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In
the News
Md. Moves To
Tie Teens' Truancy to Licenses
by Lisa Rein
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, March 16, 2007; Page A01 (FRONT PAGE)
(excerpts
from the article are below)
Maryland lawmakers
issued a tough warning to teenagers yesterday: no school, no car keys.
The House of Delegates
approved a bill that would deny driver's licenses to students with 10
or more unexcused absences in the previous calendar year. A similar
measure passed the Senate Judiciary Committee late yesterday, and it
appears to have wide support in the full chamber.
"This does give us a tool to use to combat truancy," said
Del. Gerron S. Levi (D), the bill's House sponsor. (Courtesy Of Gerron
Levi) The bill would require school districts to report each case of
truancy to the Motor Vehicle Administration, and the student would have
to present an attendance record to the state to get a permit.
Lawmakers removed
a provision that would suspend the privileges of students who have a
license and are truant. Maryland does not require students to continue
school after age 16, and lawmakers were concerned that denying them
licenses for absenteeism might have the unintended effect of encouraging
them to drop out.
"It's a first
step, but this does give us a tool to use to combat truancy," Del.
Gerron S. Levi (D-Prince George's), the bill's House sponsor, said after
yesterday's 133 to 1 vote.
Rick Abbruzzese,
spokesman for Gov. Martin O'Malley (D), said the governor hasn't taken
a position on the bill.
Levi said she searched
for a legislative solution to a soaring truancy problem in her county,
where the attendance rate last year was the state's lowest after the
City of Baltimore, according to the state Department of Education. While
the state punishes parents who let their children skip school -- criminal
penalties can include as many as 10 days in jail or a fine of $50 a
day -- there are no laws to punish the students.
More than 6,000
of 133,000 students in Prince George's public schools were absent for
more than 20 days in 2005, and educators agree that number is a low
estimate.
Truancy does not
affect just the student, Levi said, adding that teenagers who skip school
are more likely to commit daytime crimes such as home burglaries and
vandalism. "This is a way to get their attention," she said.
"The bottom line is it's not only an issue of missed classroom
time. We've seen a surge in stolen vehicle and vandalism when kids are
out of school."
Twenty-four states
have enacted policies that tie student attendance or achievement to
the privilege of driving. Nine states, including West Virginia and Texas,
require attendance in school to receive a license. Virginia, Illinois,
Oklahoma, Mississippi and Tennessee go further, requiring students younger
than 18 to have a high school diploma or GED, or be regularly attending
school and be in good standing, to get a license.
A more punitive
proposal from Prince George's lawmakers this legislative session would
have forced the worst offenders to wear ankle bracelets and other electronic
monitoring systems. A pilot program in the county would have allowed
the courts to issue these and other sanctions against truants. But a
backlash against the measure from public defenders and civil liberties
groups pushed the sponsors to withdraw it. Opponents argued that placing
monitors on children would not stop truancy but rather criminalize it.
Most Maryland students
will apply for learner's permits in their sophomore year of high school.
The law would not penalize them for further absences after they turn
16. Under the state's graduated license program, teenagers are eligible
for a provisional license -- which limits who can be in the car with
them -- at 16 years 3 months, then a full license at 17 years 7 months.
"The legislation
is very good," said Phil Lee, administrator of the truancy program
at Largo High School. "But we still have to be careful with it.
I don't want them to quit school in order to get a driver's license.
A child looks toward 16, and if you take that away from them, you don't
take away their desire to drive."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/15/AR2007031502112.html
Truants could be denied the wheel: Plan ties attendance to driving
permits
by Kelly Brewington
Baltimore Sun reporter
Originally published March 21, 2007
(excerpts
from the article are below)
Students who habitually
skip school could be barred from obtaining driving permits under a measure
being considered by the state Senate this week
States around the
country have cracked down on truant students by taking away their driver's
licenses. But Maryland's version of the measure lost some of its bite
last week when lawmakers in the House of Delegates amended
…
The bill's lead sponsor, Del. Gerron S. Levi, a Prince George's County
Democrat, said she had hoped the measure would go further, applying
to students under 18. Some lawmakers thought the provisions were too
far-reaching and might have a reverse effect by encouraging students
to drop out of school. Maryland students are required to attend school
until age 16.
