University of Maryland City Affairs Committee College Park Election Guide 2015

University of Maryland
Student Government Association

City Affairs Committee
College Park Candidate

Questionnaire Responses
Release 1.0
10/28/15
Table of Contents
Welcome statement...
City Council district map.......
Table of responses to candidate questionnaire..
Sample questionnaire
3
4
5
6
Mayoral candidates
Denise Mitchell
Patrick Wojahn
8
11
City Council District 1 candidates

Fazlul Kabir..
14

Monroe Dennis.....
17

Ryan Belcher.....
Robert Day...
John Rigg..
Stephanie Stullich.
19
22
25
29

Mary Cook....
Alan Hew......
33
35
Meet the candidates..
38
Student Government Association City Affairs Committee proud to release responses to City
Candidate Questionnaire
The Student Government Association City Affairs Committee is releasing all candidate responses to the City
Candidate Questionnaire and the College Park City Elections Guide. This guide provides information for voters about the
general election process, and a more specific overview of the candidates.
I encourage all students to use the guide to educate themselves on the upcoming election. Specifically, I encourage
students to read the candidate bios and answers to the questionnaire and determine the candidate that best represents their
views for College Park, said City Affairs committee Chair Cole Holocker.
Students on the committee crafted eight questions that candidates were asked to answer. These questions provided an
open-ended forum for candidates to express their opinions about issues affecting students at the University of Maryland.
Recognizing that students are a large part of every district constituency in the city, the questionnaire was sent to each candidate
in the four council districts, as well as both candidates for Mayor.
Young people aged 18-24 represent over 70% of the population in College Park, and many of these young people are
students at the University of Maryland. With numerous enumerated goals for the coming years, this election is important for
determining the future of the City of College Park. As all residents head to the polls, it is important that they have an
understanding of the candidates stances on these important issues, and how the candidates plan to find solutions if elected.
With students being such a large population within College Park, said SGA President Patrick Ronk, it is important
that candidates be able to consider the student voice in decision making and be able to articulate their vision for making a
better city for all of College Parks residents.
###
The Student Government Association City Affairs Committee, chaired by the Director of City Affairs, aims to engage a wide
range of stakeholders in the University of Maryland community on matters that impact the City of College Park. Focus areas
of the committee include development, housing, public safety, quality of life, and community engagement, among others. The
committee works in conjunction with the Committee on Governmental Affairs on local, state, and federal legislation affecting
the College Park community.

Candidates who have responded to City Candidate Questionnaire:
First Name
Last Name
Candidate For
S.M. Fazlul
Christine
Cory
Kabir
Nagle
FitzgeraldSanders
Blasberg, Jr.
Brennan
Conway
Dennis
Belcher
Day
McCeney
Rigg
Stullich
Cook
Gregory
Hew
Burkart Kujawa
Mitchell
Wojahn
City Council District 1

Daniel C.
P.J.
Vivian M.
Monroe S.
Ryan T.
Robert W.
Robert J.
John B.
Stephanie E.
Mary C.
Oscar E.
Alan Y.
Dustyn
Denise C.
Patrick L.

Mayor
Mayor
Response to
Questionnaire
Received
Received
Received
Received
Received
Received
Received
Received
Received
Received
University of Maryland Student Government Association


College Park Candidate Questionnaire
Dear Candidate for City Office:

The University of Maryland Student Government Association (SGA) City Affairs
Committee, in an effort to inform and engage the student vote, is asking candidates to
submit a questionnaire outlining some information about their candidacy and answer
questions on issues that are important to students. This brief questionnaire is being
sent to all candidates for office in the upcoming city election. Students make up a
majority of College Parks population and live in all parts of the city. In fact, there are
student housing complexes in each district in College Park and many more students live
in the citys diverse neighborhoods. Put simply, every elected official has students
among their constituencies.
The City Affairs Committee humbly asks that you take the time to thoughtfully
complete this questionnaire and provide students more information about your
candidacy for elected office. The responses will be published on the Student
Government Association social media outlets and be distributed via SGA press
channels. Please kindly submit the questionnaire by close of business on Wednesday,
October 28.
On behalf of the committee, I thank you for your time and dedication to the City of
College Park.
Sincerely,
Cole Holocker
Director of City Affairs


Name:
Candidate for:
Please fill out the below form. The form can be completed by typing in the gray boxes
below each question. The form allows unlimited characters in each box and formatting
will adjust to the length of your response
1) Please provide a short bio of yourself and state your qualifications to be an
elected official in College Park.
2) Why are you running for City Council?
3) An ongoing concern among College Park citizens is the cost of housing in
College Park, both in student housing complexes and new multi-family
developments. How do you propose to address affordable housing needs
for all residents, including students, in the city?
4) As an elected official in the city, how do you propose to strengthen
relations between long-term residents and student residents?
5) Being specific, what city ordinance do you see as most problematic for
students, and how do you propose to amend city code to resolve this
problem?
6) As an elected official, how would you propose to make everyday life easier
for students living, working and learning in College Park?
7) The Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee has recommended increasing
home ownership diversity as away to improve neighborhood climate. What
measures would you take to attract and retain graduate students and
young professionals as residents in the city?
8) Is there anything else you would like to communicate to students about
your candidacy?

Please return the questionnaire electronically to Cole Holocker, Director of City Affairs, at
choloc@umd.edu by close of business Wednesday, October 28. Electronic responses can be sent
as a scanned copy of answers or as an edited word document/pdf. Please contact Cole with any
7
questions or concerns.


Name: Denise Mitchell

Candidate for: Mayor
I grew up in College Park, and have been a resident since 1975. I currently hold
the office of Mayor Pro Tem and have been a Councilmember representing
District 4 since 2009. District 4 includes a large segment of the University of
Maryland campus. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the
International Town and Gown Association, and as Vice Chair of the University
Communities Council of the National League of Cities. I am a former Board
Member of the Maryland Municipal League, and also Past President of the Prince
Georges County Maryland Municipal Association. Prior to serving on the City
Council I served as Chair of the College Park Educational Advisory Committee.
I am running for the position of Mayor. In my current capacity as Mayor Pro Tem
I have been able to shadow our current mayor. In the absence of the Mayor, I
conduct the meetings of the City Council and I attend meetings with external
stakeholders. In that role I have testified in Annapolis on behalf of the City and
on issues of concern to residents. I feel that my experience over the past eight
years as a Councilmember and as Mayor Pro Tem have prepared me for the role
of Mayor. I am definitely looking forward to serving as Mayor and leading our
City Council over the next two years. .
Of course, the cost of on-campus student housing is something that I cannot
really address. On the other hand, there continues to be interest in new housing
in our area, and our community still has many vacant and underutilized
properties since the recession. For the most part, new housing construction and
rehabilitation are managed by private developers and investors, although the City
does play a role. I support a mix of housing and the construction of new housing
where feasible, and I anticipate that improvements to transit systems will also

C:\Users\lealley\Desktop\SGA.docx



play a role. If people can move farther and faster, then our stock of available
housing and options also increases.
relations between long-term residents and students?
Thank you for this question. My theme is, Creating College Park with YOU in
mind. We definitely need to work on relations between long-term residents and
students. Currently, I serve as the Co-Chair of the Universities Communities
Council for the National League of Cities. This committee includes
representatives of many cities with major colleges and universities. We come
together to discuss best practices, including the need for improved dialog. In
addition to our current Student Liaison, I would like to see the City create a
Student Ambassador for every district. The district ambassador would work with
the student liaison and council representatives to promote better relations within
their communities. I would also like to provide service hours for students working
on capstone projects. I think that would be great addition for all concerned.
problem?
I dont think I can narrow the question down to one concern, but the codes that
continue to be most problematic for students and other residents involve our
noise and property maintenance codes. I currently chair the Public Safety/Code
Enforcement Committee in the Quality of Life Task force, and I wish there was
just one thing for us to work on! But we have strengthened the reporting
mechanism for consistency over the past year, and we have made other
improvements to ensure greater fairness of enforcement. Perhaps the best
approach would be to involve greater understanding of code problems and to
informally promote better understanding and collaboration among students,
property owners and residents. Our recent experience with Knock and Talk in
the downtown area has been successful. I definitely see more opportunities, and
I am open to reviewing codes that are problematic to any group within the City.
First, I would take the time to listen to students to understand what they would
like to see in College Park. In my first 90 days as Mayor I would work with the
Council and the University to have a visioning session to discuss this very issue.
We would need to work with SGA, IFC, Panhellenic Council and other student
groups to look at the amenities we could offer to them, their parents and others.




young professionals as residents in the city? .
Id like to work with the university to offer monies for closing costs or maybe to
offer an incentive for first time buyers who teach in a school within the city limits.
In a City where most taxes come from residential and commercial property taxes
on property, we have to be somewhat cautious with our expenditures, but I do
believe we can explore the recommendations of the Neighborhood Quality of Life
Committee.
your candidacy?
You know, I have lived on the other side of University Boulevard for the past 40
years, and Ive seen a lot of change since 1975. The University is growing and
changing very quickly, and I want to help guide that growth in a way that respects
long-term residents and encourages positive change for everyone. I look
forward to the City-wide visioning that I mentioned earlier, and I think the idea of
neighborhood ambassadors would be great too. If I am elected Mayor Ill get two
years. But really, we all have to take it one year at time because its not really all
about me, but about building a shared vision.
.


