not.

So, I am soliciting all of you for help. If you know of a candidate forum regarding any Prince Georges County or the gubernatorial race, please leave a comment with that information? We need to have the opportunity to see these candidates up close and personal and not focus on the fluff pieces they put on their websites. Below is one list of candidates I have seen circulating on Facebook. My next step is to see what I can find on the Board of Elections website before visiting the office. After that, study who deserves my vote.

Together we can do this.