Truants could
be denied the wheel: Plan ties attendance to driving permits
by Kelly Brewington
Baltimore Sun reporter
Originally published March 21, 2007
(excerpts
from the article are below)
Students who habitually
skip school could be barred from obtaining driving permits under a measure
being considered by the state Senate this week
States around the
country have cracked down on truant students by taking away their driver's
licenses. But Maryland's version of the measure lost some of its bite
last week when lawmakers in the House of Delegates amended
…
The bill's lead sponsor, Del. Gerron S. Levi, a Prince George's County
Democrat, said she had hoped the measure would go further, applying
to students under 18. Some lawmakers thought the provisions were too
far-reaching and might have a reverse effect by encouraging students
to drop out of school. Maryland students are required to attend school
until age 16.
Police
Catch 425 Students in Campaign Against Truancy
Pilot Program Was Expanded Across County in Crackdown
by William Wan
Thursday, April 12, 2007; Page B02,
Washington Post
(excerpts
from the article are below)
Prince George's
County police announced yesterday that its officers have found and dealt
with 425 truants from the county's schools since they started a program
to crack down on the problem.
The program, which
began at the end of February, has officers -- whenever they're not responding
to calls -- on the lookout for school-age people on the streets during
school hours. Whenever students are found playing hooky, they are documented
and escorted back to school by officers.
Of the 425 truants
found since the program began, 18 were arrested because of what they
were doing at the time. Officers reported finding 44 truants from last
Monday to Friday.
More on the police “Truancy Watch” Partnership,
which began in late February 2007
“In 2006, the total juvenile contact DURING school hours was 2,432,
1,731 of which were juvenile arrests. The remaining 701 were documented
contacts with juveniles where no arrest occurred. During NON-school
hours, the total juvenile contact was 2,490, 1,530 of which were juvenile
arrests. Another 960 juvenile contacts were documented and recorded.
Police officers document all contact with juveniles that do not lead
to an arrest on a J-2 form. A J-1 form is used when a juvenile is arrested.
The Truancy Program is coordinated by Captain Rex Barrett, Commander
of the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Youth
and Family Services Division.
http://www.goprincegeorgescounty.com/Government/PublicSafety/Police/news_articles/newsarticle13574.asp?h=80n=0
Petition drive targets club’s liquor license
by Steve Earley | Staff Writer
The Gazette
Thursday,
Feb. 8, 2007
(excerpts
from the article are below)
Three shootings in the past two years outside J's Sports Café
in Laurel has residents asking the Prince George's County Board of License
Commissioners to deny renewal of the restaurant and nightclub's liquor
license.
……
Del. Gerron Levi (D-Dist. 23A) of Mitchellville, whose district includes
the section of South Laurel where J’s is located, said she has
heard ‘‘collective outrage” from her constituents.
‘‘I am working with my colleagues to find out what options
we might pursue with the liquor board and code enforcement,” Levi
said. ‘‘We’re taking it very, very seriously.”
E-mail Steve Earley at searley@gazette.net.
http://www.gazette.net/stories/020807/laurnew184320_32325.shtml
Abnormal power cuts not isolated to Bowie
Public Service Commission looks into complaints against BGE in Upper
Marlboro, Largo
by Jason Flanagan | Staff Writer
The Gazette
Thursday, May 3, 2007
(excerpts
from the article are below)
…
Carmean said BGE, which provides electricity to Bowie, Laurel and parts
of Upper Marlboro, Lanham and New Carrollton, does not have a widespread
problem with its power supply. But state Sen. Douglas J.J. Peters (D-Dist.