10


Name: Patrick Wojahn

Candidate for: Mayor
I have spent my life as a community organizer, advocating for social change and
equity in our society. I first started as a student advocate and Vice Chair of the
student government association at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, then
as an environmental activist working with the Wisconsin Student Public Interest
Research Group (WISPIRG). After graduating from law school, I continued my
advocacy representing people with mental illness to ensure they receive proper
services, then advocated in Congress for the rights of people with disabilities. I
also fought for LGBT equality, serving first as a plaintiff in the marriage equality
lawsuit in Maryland and then as Chair of the Board of the Equality Maryland
Foundation at the time that Maryland passed marriage equality legislation. Since
May 2014, I have served as Director of Government Relations at Rails-to-Trails
Conservancy, advocating in Congress for safe infrastructure for pedestrians and
cyclists across the country. I moved to College Park in 2003 and ran for City
Council in 2007. Since running for City Council, I have worked with residents to
start College Park Day in 2010 and to form the College Park Community
Foundation, which gives thousands of dollars every year to charitable
organizations in College Park.
This is an exciting time for College Park - we have a great opportunity before us
to transform the city into a top-notch college town, with the University of Maryland
making a significant investment in improving the quality of life in our city. We
need someone leading our city with a proving record of collaborating to get things
done, who can guide this change so that it happens in a way that benefits
residents and so that we maximize the potential benefit. I believe that I am that
person.
Having served for many months as chair of the Diversity of Student Housing
Subcommittee of the Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee, I worked with
several students from the Student Government Association and Resident Hall
Association, and staff from the Office of Off-Campus Housing to explore ways to
get this done. Moving forward, I believe it is important to work with developers to
ensure that affordable housing is built into every residential project in our city. I 11


support working with the Cruz Development Corporation that is currently working
on bringing an affordable housing project into College Park. Regarding student
housing, we need to continue to work to address the long-standing housing
shortage for students at the University of Maryland and work with the University,
County, and developers to subsidize affordable student housing. I also support
expansion of Cooperative Housing at the University of Maryland (CHUM) to
provide another affordable option for students.
I have worked to strengthen relations between long-term residents and student
residents throughout my time on Council. One way I have done that is by starting
College Park Day, meant to showcase the diversity of our community to the
students that live here and to showcase student talent to the residents. I also
spearheaded a community event grant program in our city meant to provide
grants to residents who want to organize community-building activities, including
events like block parties that can bring student residents and long-term residents
together. I would like to start up a volunteer pool to collect a list of students and
others who are interested in doing volunteer projects in our community, such as
assisting seniors and people with disabilities in their homes, so that long-term
residents can better realize the benefit of students in our community.
problem?
I already led the effort to revoke the City Charter provision that I believe was
most problematic to students - the restriction on residents under the age of 21
from running for Council and the restriction on residents under the age of 25 from
running for Mayor. I believe that civic participation is one of the most important
priviliges in our society, and the ability to run for office is an important part of civic
participation. Otherwise, some of our city ordinances are out-of-date and are
harmful to students when interpreted too broadly. For example, the prohibition on
"disorderly houses" prohibits any person or group from keeping or maintaining a
"disorderly house," which can include any building in which "immoral or illegal
conduct" is carried on with the knowledge of the owner or occupant. I would like
to work with the Council to update our code to at minimum clarify the type of
conduct being restricted.
I want to work to ensure that students see the city as an advocate for them and a
way to ensure that they have a high quality of life. For example, I would like to
promote the use of code enforcement and noise enforcement as a friend to
students. If a student faces substandard or overcrowded living conditions, that
student should see the city as a resource where he or she can go to make sure
that his or her landlord properly maintains the property. Students should also see
12


noise enforcement as a place they can go to when their neighbors are disturbing
their peace and quiet in their own homes.
Young professionals and graduate students often want different things than
students do - higher quality restaurants, stores, and other amenities. Currently,
the businesses in our city are mostly fast casual and fast food restaurants and
bars that cater primarily to students. As we work with the University of Maryland
to redevelop the city over the next few years, we should work to attract and retain
high-quality businesses and restaurants like those going into the Hotel at the
University of Maryland. We should also work to foster the growth of small
businesses like the new start-ups that will be growing in the University's
Innovation District and give them tax incentives to stay in College Park as they
grow, and bring in large employers like the FBI, which I personally have been
working with Steny Hoyer's office to bring to Greenbelt Station. Finally, we need
a more diverse supply housing that caters to graduate students and young
professionals, including affordable options.
your candidacy?
I have been a consistent advocate for a high quality of life for all College Park
residents, and have worked directly with students on several initiatives. I worked
with my colleagues to start the Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee because
I thought it was time to put aside the years of tension and animosity that existed
between students and our city government so that we could work together to
build community in our city and create understanding between all of our
residents. As Mayor, I will continue to make sure that students have a seat at our
table - for example, I plan to hold town hall meetings and forums on campus so
that students can communicate their concerns to the city government directly.
We have found great success through collaboration in recent years - through
everything from College Park Day to the on-campus tailgates. I look forward to
continuing working with student leadership to make College Park a better place
for all of its residents to live.

13


Name: Fazlul Kabir

Candidate for: City Council, District 1
Dr. Fazlul Kabir is a two term City Council Member of the City of College Park
District 1 representing north College Park. He lives in east Hollywood with his
wife and two children.
He works as the Director of Technology in a local software firm, managing
multiple federal projects.
He holds a doctorate degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of
Manchester and also teaches at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Before he became Council member, he served as a four-term Secretary of the
North College Park Citizens Association (NCPCA).
He is the co-founder of the College Park Day event, where he worked with
community groups and local schools.
Kabir enjoys helping with community projects. He helped organized several
Hollywood neighborhood cleanup events with 50+ volunteers for the past five
years, the Citys first winter clothing drive, the Committee for Better
Environments tree planting event, National Night Out and winter snow
shoveling projects.
Kabir has led the effort and worked with a group of residents to establish the
Hollywood Farmers Market in north College Park. Additionally, he has worked to
improve pedestrian safety through the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons
(RRFBs) along Rhode Island Avenue.
Kabir has written a daily community blog at KabirCares.org for over 2200 days
consistently covering news and commentaries about north College Park.
His accomplishments also include a safety camera at Davis Field Park, license
plate readers (LPR) in Hollywood, and a new concessions building at Duvall Field
and an internship program for community service. He has worked at citys Agingin-Place task force to explore ways helping senior residents remain in their own
homes in our community as they age.
14



In my last four years of service, we've accomplished a lot. However, I now see
more opportunities in bringing amenities and services to our residents and also to
bridge the gap between the students and longtime residents. If re-elected, I will
work on those new opportunities.
Recently, I've asked to hold a future City Council meeting to discuss the
affordable housing issues in more details. We'll need to look at the existing
housing market studies and work with our stakeholders, the UMD, County, State
and the surrounding towns to come up with a comprehensive plan to build more
diverse housing stock in College Park and the surrounding areas.
I represent the only district which has the highest number of long-time residents,
and I also teach at the UMD, I understand the gap between students and longtime residents. The UMD has a lot of untapped talents hiding in each and every
department that have not been fully explored in order to bridge this gap. I will
work to find the opportunities and use them to bring the gap between the
students and long-time residents. In the past, I've worked with the group of
students, fraternity groups and long time residents at a number of volunteering
projects in the past. They include our cleanup and beautification projects and
UMD's Good Neighbor Day event. I'll continue to work with them in future events.
problem?
Thre are some opportunities to improve ordinances related to our Code
Enforcement. Some City Code may need to be changed to make them more
customer friendly to our students. In the end, our goal should be to improve the
quality of life, and not necessarily to punish those who don't comply. We'll need
to find ways to encourage our students and residents to be a better citizen of
College Park.
By improving quallity of life in the residential neighborhoods where students live.
By improvng transportation and improving Route 1
15


I will work to implement the committees key recommendations, such as (1)
Create a co-op housing task force (2) Publicize co-op housing in the community
to expand awareness among UMD students, officials and the surrounding
community. (3) Examine existing online rating systems that students can use to
rate landlords and off-campus housing, explore ways to promote use of such a
system, and if appropriate, explore development of an online rating system
specific to U-MD students. (4) Educate students regarding role of code
enforcement so they know who and when to contact when they need assistance
your candidacy?
College Park is our shared home. Let's make it better, together.