23) of Bowie said he knows about power supply problems occurring along
Central Avenue and other areas of his district.
Peters and Del. Gerron Levi (D-Dist. 23A) of Woodmore, have received
complaints from homeowners’ associations in Woodmore and Cameron
Grove. A reliable power supply has also been among the complaints by
residents.
‘‘We’ve got some major issues about the delivery of
electricity,” Peters said. ‘‘This whole issue of power
is a bigger issue than just Bowie.”
Levi said the Woodmore communities had six to 12 outages in the last
year, some lasting for days.
‘‘We met with [BGE] and they said they are making upgrades
that will address the issue,” Levi said. ‘‘I’m
interested to see if that works.”…..
Residents who live outside of Bowie’s city limits can lodge complaints
with the PSC by writing to the Office of External Relations, Public
Safety Commission, 6th St. Paul St., Baltimore, MD 21202.
Matthews said he hopes to have a resolution with BGE soon.
‘‘We just want it to stop, that’s all we’re
looking for,” Matthews said. ‘‘We’re not looking
for restitution. We just want to solve this and move on.”
E-mail Jason Flanagan at jflanagan@gazette.net.
To file a complaint
Residents who live outside of Bowie’s city limits can lodge complaints
with the Public Service Commission by writing to the Office of External
Relations, Public Safety Commission, 6th Saint Paul St., Baltimore,
MD 21202
http://www.gazette.net/stories/050307/bowinew85244_32329.shtml
Residents unite to fight sex trafficking
Task force formed after volunteer coach was charged with sexual abuse
involving a Bowie High School student
by Wendy McConnell | Staff Writer
The Gazette
Thursday, March 15, 2007
(excerpts
from the article are below)
Bowie resident Mary
Nusser was surprised to find parents facing criticism after a 14-year-old
Bowie High School student allegedly had sex with a volunteer football
coach last year and became a prostitute.
…..
Del. Gerron Levi (D-Dist. 23A) of Bowie, a member of the Judiciary Committee,
supports the bill and said she previously met with the Bowie task force
to discuss the legislation. The committee is expected to make a decision
within the next two weeks. If the Judiciary Committee passes the proposal,
it would then move to a vote in the state House of Delegates and state
Senate.
‘‘If the bill comes to the Senate, I would be happy to speak
in favor of it,” said state Sen. Douglas J.J. Peters (D-Dist.
23) of Bowie.
Peters said the bill does a good job of addressing sex trafficking in
Maryland and that the penalty is much more appropriate.
If the Senate passes the bill, the final step would be for the governor
to sign it into law.
http://www.gazette.net/stories/031507/lanhnew203538_32337.shtml
Patrols cracking down on truants
County officers using parts of a program that worked in Bowie and Largo
by Guy Leonard | Staff Writer
The Gazette
lThursday, March 22, 2007
(excerpts
from the article are below)
……
Now, Prince George’s police will put more of a squeeze on the
absent students there and throughout the county as a pilot anti-truancy
program is extended countywide
Delegation brings home funds for police department
Glenn Dale gets $300,000 for business incubator
by Jason Flanagan | Staff Writer
The Gazette
Thursday, April 19, 2007
(excerpts
from the article are below)
Bowie will get more money for its growing police department, and Bowie
State University’s budget will increase in the next year following
what local state lawmakers called a ‘‘good year” in
securing state funds.
The General Assembly
ended its session last week, and District 23 – which includes
Bowie, Glenn Dale, Upper Marlboro, Lanham and Laurel – received
$27 million in project funding, $22 million in school construction funding
and other amounts for various projects.
Given that District 23 has two freshmen representatives and the state
was facing fiscal constraints, the local lawmakers said they fared well.
Two bills passed increased state funding for the Bowie Police Department.
One bill increased the public safety surcharge, the amount a city receives
from the state for its police force, from 12 percent to 25 percent.
Peters said it would equate to about $1,500 for each new house.