16


Name: Monroe S. Dennis

Candidate for: Councilmember, District 2
A native Marylander, I finished high school in Worcester County, Maryland. After
college studies in Baltimore, having earned a BS degree in Mathematics, I have
been employed as a federal employee, and have served in the US Army.
Following military service I have been employed by, and have retired from the
IBM Company, and from Group1/Pitney Bowes Software, Inc.
After settling in the City of College Park in mid-1990 I soon became involved
with the Lakeland Civic Association (LCA) and other neighborhood advocacy
affairs. I have served the LCA in many capacities, and was president for more
than 6 years. During his LCA time, I have interacted with City Staff, and Mayor
and Council to accomplish a number of initiatives, and so I consider his ability to
grasp the big picture, and to work through details with all stake-holders to arrive
at amicable end-results as an asset that will continue to serve well as Council
member.
Looking forward to this third Council term, I hope to continue to enhance
relationships with Council and constituents, and to continue involvement with
quality-of-life issues and initiatives. Transparency, honesty, and adherence to
ethical standards will govern all of my interactions for the betterment of my
immediate community and the whole of the College Park community.
Our housing stock, or the availability of housing for all of our residents, is a major
component of housing cost. I will attempt to be aggressive with developers,
UMD, and other stakeholders to try to increase and enhance our housing stock
so as to lower, or at least temper, the rising housing costs.
I think that we have, over the past couple of years, undertaken a number of
initiatives which started us on this path. These efforts, such as engagements



between student-rental landlords, our COPS officers, our UMD and PG police
officers, our civic\citizen association leaders and other stakeholders seem to
gaining traction. I expect to be able to continue, and to expand these and related
initiatives.
problem?
Im not of the opinion that any particular ordinance is any more problematic than
any other, so I cant propose any particular amendment. Having said that, I am
open to discussion of any ordinance with any student or student organization in
order to understand the direct impact on student life.
I will attempt to be engaged! I believe that listening to student, or any other
resident expression of needs related to living, working, and learning is critical in
reaching solutions to ease everyday life.
I believe this question relates to the earlier question related to availability of
affordable housing, and our housing stock. I believe that job opportunities is
another factor necessary to attract and retain grad students, young professionals
as well as other residents, and those seeking residency in College Park. I will
strive to engage with stakeholders to make the local innovation zone initiatives
an attractive feature.
your candidacy?



Name: Ryan Belcher

I graduated from the University of Maryland in May of this year with degrees in
Government and Environmental Science. I work at a small start up company and
Bethesda, spearheading the writing for the group. As an undergraduate, I served
as a member of the Student Government Association and as the student
representative on our Universitys Senate Executive Committee.
Through these roles, I have gained valuable insight on the development of our
city and have worked with both the city government and the University to
enhance development. During my last year at UMD, I served on the board that
standardized the IFC tailgates, recognizing the importance in mitigating noise
issues in our neighborhoods. I am a member of the Neighborhood Quality of Life
group. In this capacity, I provide insight on ways to turn College Park into a top
college town.
I have recognized and personally experienced the fundamental problems that
hold our city back. The city and the University are reluctant partners. City council
members stymie decision-making. Most importantly, residents do not trust one
another.
I am running because I want to fix these issues. I have the experience of working
with the many parties in our city and have done my personal best as a private
citizen to improve College Park. I want to take my commitment to the next level
and create a city that includes everyone in its development and other key
decisions.
One of the great aspects of the University of Maryland is that it provides a great
education at an affordable price to many students. It seems odd then that we do
not have more quality, affordable housing. With that in mind, I think one of the
first priorities is to work with developers that on housing initiatives that will be
significantly lower than recent developments. This goal can be attained through
competitive contracting, crafting policies and a city culture that favors smart
19


development, and by setting targets for an array of housing opportunities for
students, faculty and staff, young professionals, and families.
Another aspect of this issue is making sure that current housing is worth its price.
We need to look at zoning ordinances and other laws and enact changes that
allow landlords to upgrade their properties. Such actions can increase energy
efficiency and, conversely, lower living costs.
The first step needs to be stronger acknowledgement of our problems. I see my
job as brining together key stakeholders to the table to solve our most important
issues. I would encourage people coming up with innovative ideas not previously
discussed, guiding the conversation and then working towards the groups
determined goals. As we start to address our problems together, tensions will
gradually decrease.
From there, we need to work together in building our city. I want to work with
these two groups to determine amenities our cities need. I plan to advocate for
more holistic polling in concert with the University to determine those needs. On
a more fundamental level, I hope to take progress made from bridging the divide
between these two groups to come up with ideas to enhance safety in our
neighborhoods.
problem?
The current aspect of the city code that I find most problematic, not only for
students but for all residents, are the policies pertaining to housing in College
Park. I agree with maximum occupancy for our rental units, but I have strong
issues with how these properties are maintained and how tenants are treated. I
think the fallout from poor housing ordinances impacts our long-term residents as
well.
If I were elected, I would change the relevant ordinances to make sure properties
can be more easily upgraded and fixed when needed. In the end, I would hope to
have rental properties better capture sound and be worth their cost.
The city should serve as reinforcement for your undergraduate experience. With
that in mind, one of my goals is to construct more parking off campus, so
students can more easily attend internships. I would advocate for affordable
grocery options closer to campus that meet the budgets of more students. On the
educational side, I want to reinvigorate the city internship program, so students
can develop projects that concretely improve our community. I would also work
20
with the University to turn College Park into an innovation center.



As a recent graduate turned young professional, I am personally invested in
making College Park an attractive home for not only them but graduate students
as well. Referring back to a previous question on affordable housing, I think we
need to include these groups in our decision-making.
As our state moves to transit oriented development, we need to construct
housing closer to the College Park Metro station, so young professionals are
easily situated to work in DC or other parts of the Metro area. The housing ought
to be complemented with amenities and grocery options on the other side of the
College Park metro station.
We also need to foster an economy that supports job growth in the area.
Whether that is the innovation district or the FBI building, our city needs to
streamline policies that encourage people to want to live and work in or near
College Park.
your candidacy?
If you have any other questions, please feel free to email me at
ryanbelcher4cp@gmail.com.
The election is November 3rd. District Three residents can vote at city hall, 4500
Knox Road. Make sure your voice is heard!

21


Name: Robert Day

Candidate for: City Council District 3
My name is Robert Day and I am running for District 3 City Council seat. My wife
and I made College Park Estates our home in 1997, raising our three children in
College Park Estates. We feel very fortunate in the wonderful friends weve
made here and for the opportunity to live in such a great community. Over the
last 16 years, I have worked to represent resident and neighborhood interests to
improve the Quality of Life in our community. Throughout all of my city board
and committee roles, as well as being a councilmember, I have been a strong
voice, asking the tough questions and focusing on representing the needs and
desires of the community.
18-year resident of College Park

Current National League of Cites University Communities Council
Certified ITGA member in Town-Gown Relations
College Park Academy Board Member - Current
Former President, College Park Estates Civic Association
Former Chair, College Park Rent Stabilization Board
Chair, City Redistricting Commission, 2011
Former Member, College Park Noise Control Board
Former Member and Chair, College Park Advisory Planning Commission
Vice Chair, City Redistricting Commission, 2003
Member, Advisory Planning Group for 2002 US 1 Corridor Sector Plan

My goal in running for re-election to the city council is to continue being a strong
leader in building a better College Park for years to come. I have forged longstanding relationships with all community stakeholders who include residents,
students, business owners and the University of Maryland to name a few. We are
at a very important time in the growth of College Park, we need strong leaders
that builds consensus with input from all members of our community.
The city needs to work with County, State and Federal agencies along with local
stakeholders to develop a clear plan for affordable housing within the city of
22


College Park. This affordable housing plan should include the needs of graduate
students and young professionals with a full set of tools that can be used as an
incentive for developers, property owners and investors to create the housing
needed to address this issue. Some of those tools can be affordable housing
zones and inclusionary zoning and affordable dwelling unit incentives. Create
safe environments for graduate students and young professionals that will
hopefully encourage them to become long-term residents.
To strengthen the relationship within the community we need to develop as many
opportunities for interaction between long-term residents and students both in the
community and on campus. We must continue to work to involve more students
in the boards and commissions of the city while working with the University
administration to find ways for residents to be able to offer input into some UMD
planning sessions. Sometimes that means just being able to sit in on meetings
and learn the process used to address city and UMD issues. We need to find
common ground and continue to build and expand the interaction and
communication through-out our community.
problem?
First let me say, City ordinances should be applied to all members of our
community equally and fairly across the board. From my point of view I believe
that the students see the noise ordnance as the most problematic. At this time I
do not believe that this ordinance needs to be changed. I think we are just
starting to make head way in addressing noise throughout our community. At this
time I think there are only small changes that need to be made in the noise
ordinance (City code Chapter 138). Such as the penalties enforced on properties
should match the current lease for the household. Often times current tenants
are held accountable for the actions of the previous tenants and this is unfair.
Through education, communication and working together to identify more
opportunity for students to enjoy themselves, we will start to build a mutual since
of respect amongst students and residents. If we continue to work together we
can make a major difference in the community relationship. Lets work together to
better understand the issues of the residents and the students to make a
difference in our community.
We need to listen to all members of our community including the students. Often
we will hold meetings to solve community issues and the students are not part of
the process. We need to make sure the student resident voice is part of the
discussion. We should not be making rules and setting boundaries for the
students in our communities without student input. We need to hear the real
23


student needs and desires to make College Park a place that works for all. We all
have to work together to make College Park a top 20 town.

We need to offer quality housing at affordable rates. This affordable transitional
housing would allow young professionals and graduate students to live within the
city of College Park. We need to offer increase city wide amenities which will
attract young professionals and graduate students. This is where student input is
greatly needed to develop the downtown environment that is needed to retain
and attract young professional students.
your candidacy?
Over the last 4 years I have worked as the city council person for District three. I
have worked hard to include students in the government process for the city of
College Park. I believe students are a valuable resource for the city and I have
always included their vision in the process. When others have tried to minimize
the student voice, I have consistently fought for the student voice to be heard. I
look forward to continue working with the young men and women in our
community to make College Park a better place.

24


Name: John Rigg

I have been the Civic Association President for Calvert Hills for nearly four years.
In that time, we have encouraged ALL residents of the neighborhood -- student
and non-student -- to engage in our collective work of making the community
better. This has paid out significant dividends. In collaboration with the CHUM
co-op, we have established community garden plots, and student and nonstudent civic association members have together grappled with neighborhood
quality of life issues such as noise and nusience abatement and development of
the Calvert Road School site, and have worked together to plan various
community events.
In addition to being a long-tenured civic association leader, my personal and
professional qualifications have also prepared me well to be a member of City
Council. I have a Masters Degree in Public Administration, with a focus on
Urban and Regional Affairs and have studied community engagement and
revitalization extensively. I am a lifelong public servant with deep policy
expertise; I have worked on Capitol Hill as a policy fellow for the House Ways
and Means Committee, and currently direct the policy office at a large agency
within the US Department of Health and Human Services. I also understand
neighborhood safety issues intimately; in addition to being a civic association
leader, in my first career (before graduate school) I was a Firefighter/Paramedic
in Atlanta and in Seattle where I worked closely with my law enforcement and
Fire-rescue colleagues to make communities safer.
It's about public service. Plain and simple. From the construction cranes rising
on campus to the palpable sense of energy on campus and in the
neighborhoods, College Park is clearly at a point of inflection, and I want to do
what I can to help channel this energy into making the City an even better place
for all of our residents.
What the City needs at this important point in its history are strong, collaborative
leaders, who have the vision to help shape new development as it occurs, while
preserving the things that are best about our communities. I feel strongly that my
background and leadership style can make a difference in bringing together
stakeholders to make our City an even better place to live, work, study, pray, and
play.
25


One of the things I love most about College Park is that it is an integral part of a
vibrant national capital region. However, in addition to sharing in the region's
vibrancy, College Park also shares in the region's economic realities, one of
which is expensive housing. Despite this challenging economic environment,
one model that has been quietly proving itself in our community is student
cooperative housing. The CoOp Housing at the University of Maryland (CHUM)
currently has five houses in two neighborhoods in College Park, including three
houses in Calvert Hills. Students living in the houses live cooperatively, sharing
meals and community chores, and have been an active, positive force in their
neighborhoods. Importantly, the model has kept rents extremely reasonable;
according to their website, rents for this academic year range from $260 to $515
per month.
The City should join with the University to study this model with the goal of
testing it at a larger scale. For example, one barrier CHUM has encountered has
been instability in access to housing, as some landlords may be willing to rent to
them one year, but may wish to rent to other, more lucrative tenants in
subsequent years. Yet, CHUM itself has not been able to finance the purchase
of a house to be the exclusive home of the co-op. The City and the University
should work together to promote the model, and assist the co-op in finding
financing that will give the organization the stability it deserves, as well as the
opportunity to test their model for affordable student housing at scale.
For students who may not be interested in the co-op model, the City should
continue to look for opportunities to encourage development of market-rate
student housing immediately adjacent to (or even on) campus, as well as
multifamily housing developed near transit. Although complexes such as the
Varsity and Camden College Park have emphasized "upscale" amenities, and
large floorplans, there should also be ample demand for safe, comfortable, more
compact and basic accommodations with fewer amenities and, importantly, lower
rent. Should this housing be developed in our City, it would be crucial that it be
put in the right place -- near transit and adjacent to Campus -- so that traffic
related to new housing does not clog our already congested streets, and so that
large, bulky buildings do not impinge on the character of our historic
neighborhoods.
A key element of strengthening relationships between long-term residents and
student residents is through engagement and collaboration between City Council
and University officials, including and especially the SGA. Through such
collaboration, the City and the University have created an on-campus tailgating
option for home game days, which has successfully reduced the frequency and 26


intensity of loud and occasionally destructive parties in the Old Town
neighborhood.
As a member of the City Council, I would work closely with my colleagues, with
the SGA (including the Council liaison) and the administration to find ways such
as these to reduce the magnitude of disruptive parties that place such stress on
relationships between student residents and long-term residents, while also
creating new opportunities, such as music festivals or community events, which
would bring together residents of all walks of life.
problem?
One city ordinance that is noticably absent from our city code and which, by
nature of its absence could be potentially life-altering, is the lack of a city
ordinance prohibiting city staff from inquiring about an individual's immigration
status. In 2011, the general assembly passed the Maryland DREAM Act, which
among other things provides in-state tuition for Maryland residents who are not
lawfully present in the United States. This action by the general assembly was a
clear symbol of Maryland's commitment to education for all Marylanders,
regardless of their immigration status. It is illogical that the City of College Park,
home to our state's flagship university, does not have the legal infrastructure in
place to protect these students from persecution as they pursue their educational
goals.
To put a fine point on it; it does not make any sense that Maryland DREAMers
who are here in College Park to get ahead by gaining a college degree could run
the risk of City staff inquiring about their immigration status; an inquiry that could
result in their detention or their being deported.
The City of College Park should join other Maryland cities such as Baltimore and
Takoma Park in enacting a city ordinance that prohibits city funds or resources
from being used to enforce federal immigration laws, including making inquiries
about an individuals' immigration status, unless the individual is under arrest for a
violent crime or felony.
I would work hard to make sure that students have access to world-class public
transportation to help them get where they need to go in our area quickly and
efficiently. I would continue to work with the University Police Department and
with the Prince Georges County Police to make sure that our neighborhoods are
safe. I would encourage biking and walking through improved sidewalks and
bicycle infrastructure. And I would help facilitate the creation of a tenants'
association to help empower students to better organize for higher-quality, safer,
and less exploitative rental housing in our City.
27


I support the Committee's recommendation that increasing home ownership
diversity is a key element to attracting and retaining graduate students, however
this alone is not sufficient. Rather, since many young professionals and,
especially many graduate students would not be able to purchase a home, the
City of College Park should focus on developing and maintaining a diverse array
of high-quality housing options, from market-rate multifamily complexes geared
towards graduate students and young professionals, to moderately-priced homes
in College Park's neighborhoods that are safe, affordable, and available to rent.
Additionally, as graduate students and young professionals "settle down" in
College Park and consider starting families, the City should continue to
emphasize improvements to area schools. Although the City-University's
partnership in founding the College Park Academy is commendable, it will only
be able to serve a maximum of 700 students, and only includes middle school
and high school. The City-University partnership should redouble its efforts in
the local schools by promoting greater integration of university resources in the
classroom, to sponsoring additional courses in our existing elementary schools,
to co-founding additional school options in the area for middle and high school
students.
By presenting graduate students and young professionals with an array of
housing options, and with a clear opportunity for their family to gain access to
high-quality schools, the City of College Park could be an even better place to
live as a graduate student, as a young professional, and eventually raise a
family.
your candidacy?
My campaign is about inclusion and about collaboration. I take the responsibility
of representing all residents of District 3 -- both student and non-student -- very
seriously, and would love your ideas about ways to make our City an even better
place. Please feel free to send me your ideas at jrigg@jrigg.net, or by visiting
http://jrigg.net.

28


Name: Stephanie Stullich

Candidate for: City Council District 3
I have been a City Councilmember for District 3 for almost 9 years, since January
2007, and I have lived in the Old Town neighborhood of College Park for over 20
years. Before joining the City Council in January 2007, I served as president of
the Old Town Civic Association and in a variety of other committees and
community groups, including the College Park Committee for a Better
Environment. In 2005 I co-authored a book on the history of College Park, for
which we compiled over 200 vintage photographs from the 1890s through the
1950s to tell the story of College Parks development, including the early history
of the Maryland Agricultural College, the Wright Brothers work at the College
Park Air Field, the history of Route 1, trains, and the Rhode Island Avenue trolley
line, and many other facets of College Park history. I have worked at the U.S.
Department of Education as a policy analyst for the past 24 years and have a
strong interest in educational equity issues.
As a City Councilmember, I have sought to work together with many different
stakeholders to strengthen our community. I have been a vocal advocate for
investing in police and public safety, building more student housing near the
University campus, and decreasing traffic through smart growth and increased
transit (especially the Purple Line). I am particularly proud of our work on the
Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee, weve built a collaborative effort with
University and City staff, students and long-term residents, landlords and city
council members, to develop and implement creative strategies such as the oncampus tailgates that are making a real difference.
I believe deeply in the importance of building partnerships between different parts
of the community, including neighborhood civic associations, students, the
university administration, the business community, and state and county
partners. In talking with many different kinds of community members, it is clear to
me that although we may not agree on everything, we do share many of the
same goals for making College Park a better place to live, work, and study.
Together I believe we can bring that vision to reality.
This is an exciting time for College Park our efforts over the last several years
to make College Park a better place to live are showing early successes and
great promise for more to come. The University has become a great partner with
the City, and that makes positive change much more possible than if we were
29