The other bill increases the State Aid for Police Protection fund from
$1,800 per police officer to $1,950. This is money given by the state
to help police departments. Bowie plans to hire 15 more officers in
the upcoming fiscal year, which means the city will get $2,250 more
than expected.
‘‘This helps the entire district,” Levi said. ‘‘The
sooner Bowie gets its police department up and going, the sooner it
will free up [county] police resources for other areas. Places such
as Lanham and Seabrook, which fall within the district, could use more
police patrols.”
Bowie State University got money for a new arts center. The center will
feature a 400-seat theater, classrooms and studios.
State funding for BSU’s operating budget will be $89.4 million
for fiscal 2008, up 2 percent from the current fiscal cycle.
The lawmakers were able to get $22 million in allocated school construction
funds for the district, much of it back pay the county spent on projects
already completed. Those include the renovation of Whitehall Elementary
and the conversion of Samuel Ogle from an elementary school into a middle
school. Peters said construction funds would also go towards Northview
Elementary.
http://www.gazette.net/stories/041907/bowinew195513_32339.shtml
J's Café loses liquor license
by Gwendolyn Glenn
Laurel Leader
May 10, 2007
(excerpts
from the article are below)
The Prince George's County Board of License Commissioners revoked the
liquor license of J's Sports Café on Route 197 at a May 2 protest
hearing, during which more than 50 elected officials and area residents
showed up to voice their opposition to the controversial establishment.
In the past two years, three murders have occurred in the parking lot
of J's, located in the Crystal Plaza Shopping Center, and residents
have fought hard to get county officials to shut down the club.
….
State Del. Gerron Levi, a Bowie Democrat whose District 23 includes
J's, called the board's decision the right outcome for the Laurel community.
"It (J's) was bad for the area in terms of security issues,"
Levi said. "With them still wanting to have televisions, pool tables
and a large bar, there was still the potential of within a year, having
the same problems of the past."
http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?show=localnews&pnpID=810&NewsID=805473&CategoryID=5845&on=1
Community can aid schools 'in need of improvement'
by Md. State Delegate, Gerron Levi
Bowie Blade-News
April 19, 2007
As Superintendent Deasy unveils and implements plans to expedite improvement
of the Prince George's County Public Schools, it occurs to me that perhaps
the answer to improvement lies, in part, outside the school doors.
Since hearing about the 84 county schools "in need of improvement."
I have been wondering whether there should be more community focus on
those specific schools.
I have drawn a circle - the radius is one mile -- around each of those
84 schools. In many cases, I have driven my car within that one-mile
circle and jotted down the name and contact person of every church,
business and organization.
Do each of these contact persons know that that particular school down
the street is on the "school in need of improvement" list?
Might they be willing to participate in a coordinated plan with others
to move that school out of that status?
I am envisioning a vibrant, close-knit network of homework clubs, tutors,
mentors, help with disruptive students and with managing school suspensions.
I am dedicating my summer to collecting an inventory of all of the churches,
businesses and organizations within that one-mile radius around each
of the 84 schools, and to identifying 504 organizations across Prince
George's County that will say, "Yes, I will participate."
Volunteers have already inventoried 40 of the 84 schools. Will you join
me in the effort to identify these organizations? If so, please e-mail
me at Gerron.Levi@house.state.md.us or call my office at 301-858-3101.
Gerron Levi, [MD] state delegate, Bowie
Laurel HS principal wages campaign against truants
by Dan Schwind
Laurel Leader
March 19, 2007
(excerpts
from the article are below)
It might seem odd to see Laurel High Principal Dwayne Jones sitting
at an empty table in the Laurel Mall food court on a weekday morning.
But that's where he is on this February morning, watching for students
who might be making an unauthorized lunch excursion from Laurel High.
Jones began making these random trips last school year as part of his
efforts to crack down on truancy.
……
State might step in.
Laurel's principal may get some support from the Maryland General Assembly,
as well.