trying to do this on our own. Some of our recent successes and continuing efforts
include:
Weve been working together on public safety, and crime rates have
declined by 28% (since 2006).
Weve created the College Park Academy, which uses an innovative

blended learning model, and test scores and parent satisfaction are high.
Were making progress towards creating a thriving downtown we now

have a wider range of restaurants and retail, and more on the way.
We are looking to redevelop the City Hall site in partnership with the
University, with a University office building, new City Hall, and a public plaza that
will provide a gathering space in our downtown.
We recently developed a 5-year strategic plan to guide the City Councils

work in a thoughtful way. Weve also adopted a sustainability plan to reduce our
carbon emissions and become a regional leader in responsible environmental
practices.
I am proud of the progress that College Park has been making, with the
concerted efforts of so many stakeholders the University, county and state
officials, property owners and business owners, and students and long-term
residents, among others. I am eager to continue to be a part of this work to make
College Park a more vibrant, safe, and attractive college town.
Insufficient and inadequate housing for students has been a long-standing
problem in College Park, and I consider it a major success that so much new
student housing has been built over the past 5-10 years. Unfortunately these
projects have provided relatively expensive new housing, in part due to the high
cost of new construction. When the City created the Rent Stabilization program in
2005, the Council at that time decided to exempt large apartment buildings from
those requirements in order to avoid discouraging developers from building
badly-needed student housing which I think was the right decision. Affordable
housing is a very tough challenge for the City, in part because of our modest
financial resources and the fact that zoning authority lies with the County, not the
City. My hope is that the increasing supply of new student housing will help to
bring down prices due to the economics of supply and demand. Although this is a
very difficult issue, I believe we should work with county and state
representatives to look for ways to encourage the construction of affordable
housing for diverse types of residents in College Park.
Despite some tensions over noise and parties, overall I see a lot of common
ground between students and older residents, who share a desire for a safe
30
community, better restaurants and retail, more transit and less traffic, and a more


attractive Main Street. Our Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee has been a
very productive venue for bringing together students, long-term residents, and
many others to work on comprehensive strategies for addressing quality of life
concerns, increasing both student housing diversity and home ownership, and
work together on community building. Id like to see more interaction between
students and older residents through serving on city committees, volunteering in
the community, and advocating for common goals at the city, county, and state
levels. If any students are interested in getting involved in these ways, please let
me know!
problem?
I dont have any proposals to amend any city codes at this time, but am open to
suggestions about changes that could benefit our community. Code enforcement
is an important tool for ensuring that neighborhoods provide a comfortable and
attractive place for people of all ages to live in, and to ensure adequate living
conditions in rental housing. I have often heard students expressing concerns
about substandard living conditions in some rental housing, including lack of heat
in the winter, lack of working showers, and non-locking doors or windows. Code
enforcement staff can require landlords to fix these issues, and I would
encourage students to call on them for help when needed (the phone number is
240-487-3570). I believe City and student leaders can do more to reach out to
students to find out where problems exist and work together to address them.
Revitalizing our downtown and building the Purple Line are two important ways to
make everyday life easier and better for all residents of College Park.
Graduate students, young professionals, and University faculty and staff are
often looking for communities that are safe, have interesting restaurants and
shops in a pedestrian-friendly environment, high quality schools and daycare for
their children, good access to public transit and bicycle paths, and other
recreational and social amenities. The City Council has been working with the
University to support revitalization of our downtown, and I am especially
enthusiastic about our plans for jointly redeveloping the City Hall site and
adjacent University property with a new City Hall, University office space, groundfloor retail (which we should fill with unique restaurants rather than chains), and a
public plaza at the corner of Route 1 and Knox. The quality of K-12 schools is an
issue that is particularly important to young families, and I believe the CityUniversity Partnerships success in creating the College Park Academy is
something that we should continue to support and grow. Bringing the Purple Line31


to reality will also help to create the kind of interconnected community that will
attract new residents of all ages.
Nine years ago, one of my highest priorities was encouraging construction of new
student housing because there was a severe shortage at that time. The situation
is very different now new construction has added approximately 4,300 student
beds off-campus since 2010, and an additional 1,500 beds are currently under
construction at Terrapin Row. At this point I think we need new housing
developments to focus on attracting faculty, staff, graduate students, and
professionals, particularly in our downtown area, which will help support a more
diverse mix of retail and restaurants and provide a more stable customer base
during the summer and winter breaks in order to help those businesses thrive.
Several property owners in the downtown and metro station areas are
considering options for proposing new developments, and I want to encourage
them to design housing that will appeal to graduate students and young
professionals, as well as faculty and staff of all ages.
your candidacy?
My undergraduate degree was at Berkeley, and my years spent in that very
unique and exciting community has definitely influenced my thinking about what
a college town could look like. Berkeley has an extremely diverse array of
businesses and business districts, and a lively and interesting environment. The
residents of Berkeley include many faculty and staff members, professionals,
working class people as well as students, and both students and non-students
often mingle in the various business districts as they wander between
bookstores, cafes, clothing and specialty stores, and a wide range of restaurants
from cheap ethnic eateries to the world-class Chez Panisse. A premier college
town like a Berkeley, Ann Arbor, or Boston takes time to create, but I see no
reason why College Park cannot make substantial progress towards that goal in
the next 3-6 years (and then keep going!).

32


Name: Mary C. Cook

Candidate for: District 4, Councilmember
I am a native of the Midwest and appreciate the strong work ethic I acquired
growing up there. I left Kansas for a B.S. in Arabic from Georgetown University
(when it wasn't even popular). Later I attained a M.S. in Student Personnel and
Counseling from Kansas State University.
Since moving to College Park in 2001, I have held multiple positions on City
commissions and boards, including the Committee for a Better Environment, the
Advisory Planning Commission and the Veterans Memorial Improvement
Committee. In addition, I served as District 4 City Councilmember from 2006 2009. With this wide variety of experience, I have a comprehensive
understanding of the City's issues from zoning to budgetary issues.
I love College Park. Seriously, my husband and I bought our first home here in
2001 and later our second home in 2011 in Cherry Hill because we loved our
neighborhood and our neighbors so much.
A more traditional answer might be that I have the knowledge and expertise to
help improve all aspects of the City, and am a considerable asset to the citizens.
First, we must define affordable housing. Per the latest market feasibility study
affordable housing can mean those fitting the category of Sec. 8 to a 3 bedroom
apartment renting for nearly $1,500. Is that what we mean? Once it is clear we
are all on the same page, we can encourage current entities in the City, including
the University and those buildings now labelled as student housing to consider
making some apartments/condos more affordable than they currently are now.
Future developments could have MOU's stipulating a certain percentage of
housing units be marketed as affordability.
33


As I always do, I encourage student residents to become involved on our
committees and boards. If student residents live in a neighborhood, join that
area's civic association.
The SGA could also have long-term residents as representatives like the City
Council has student liasions.
problem?
City ordinances should apply to everyone and every entity in the City. If the
student population finds one to be problematic, they should approach their
councilmembers and/or their SGA student liaison to the Council. Upon learning
about the impacts of that ordinance on students, the City Council can then begin
to explore the issue and ways to resolve the problem.
First, I would listen to what the students want, and then, implement their
suggestions if feasible.
We have always welcomed graduate students and young professionals. Many
have chosen the City because of the proximity of the Metro stations. Currently, all
of the new housing that is coming on board is geared toward these groups.
These individuals could become involved with a civic association to make their
voices heard. More amenities would always be nice such as coffeeshops,
entertainment clubs, restaurants, small shops. The City Councilmembers and
staff, particularly those involved with Economic Development can encourage new
businesses to come to the City.
your candidacy?
I currently serve as the President, North College Park Civic Association, Chair,
Advisory Planning Commission, Chair, Veterans Memorial Improvement
Committee, and Cherry Hill Neighborhood Watch Coordinator. I am a person of
strong integrity and passion for civic work. My leadership skills help me to lead
the aforementioned committees and my previous terms on the City Council.

34


Name: Alan Y. Hew

Candidate for: City of College Park Council District 4
I first came to know the City of College Park as a student at the University of
Maryland, starting in 1991. After graduating in 1994 (with a B.S. in Natural
Resources Management, focusing on Environmental Education & Parks
Management), I stayed on as an employee at the university. Although I was
living next door in Adelphi, I always felt College Park was my home. I became a
resident of College Park in 2005.
In 2007, Jefferson Properties, Inc. (JPI) proposed their site plan for the
development of JPI West and East. The back end of the JPI West development
extended into our neighborhood, just three doors across from me. With my
neighbors, I ended up working closely with their developers to find a way for their
development to fit into our neighborhood. As a result of our involvement, their
Detailed Site Plan(DSP) was approved in 2008; however, with the shift in our
economy it never got developed. Also in 2008, the County started the process of
updating the 2002 Sector Plan for US Rt. 1. Again, my neighbors and I got
involved in the process of defining our neighborhood and addressing issues in
the Sector Plan that defined the accepted guidelines for developing in our
community.
Since then, I served first on the Animal Welfare Committee and then on the
Committee for a Better Environment, and focused on Energy Efficiency
workshops. I also served on the 2011 Redistricting Commission for College
Park. And Since 2013 I have served on the College Park Day Committee.
In the beginning of 2013, I became the community liaison for the Autoville
neighborhood area, working on the new JPI West project being developed by
Monument Realty. Monument Village at College Park had proposed changes to
the approved DSP they purchased from JPI. In order to get their proposed
changes approved, they needed to work with the Autoville community. Through
a series negotiations working with the City Council, city planners, the County
Council and developers, I managed to reach an agreement that benefits our
community much better than the original DSP allowed. In the past couple of
years Ive been attending conferences, talks and lectures pertaining to Smart
Growth and Economic Development issues. A great community doesnt happen
by chance and I want to be able to help College Park be the best community to
live in that it can be.
I believe community involvement is essential to any community worth living in.
College Park is the current focus of the Countys redevelopment efforts. Assuring
35


smart growth and development that will complement its surrounding community
is why I am running for City Council.
In my research for best practices for successful economic redevelopment and
smart growth, Ive learned that affordable housing is an essential element for
success. With the high levels of service jobs associated with the amenities of a
successful community, those employees need to live close by in order to make
public and alternative transportation options viable and not contribute to the
burden of traffic and parking limitations. The best time to address affordable
housing is when you start your economic redevelopment efforts as doing so later
will lead to higher costs and challenges as property values rise and sites become
limited.
I will be encouraging of our planning staff and supportive our Citys efforts and
strategies for attracting developers of affordable housing through tax credits or
other assistance with the process.
The key word is relations, as in any relationship there needs to be respect,
consideration and understanding. Attending college is all about preparing
yourself for the future, your career and success in life. That growth is not limited
to your academic experience however personal growth is expected as well and
not directly addressed. The University takes a passive approach to teaching
their students that success in life. Living in dorms and student apartments RAs
and Resident Life Staff begin to set boundaries and expectations for learning to
be neighborly and well-adjusted in society. Working on group assignments and
fulfilling internship requirements is another passive approach to teaching work
relations. And in your own experience that passive approach works on some but
not all. When it comes to living in our community the passive method of the
University has not been as effective and puts the burden of teaching that
relationship on the residents and City. I feel it is time that the University helps us
with that burden of teaching those relationship building skills and requires certain
exercises and activities of their students living in our community. I would work
with the University on those requirements, like an assignment that includes
students researching and reporting on issues that will put them in conflict with the
residents and City. I would work with the City to better provide information for the
completion of that assignment, identifying Codes and Ordinances put in place to
reinforce those relations. I would encourage residents to be engaging with this
assignment expecting to know the names of and studies of the students living
next to them and exchanging contacts for better communication and conflict
resolving. I would help promote more community events that provide opportunity
for Students and Residents to mingle and get to know each other better. I would
encourage landlords to include certain external maintenance of their properties 36


alleviating that burden that often results in conflict from the student renters. I feel
this assignment would lead to success of students living in our community and
their overall success in life.
problem?
I would say Parking for more than 48 hrs on a City street. I realize some
students may not require their car 7 days a week and may rely on alternative
means of transportation or public transportation. Furthermore they might travel
out of state for an extended trip during the winter break. A special permit that
would allow for these issues and could help by setting some guidelines that
would avoid complaints from residents and would provide a contact of the owner
of the vehicle in the event that where theyre parked is an issue.
your candidacy?

37
Taken From College Park Municipal Scene, October 2015. Used with permission.
MEET THE CANDIDATES

CANDIDATES FOR MAYOR: VOTE FOR 1
Denise C. Mitchell
Patrick L. Wojahn
301-660-8513
dm4cpmayor@gmail.com
Candidate for Mayor
240-988-7763
patrickforcp@gmail.com
Candidate for Mayor
It has been my honor to serve

as your City Councilmember over
the last six years and as Mayor
Pro Tem since 2011. Together,
we have tackled some tough concerns and worked to
enhance our community. I would like to continue to
work together to make College Park the best town for
families, students and retirees to live in and feel that
I am well positioned to be the next Mayor of College
Park!
I have lived in the City of College Park with
my family since 1975. I am a graduate of Rutgers
University where I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree
in Public Health and The University of the District
of Columbia, with a Masters of Art degree in Early
Childhood Education and Administration.
As Mayor, my priorities will be City-wide, and I see
many important goals ahead:
Ensure fiscal responsibility and closely monitor our
budget and taxes
Boost occupancy of vacant properties and promote
vitality in all our neighborhoods
Increasing pedestrian safety and walkability through
all parts of College Park
Ensure that revitalization of US Route 1 remains our
top highway development priority
You can call me at 301-660-8513, send an email at
dm4cpmayor@gmail.com or visit my web site:
www.DeniseMitchell.us.
Patrick Wojahn is a
community organizer and
advocate for the rights of people
with disabilities and for safe
infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, currently
working as Director of Government Relations at Railsto-Trails Conservancy. He has lived with his husband
Dave in north College Park for 12 years and has served
on the City Council for eight years. In that time, he
has made College Park safer, greener, and an overall
better place to live. He has worked to build a stronger
community in north College Park by establishing
a community listserve, started the College Park
Community Foundation, which has provided thousands
of dollars for local charitable causes, established College
Park Day, and strengthened city procedures and
practices to fix up rental and vacant properties.
Patrick has been a leader in the region and
nationally on issues impacting our community. Patrick
has obtained a certificate on local government leadership
from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government,
graduated from the Prince Georges County Citizens
Police Academy, and was a member of the 2014 class of
Leadership Greater Washington. Patrick has also served
on the boards of Equality Maryland, the College Park
Food Bank, and a variety of organizations advocating for
the rights of people with disabilities.
38
DISTRICT 1: VOTE FOR 2

of Baltimore. She is an experienced mediator, and an
advocate of alternative dispute resolution.
Christine is currently employed as a Program
Manager at the Maryland Department of the
Environment, where she oversees compliance with public
health standards that protect public drinking water. She
has more than 25 years experience working to protect the
environment and public safety.
Christine is a strong advocate of transparency, communication and accountability in government. She is
looking forward to serving the residents of College Park
again.
S. M. Fazlul Kabir
301-659-6295
faz.kabir@gmail.com
Candidate for City Council
District 1
Dr. Fazlul Kabir is a two term
City Councilmember of the City of
College Park District 1 representing
north College Park.He lives in east
Hollywood with his wife and two children.
He works as the Director of Technology in a local
software development company. He holds a doctorate
degree in Electrical Engineering from the University
of Manchester and also teaches at the University of
Maryland, College Park.
Before he became Councilmember, he served as a
four-term Secretary of the North College Park Citizens
Association (NCPCA).
He is the co-founder of the College Park Day event,
where he worked with community groups and local
schools, and established the events website. Kabir enjoys
helping with community projects. He helped organized
several Hollywood neighborhood cleanup events
with 50+ volunteers for the past five years, the Citys
first winter clothing drive, the Committee for Better
Environments tree planting event, National Night Out
and winter snow shoveling projects.
Cory C. Fitzgerald Sanders
850-339-3582
cory@corycsanders.com
District 1
With a passion for public
service and the ability to
motivate and mobilize people to
action, Sanders deeply rooted
commitment increased the prominence of his civic
leadership that is exemplified by his time in the Air Force
Reserve Officer Training Corps at Lackland AFB TX, his
work to improve the education of College Park youth
as a member of the College Park Education Advisory
Committee, and, most recently, his decision to run for
College Park City Council.
Upon receiving his MBA, Sanders worked for
Accenture LTD the worlds largest consulting firm as
measured by revenues. Sanders found another way to
serve by spending years advising the current Mayor of
Tallahassee, Florida and dissecting the $400 million
dollar budget of the capital of Florida. His passion for
government relations led him to make the jump to
College Park, Maryland as the Federal Government
Manager and Director for ProTelecom, an IT firm
in the DC metro area. Since joining the College
Park community, he has founded its first Democratic
Club, serving as its current President, and becoming a
small business owner by founding Sandtech, a videotelecommunications company. Sanders serves on the
City of College Park Aging-in-Place Task Force and also
President of the Camden College Park Neighborhood
Association. Sanders received his BA in Computer
Information Systems from Florida A&M University, an
MBA from Excelsior College and is currently enrolled
in the Masters certificate program at Georgetown
University.
Christine Nagle
240-965-0214
naglecollegeparkforus@gmail.com
District 1
Christine lives in the Daniels
Park neighborhood. She previously
served on the City Council from
2009-2011,and has served with
several local boards and groups, including the North
College Park Citizens Association, theQuality of Life
Committee, theAnimal Welfare Committee, and Meals
on Wheels.
A native of Baltimore, Christine first moved to
College Park in 2003. She chose College Park over other
locations in the DC Metro area because of the sense of
community here. She loves meeting and getting to know
her neighbors in North College Park.
Ms. Nagle served in the 175th Wing of the
Maryland Air National Guard. She holds degrees from
the Community College of the Air Force &Towson
University, andearned her law degree atthe University
3
39