Del. Gerron Levi, a Bowie Democrat whose district includes part of South
Laurel, has proposed one such bill.
Under HB 571, the state Motor Vehicle Administration would suspend a
student's driver's license for six months after a student's 10th unexcused
absence.
If the student racked up another 10 unexcused absences, that suspension
would be increased to a year.
"I don't pretend that this is a cure-all, but it's a step in the
right direction," Levi said in a March 1 hearing on the bill. "Florida
has a similar law and they're finding it to be very successful."
….
View From Annapolis: Freshman state delegate's first term agonizing
but productive
by Md. State Delegate, Gerron Levi
Bowie Blade-News
Published 04/26/07
Agonizing is perhaps the best way to describe the first 60 days of the
annual 90-day session of the Maryland General Assembly.
I listened to all the pearls of wisdom offered by veteran legislators
to the freshmen; attended almost every meeting of the Prince George's
County delegation, Democratic Caucus, Legislative Women's Caucus, Legislative
Black Caucus and others, as well as the hearings, voting sessions, and
lively debates, of the Judiciary Committee.
I agonized over every legislative issue, with many fitful nights of
sleep, read almost everything, including at least three papers - Washington
Post, Baltimore Sun and the Daily Record - on most days and at least
five on Thursday, including my perennial favorite, the Blade-News. I
asked lots of questions of witnesses and others, finally found my way
through the various tunnels running under the Statehouse, tried desperately
to keep track of my other job (yes, I had one of those one day per week
during session), and fully panicked when it came time to vote.
I am happy to report that on day 61, however, I started to get the hang
of it all. With the help of part-time staffer Nolden Pope, Legacy Leadership
Intern Alene Kolodny and District 23 secretary Mary Trackler, we built
a fledgling staff operation.
As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, I was a proud participant
in some of the more important crime, justice and civil law debates facing
our state. Among them: repeal of the death penalty (no House vote taken;
died in a Senate committee), "Jessica's Law" making some mandatory
minimums for sex offenses against minors nonparolable (I voted for it
and it passed), repeal of mandatory minimums for second-time drug dealers
(I voted against it in committee and twice on the House floor; it passed
the House on reconsideration with the statutory minimum 71 votes); same-sex
marriage (voted against it, but did support expanding health care to
"domestic partners" which includes not only gay couples, but
also grandchildren living with grandparents); driver's license for the
undocumented (voted against it; did not pass but it will be back next
year); in-state tuition for the undocumented students (controversial,
but I voted for it; no vote taken in the Senate); shifting Maryland
from a contributory negligence to a comparative-fault state (no vote
taken, but I oppose the change); tougher gang laws (served on a task
force on the bill and was a leading proponent in committee; it passed);
improved police witness identification policies and crime labs procedures
(voted for it; it passed).
On truancy, I introduced a bill to deny learner's permits to habitual
truants, which has been sent to the governor for signature, but also
I argued strongly for a bill to expand a state pilot program on truancy
courts offering counseling and other intervention to students and families
in Prince George's County. The county currently has a truancy court,
and the bill makes state funding available for it. On these and myriad
others, I tried very hard to seek a balance between being tough on crime,
but also fair to the accused. Through persistent effort, I believe that
the rest of the county is posed to make some strides ahead on curbing
truancy The only study of the issue found that, according to the students,
the top three reasons for skipping school: first, influence of friends
and peers; second, a perceived lack of respect from teachers; and third,
boredom in class.
I also supported programs that made headlines this year, including:
a state budget that invests in public school construction; makes high
education more affordable; increased health care funding for the low-income
through Medicaid and physician reimbursement rates; funds state and
local land preservation and parkland enhancement; continues efforts
to restore the Chesapeake Bay, and still leaves a cash balance of $930
million and falls below the limit on spending growth set by the General
Assembly's Spending Affordability Committee by $113 million or 7.9 percent.