Daniel C. Blasberg, Jr.
P.J. is a graduate of UMD, College Park and holds

a Masters Degree in Business Administration from
University of Maryland University College. P.J. works
for the federal government and has worked for various
cultural and academic institutions in the DC-metro area.
P.J. and his husband Nick have lived in Prince
Georges County since 2005. They enjoy walking their
two dogs on local trails, gardening, biking around town,
exploring local restaurants and farmers markets, and
taking advantage of the amenities at UMD, including
Campus Recreation Services and the Clarice Smith
Performing Arts Center.
301-345-7381
blasberg@verizon.net
District 2
Born and raised in Ohio, Dan
served 8 years in the US Army, as a
satellite communications technician
and a network supervisor with the
White House Communications Agency. He worked
in the telecommunications industry for 12 years
after getting out of the Army, in the DC area. He is
currently a small business owner providing technical and
installation services of emergency lights and sirens to
police and fire departments.
Dan has served the community and the county
as the amateur radio coordinator for the Office of
Emergency Management for both the Amateur Radio
Emergency Service (ARES) and the Radio Amateur Civil
Emergency Service (RACES), and continues to volunteer
as a member of both organizations. He has served in the
capacity of Senior Advisor and Deputy Chief of staff for
a Maryland State Delegate in Annapolis, responsible for
firearms, 2nd Amendment and veterans issues.
Dan and his wife Sue moved to College Park
in 1999, and have been residents of the Berwyn
neighborhood ever since. He currently serves as a director
on the Berwyn District Civic Association. Dan also
serves on the College Park Citizens Corp Council and
was one of the first members of College Parks CERT.
Vivian M. Conway
240-615-6064
vmateso@yahoo.com
District 2
Resident of College Park for
7 years (lived in the Lakeland
Community as a child). An heir of
most Ancestors of Lakeland.
Married for 14 years, Mother of 6, Grandmother of 7.
Presently Serve:
Board Member, Re-entry Program for Returning
Citizens (Basic Strategy Plan Committee)
Lakeland Community Neighborhood Watch Block
Captain
Reid Temple AME Church - Licensed Evangelist,
Outreach Coordinator, Life Coach, Teacher
Worked for: Prince Georges County Board of Education
1996-2002. Served PG County Department of
Corrections Data Reporting Program.
I believe in one College Park. Lets fill the gap in
District 2 and move forward in the process and progress
in having a continued strong leadership helping to
enhance lives through building projects, safety plans for
University of Maryland students and all employees. Also
focusing on our residents seniors/youth, young adults
and most importantly family connect-power groups by
networking through county, state and government.
I also believe we can build District 2 of College Park
so all people can enjoy our communities, entertainment,
restaurants and parks as we learn and implement our
plans for an enhanced way of life by being One Force
College Park.
I will do my best to serve all of District 2.
P. J. Brennan
202-288-5569
pj4cpmd@gmail.com
District 2
P.J. has served on the College
Park City Council for the past
two years (2014 - 2015). During
this time, P.J. has demonstrated a
strong commitment to working with residents, city staff,
county and state leaders, and the University of Maryland
to achieve results. P.J. is a proven leader, keeping his
communities informed and engaged, fighting for Smart
Growth, and advocating for Quality of Life strategies.
In addition to his duties as councilmember, P.J. has
been very active with Neighborhood Quality of Life,
Public/Pedestrian Safety, and Community Building
initiatives. P.J. is a Fellow with the UMD and Maryland
Municipal League Academy for Excellence in Local
Governance.
District 2 candidates, continued on next page.

4
40
DISTRICT 2 CONTINUED
Monroe S. Dennis
Association (LCA) and other neighborhood advocacy

affairs. He has served the LCA in many capacities, and
was president for more than 6 years.
During his LCA time, Dennis interacted with City
Staff, and Mayor and Council to accomplish a number
of initiatives, and considers his ability to grasp the big
picture, and to work through details with all stakeholders to arrive at amicable end-results as an asset that
will continue to serve well.
Looking forward to this next Council term,
his third, Dennis expects to continue to enhance
relationships with Council and constituents, and to
continue involvement with quality-of-life issues and
initiatives. Transparency, honesty, and adherence to
ethical standards will govern all of his interactions for
the betterment of his immediate community and the
whole of the College Park community.
301-474-6270
msdennis001@earthlink.net
District 2
A native Marylander, Dennis
finished high school in Worcester
County, Maryland. After college
studies in Baltimore, having earned a BS degree in
Mathematics, he has been employed as a federal
employee, and is a US Army veteran. Following military
service Dennis was employed by, and has retired from
the IBM Company, and from Group1/Pitney Bowes
Software, Inc.
Dennis settled in the City of College Park in mid1990 and soon became involved with the Lakeland Civic

Robert W. Day
Ryan T. Belcher
301-980-0059
ryanbelcher4cp@gmail.com
District 3
I graduated from the University
of Maryland this past May with a
double degree from Government
and Politics with Honors and
Environmental Science. I went to high school at Gonzaga
in downtown Washington D.C., where I first began to
learn the importance of social justice.
I am passionate about community service,
participating in environmental service trips throughout
the United States. I have also led service trips ranging in
distances from Boston to our neighboring communities.
I am running to represent the third district of
College Park in the City Council. I believe we are at
a unique crossroads in our city that requires a fresh,
pragmatic perspective, and I know that my experience
in College Park makes me the best candidate for the job.
I am running to help guide our city to become a top 10
college town.
My passion for public service stems from my
high schools motto, Men and Women for Others.
In essence, this phrase means that those who have an
opportunity to better their community should feel
compelled to do so. I actively try to live this motto and
work to meaningfully improve our community.
301-741-1962
robwday@gmail.com
District 3
I have lived in College Park
Estates with my wife Melissa and
our sons Robert Jr., Matthew and
Maxwell, for 18 years.
I have been an active member of the community for
14 years through many boards and commissions. Until
I was elected to the Council, I was the President of the
College Park Estates Civic Association, Chair of the
Rent Stabilization Board, member of the Noise Control
Board, current member and two-term former chair of
the Advisory Planning Commission. I have also served
as the 2003 Vice Chair and 2011 Chair of the City
Redistricting Commission, and member of the Advisory
Planning Group for 2002 US 1 Corridor Sector Plan.
Current College Park Academy Board Member.
I have worked to represent resident and
neighborhood interests to improve the Quality of Life
in our community. Throughout all of my board and
committee roles, and now as a councilmember, I have
been a strong voice, asking the tough questions and
focusing on representing the needs and desires of the
community. My goal in running for re-election is to
continue being a strong leader in building a better
College Park which will remain a community that people
and businesses want to call home for years to come.
5
41
Robert J. McCeney
John volunteers his time extensively throughout

our community. He is a volunteer Paramedic, sings in
community and church choirs, and coaches his sons
soccer teams. John and his family are active at St.
Andrews Episcopal Church in College Park.
John has masters degrees in Public Administration,
with a focus on Urban and Regional Affairs, and in
Health Administration. He directs a large policy office
within the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services.
John would love to hear your thoughts about ways in
which our City can become an even better place to live,
study, do business, worship, and build community.
Feel free to email him at jrigg@jrigg.net, or visit
http://jrigg.net to get in touch, and for more information
on his campaign.
301-441-2338
bobmcceney1@gmail.com
District 3
Bob is an elementary school
teacher, and volunteers for the
American Red Cross in Prince
Georges County as a First Aid,
CPR, Babysitting, and Life Guard Instructor. He is
a life-long resident and graduated with his Bachelor
of Science degree in Education from the University of
Maryland in College Park. Bob graduated with honors
from Bowie State University with a Master of Education
degree and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in
Education Policy, Planning, and Administration from
The George Washington University. He has served as the
First Aid Chairman for the Prince Georges County Red
Cross overseeing the volunteers, serving on the Safety
Services Committee, and presenting service awards at
schools and events.
While working in an elementary school, Bob wrote a
proposal to secure a $2,500 grant from the Four Winds
Weather Network for a weather station, and he secured
matching funds from the Parent-Teacher Association
that enabled the students to advance their study of
meteorology.
Bob believes in donating to the University of
Maryland, and is a lifetime member of the University
of Maryland Alumni Association, National Education
Association, Maryland State Teachers Association,
Montgomery County Education Association,
Environment Maryland, and The Colonial Williamsburg
Foundation.
Stephanie E. Stullich
301-742-4442
stullich@earthlink.net
District 3
A City Councilmember
since January 2007, Stephanie
has lived in College Park with
her husband Bob Schnabel for
21 years. She previously served as president of the Old
Town Civic Association and on the Committee for a
Better Environment, and co-authored a book on the
history of College Park. She currently co-chairs the Citys
Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee. Stephanie
works at the U.S. Department of Education.
Stephanie is proud of our efforts to make College
Park a more vibrant, safe, and attractive community, and
will continue to work on making College Park a more
vibrant college town by creating a thriving and walkable
downtown, attracting high-quality locally-owned retail
and restaurants, and ensuring that new developments
meet high standards for environmental sustainability.
She has been a vocal advocate for investing in police and
public safety, building more student housing near the
University campus, and decreasing traffic through smart
growth and increased transit (especially the Purple Line).
Stephanie believes constituent service and keeping
the community informed is one of a councilmembers
most important roles. She invites residents to share their
concerns and ideas so that we can work together to make
College Park a better place.
John B. Rigg
301-927-0220
jrigg@jrigg.net
District 3
John Rigg has lived in the
Calvert Hills neighborhood of
College Park since 2007, where for
the past three years he has served
as President of the Calvert Hills Citizens Association. A
natural collaborator and tireless community activist, John
has worked hard to protect the character of College Parks
neighborhoods while helping to bring amenities and
smart development to our city.
42