Also, I voted for two proposals and attended at least one meeting with
Gov. Martin O'Malley's senior staff to provide long-term solutions for
the county hospital system. I also supported the living wage for those
working on state contracts and delivered a floor speech on it, but opposed
the national popular vote initiative that would subordinate the popular
vote of Marylanders in favor of that of the nation.
All residents of District 23A are encouraged to participate in available
state programs. The Student Page Program is a very prestigious assignment
available for high school students, (http://dls.state.md.us/top_pgs/students/student_page.html).
The Legislative Intern Program is available to college students and
adults, and includes a stipend
(http://dls.state.md.us/top_pgs/students/students.html). The Delegate
Scholarship Program may be controversial but it offers needed financial
assistance to students all across 23A and I encourage residents to apply.
For an appliation, e-mail gerron.levi@house.state.md.us.
I am hoping to reserve a couple of delegate scholarships next year for
participants in an undergraduate fellowship program at Bowie State University
for students working with computer science professor Mark Matties to
teach high school students high performance computing skills.
I have tried through the BSU program and others to reach every segment
of District 23A. Whether alone, or in concert with fellow District 23
team members, we have covered matters ranging from security and liquor
license issues, to funding business incubation in Glenn Dale, to bird-dogging
power outage concerns throughout the district, but most acutely in Bowie
and Mitchellville, by meeting with BGE and others under the leadership
of Sen. Douglas J.J. Peters; monitoring and expressing concern about
the National Capital Planning Commission Railroad Relocation study to
transport hazardous materials affecting our district, to bringing state
resources to bear on the new police department in Bowie, to sidewalk
and state road concerns. It is very much a team effort, because none
of us can be everywhere all the time.
Overall, I look forward to continuing the very productive work begun
this year with fellow team members - Sen. Peters, Dels. Holmes and Hubbard
- to bring great things to the largest city in the county, Bowie, and
the 23rd District.
Please stay in touch and sign up for periodic updates at gerron.levi@house.state.md.us.
My staff is available Tuesday and Thursday and is checking messages,
when I cannot, at 301-858-3101.
___
The writer represents Bowie's District 23A in the House of Delegates.
Copyright © 2007 The Bowie Blade
http://www.bowieblade.com/vault/cgi-bin/bowie/view/2007B/04/26-27.HTM
….
Picks
for Prince George's
A promising field of candidates for the statehouse
Saturday, September 9, 2006
The Washington Post.
BY RIGHTS, Prince George's County -- a colossus measured by population,
electoral clout and economic potential -- should be a major power in
Maryland's state legislature. In reality it punches below its weight.
It can do better -- and there are signs that it will. The crop of candidates
running in Tuesday's Democratic primaries includes some exceptionally
promising newcomers in addition to a number of able and standout incumbents.
Here are our endorsements in contested races:
....
DISTRICT 23: The retirement of Sen. Leo E. Green has inspired an open-seat
battle between two serious Democratic candidates, Bobby G. Henry Jr.
and Douglas J.J. Peters. Mr. Peters, a County Council member, is a successful
business executive with a good grasp of budget detail and policy, but
he is too ready to sacrifice principle for the sake of political advantage.
We prefer Mr. Henry, an impassioned former military officer and ordained
minister who has bright ideas about education, economic development
and, especially, programs to help ex-offenders reenter society and avoid
reincarceration. The House races are split between Districts 23A and
23B. The former has one reasonably strong Democratic incumbent, Del.
James W. Hubbard, and one weak one, Mary A. Conroy. In addition to the
energetic Mr. Hubbard, we endorse Gerron Levi, a labor
lobbyist who knows her way around Capitol Hill and Annapolis.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/08/AR2006090801561.html
Gerron Levi
seeks delegate's seat
by DAVID EMANUEL, Gazette Staff Writer
Gerron Levi is throwing her hat in the political ring early and plans
to give longtime incumbent state delegates James Hubbard and Mary Conroy
a run for their money.
"I realize I am running against some veterans," she said.
"But I feel it's time for new blood and visionary leadership."
Levi is running for the District 23A seat in the September Democratic
primary on a platform of "Are We Preparing for Our Economic Future?"
"I have wanted to run for some time and the issues have now galvanized
me," she said. "I always look at global economics, and I'm
not seeing the kind of vision that we need in order to prepare people
to compete."
Levi points to three steps to ensure a healthy economic future. They
are: "stabilizing the four walls of the classroom," "state
help for our crime hot spots" and "learning math and science
in a big way and closing the achievement gap."
"I want to let people know that future Prince Georgians really
are going to face more competition for jobs and attract more developers,"
she said. "We are going to face competition both for the region
and the global players. We really need to be prepared for that. And
there are some problems that persist in our county that we really have
to try to solve."
One of those major issues is dealing with discipline in the schools.
"That has to be No. 1. One of the first things I want to see immediately
put in place is a comprehensive and systemwide policy for dealing with
discipline in our schools, starting at the elementary school level,"
she said.
She is calling for a "complete review of all state laws affecting
public school disciplinary policies and procedures so that Prince George's
County schools can attract and retain the best teaching talent and improve
student achievement.
"Sure, teacher pay is an issue, but classroom discipline is both
driving talented teachers from the profession, and, importantly, limiting
the amount of student learning occurring in the classroom."
Levi said the county crime "surge" must be stopped, and "truancy"
and "feeder crimes" (small crimes that lead to bigger ones),
need to be not only addressed, but acted upon.
Closing the achievement gap in the school system is just as vital, she
said.
"The global challenge is here, and quite simply, math and science
education are key to compete for the high-paying jobs being created,
to spark the business innovation that will lead to more high-paying
jobs, and to draw economic development to the county.
When asked what her strongest suit is, Levi said, "It would be
hard to outwork me."
"Most people say I have an incredible work ethic," she said.
"I work very hard and will continue to work very hard for the voters
in District 23A. I think my campaign will reflect that."
Levi said she has had good training and will make an effective legislator.
"I have lobbied Congress for the last decade, so I understand policy
making," she said. "I understand the issues and how to move
an agenda. It's all based on my professional background as a lawyer
and a lobbyist."
Levi is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and the
Howard University School of Law. She serves as assistant director of
the legislative department at the AFL-CIO, a federation of more than
50 national and international labor organizations. She is an active
member of the Woodmore community, and served as a member of the Prince
George's County Council's Church Road task force and a member of the
Bowie and Vicinity Master Plan developing tier focus group.
Levi said "you have to have a powerful message that will motivate
people - and the ability to raise money."
"And there has to be the willingness to get out there and really
convince people that you will get the job done, because you will get
the job done. You have to talk to the voters, get to know them individually,
go door to door. It takes all of these things.
"I will be very available to my constituents," she said. "And
as leaders and policy makers, we have to try to avoid the temptation
of tinkering around the edges. We need bold, visionary leadership and
that's what I offer."
Published 03/16/06, Copyright © 2006 The Bowie Blade
Aunt Agatha on Politics: Old Bowie committee surprised by southern
visitor
by Auntie
(Excerpt)
Auntie ran into Gerron Levi last week. She's running for one of the
District 23A House of Delegate seats now occupied by Jim "Moneybags"
Hubbard and Mary "I'll Punch You in the Nose" Conroy.
Miz L, Auntie feels, will give them a run for their money. A former
legislative aide for U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein and now a lobbyist for
the AFL-CIO, Auntie was impressed by her command of the issues facing
the state and this district. She has already knocked at some 3,000 Bowie
doors. Keep an eye out for her.
Auntie thinks the two incumbents had better do their homework.
---
auntagatha@bladenews.com
Published 05/18/06, Copyright © 2006 The Bowie Blade
Aunt Agatha on Politics: Politicians don't fade away, they march
in Bowie parades
by Auntie
(Excerpt)
Bless Auntie's aged and withering soul, it seems that old pols in Bowie
never fade away - they just keep marching in parades and setting up
booths at Bowiefest to glad-hand the populace.