Mary C. Cook
His thirty five year professional career in corporate

accounting and finance for various industries include
banking, telecommunications, information technologies,
national security, health and environment, labor unions
and government contracting. He brings a well developed
customer service centered focus.
It is clear that the foundation of College Park
lies with each unique neighborhood and the public
servants that help them every day. Oscar will fight for a
homeowner infrastructure tax credit. If elected, he will
donate this recent council pay increase to a new leave
pool for the hard working city employees.
Oscars number one priority is put the
neighborhoods first.
202-213-5579
cook4district4@yahoo.com
District 4
Mary came to College Park
via the Middle East where she
was employed as a journalist.
Upon arriving in the City,
she immediately joined the Committee for a Better
Environment. She and her husband found their Cherry
Hill neighborhood so inviting, they chose to remain
there when choosing their second home.
Mary has a comprehensive understanding of City
issues. Her agenda has always been to serve the residents.
Dedicated to the community, she has held a range of
positions including: City Councilmember, Advisory
Planning Commission Chair, Veterans Memorial
Improvement Committee Chair, as well as North College
Park Civic Association President.
While on Council, she initiated the Strategic Plan as
a tool for future construction and budget development.
In addition, Mary implemented the first and only Go
Carless Day while supporting the residents use of the
UM shuttle. She edited former Mayor Anna Owens
publication on the history of Attick Towers out of her
concern for the Citys seniors.
Mary has worked in higher education for 20 years as
an English as Second Language Instructor and Academic
Advisor. She has a M.S. in Student Personnel and
Counseling, and a B.S. in Arabic.
Alan Y. Hew
240-391-8678
alanhew.4cp@gmail.com
District 4
My experience with College
Park began in 1991 while attending
the University of Maryland. I
graduated in 1994 with a B.S. in
Natural Resources Management, I continued working at
UMD, living nearby in Adelphi. I moved to College Park
in 2005.
In 2007 I actively participated with the Jefferson
Properties Inc. (JPI) West efforts to develop in our
community. The economy derailed that development.
Then I was actively involved in the update to the
Countys Sector Plan for US Rt 1.
In 2013 I became the Autoville community liaison
working with the Monument Village at College Park
project (successor to JPI West) on their Detailed Site
Plan. That development is currently under construction.
In the past years Ive attended conferences and
lectures pertaining to Smart Growth and Economic
Development issues. A great community doesnt happen
by chance and I want to be able to help College Park be
the best community to live in that it can be.
I believe community involvement is essential to any
community worth living in. College Park is the current
focus of the Countys redevelopment efforts. Assuring
smart growth and development that will complement its
surrounding community is why I am running for City
Council.
Oscar E. Gregory
240-426-0321
ogregory55@gmail.com
District 4
Oscar Gregory is a life-long
resident of Maryland, growing
up in Beltsville before moving
to College Park Woods in 1973.
A graduate from High Point HS, he worked his way
through college (University of Maryland, Prince Georges
CC, Strayer University). He counts being a member of
the UMd wrestling team and creating the first Annual
Community Square Dance at PGCC as two fond college
experiences.
In 2010, Oscar and his family decided to move from
Gaithersburg back to College Park Woods to keep his
mom company and help at home after his dad passed
away.

7
43
Community is important to Dustyn, and she enjoys
getting to know her neighbors and getting involved. She
has served on the College Park Woods Pool Board, as a
member of the College Park Redistricting Commission,
and as Co-Coordinator of the Neighborhood Watch.
Dustyn is well respected among her friends and neighbors
and is excited to help the residents of District 4.
As a Councilmember for District 4, Dustyn would
like to implement the visions of the residents and work
to meet the needs of District 4. As a resident, neighbor,
and friend, she knows the strengths of the community
and what matters most. She will work diligently and
impartially to bring change for the district and the City
of College Park.
Dustyn Burkart Kujawa
240-620-2105
kujawa.district4@gmail.com
District 4
Dustyn Kujawa has lived in
College Park for 9 years with her
husband, Chris, and has worked
hard to be a part of the community
at large. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland,
Eastern Shore where she obtained her Bachelor of
Science degree in Hospitality Management. She currently
works as a project manager for an aerospace engineering
company in the Lanham area.
municipal
elections are november 3, 2015
Meeting Agendas are posted on the Citys website

on the Friday afternoon prior to the meetings and are
available at the City Clerks office. Meeting back-up
materials will be posted to the website on the Monday
prior to the meeting.
Meeting schedule is subject to change. For current
information, please contact the City Clerks Office at
240-487-3501.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETINGS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2015
7:30 P.M. MAYOR AND COUNCIL WORKSESSION
7:30 P.M. MAYOR AND COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
7:30 P.M. MAYOR AND COUNCIL WORKSESSION
CITY OF COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND

NOTICE OF FAIR SUMMARY
ORDINANCE 15-O-04
7:30 P.M. MAYOR AND COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
An Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City

of College Park, Amending Chapter 175 Taxation,
Article IV, Revitalization Tax Credit, Sections 1759 Eligibility Requirements; 175-10 Eligibility
Criteria; 175-11 Tax Credit Amount and Term;
175-12 Application Process; and 175-13 Waiver,
to Change Eligibility Requirements and Criteria, to
Clarify that a Tax Credit Will Be Granted Only If
Financially Feasible, to Clarify the Application Process,
and to Delete a Certain Waiver Option.
This Ordinance was introduced on August 11, 2015,
a Public Hearing was held on September 8, 2015, it was
adopted on September 8, 2015, and will become effective
on September 29, 2015.
Copies of this Ordinance may be obtained from
the City Clerks Office, 4500 Knox Road, College Park,
Maryland 20740, call 240-487-3501, or visit
www.collegeparkmd.gov.
All meetings take place in the 2nd floor Council

Chambers of City Hall, 4500 Knox Road, College
Park, MD unless noted. All meetings are open to the
public except Closed Sessions. In accordance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special
assistance, please contact the City Clerks Office at
240-487-3501.
Mayor and Council meetings can be viewed live
on Comcast cable channel 71 or Verizon channel
25. Regular Council Meetings and Worksessions are
rebroadcast in their entirety at the following times:
Wednesdays at 8pm, Thursdays and Fridays at 6pm, and
Saturdays at 10am.
Council meetings are streamed live over the internet
on the Mayor and City Council page on the Citys
website at www.collegeparkmd.gov, and click on the
menu item Council Meetings Video. Meetings that are
streamed will also be archived for future viewing through
the Citys website.
8
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University of Maryland

Student Government Association

College Park Candidate

City Council District 1 candidates

City Council District 2 candidates

City Council District 3 candidates

City Council District 4 candidates

Meet the candidates..

City Council District 1

City Council District 2

University of Maryland Student Government Association

Dear Candidate for City Office:

University of Maryland Student Government Association

University of Maryland Student Government Association

Name: Denise Mitchell

University of Maryland Student Government Association

University of Maryland Student Government Association

University of Maryland Student Government Association

Name: Patrick Wojahn

University of Maryland Student Government Association

University of Maryland Student Government Association

University of Maryland Student Government Association

Name: Fazlul Kabir

University of Maryland Student Government Association

2) Why are you running for City Council?

University of Maryland Student Government Association

University of Maryland Student Government Association

Name: Monroe S. Dennis

University of Maryland Student Government Association

University of Maryland Student Government Association

Name: Ryan Belcher

University of Maryland Student Government Association

University of Maryland Student Government Association

7) The Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee has recommended increasing

University of Maryland Student Government Association

Name: Robert Day

18-year resident of College Park

2) Why are you running for City Council?

University of Maryland Student Government Association

University of Maryland Student Government Association

7) The Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee has recommended increasing

University of Maryland Student Government Association

Name: John Rigg

University of Maryland Student Government Association

University of Maryland Student Government Association

University of Maryland Student Government Association

University of Maryland Student Government Association

Name: Stephanie Stullich

University of Maryland Student Government Association

Weve created the College Park Academy, which uses an innovative

Were making progress towards creating a thriving downtown we now

We recently developed a 5-year strategic plan to guide the City Councils

University of Maryland Student Government Association

University of Maryland Student Government Association

University of Maryland Student Government Association

Name: Mary C. Cook

University of Maryland Student Government Association

University of Maryland Student Government Association

Name: Alan Y. Hew

University of Maryland Student Government Association

University of Maryland Student Government Association

MEET THE CANDIDATES

It has been my honor to serve

DISTRICT 1: VOTE FOR 2