Driving a zippy old car in the Memorial Day parade and accompanied by
some odd passengers - Auntie thinks it may have been a large cow in
the back seat advocating the ingestion of fried chicken, along with
a pal - was "Colonel" Buffalo Bill Aleshire, the former city
councilman who was defeated in the last Bowieville election. The Buffalo
was splendidly attired in some sort of garish uniform and, according
to a city memo, was to be identified as Col. Aleshire. Colonel? Colonel
of what? Auntie is perplexed.
Anyway, also showing up at the parade in all her glory was no less a
legendary Bowie political figure than Gail "Barrister" Booker
Jones, another former City Council member who was sent packing last
November. Auntie understands the dear lady was also entertaining all
and sundry at Bowiefest over the weekend.
Some note that Barrister is telling folks she will return to the council.
Oh? Apparently she has worked out that should City Councilman Todd "TT"
Turner by some fluke succeed his boss, County Councilman Doug "JJ"
Peters, should JJ succeed the Greatest Living Bowieite, state Sen. Leo
the Elder, as occupant of the 23rd District legislative seat, then she
will succeed Turner. Interestingly bizarre scenario.
The Buffalo, of course, is getting all excited about regaining his seat
should Mayor Pro Tem Dennis Brady take over Mayor Gee Fred's job if
His Honor becomes Peters' successor. Auntie understands that JJ and
Gee Fred are at the moment less than enamored with each other. Ah, politics.
This is all speculative, of course, but it amazes Auntie how many local
pols, despite being handed their hats by the electorate, assume that
same electorate will welcome them back with open arms, hugs and kisses.
Auntie doubts it.
---
Speaking of Gee Fred, one local political wag offered the perfect solution
for His Honor to gain that County Council seat should Peters back his
aide, TT Turner, for it. It also is said that Gee Fred lacks the support
of the two local state delegates who apparently are hawking the idea
- for self-serving political purposes, natch - that someone other than
Gee Fred should get the seat. With friends like that, etc.
Anyway, the wag suggests that Gee Fred slate up with Gerron Levi, the
very impressive challenger for one of those House seats, and former
Del. Joan B. Pitkin, who in a fluke lost her old House seat when she
ended up in third place on the ballot after Mary "I'll Punch you
in the Nose" Conroy and Jim "Moneybags" Hubbard.
The irony was that Miz B. was by far the best candidate of the three.
Oh, well. Folks had been so used to choosing three delegates (this was
after District 23 was split into two parts, A and B, with two seats
going to A) that they were surprised when they found they couldn't cast
a vote for Pitkin after they had chosen the other two.
Anyway, the wag, who has considerable local political experience under
his belt, is convinced that a slate including Gee Fred and Levi and
Pitkin could be unbeatable, thus perhaps sending Hubbard and Conroy
into retirement.
Auntie thinks it would be a hoot if Gee Fred also teamed up with one
of the candidates opposing JJ for the GLB's seat. Oh, my, Auntie just
knows the political fur would fly.
Auntie is told by a witness that Hubbard and Conroy seemingly went out
of their way to avoid conversation with our sometimes amiable mayor
during the Memorial Day service at Veterans Park. But then perhaps His
Honor annoyed the VIP duo when he was seen chatting with one of the
folks who plans to challenge JJ for the GLB's Senate seat. Perhaps His
Honor was offering advice. Perish the thought!
Auntie, of course, has no opinion on the wag's proposal. Interesting
political times, eh?
---
auntagatha@bladenews.com
Published 06/08/06, Copyright © 2006 The Bowie Blade
Aunt Agatha on Politics: Bowie Post Office worker responds to
criticism
By Auntie
(excerpt)
---
The early bird and all that ... Gerron Levi, the candidate for one of
the two District 23A seats in the House of Delegates, is off and running,
Auntie notes, after having received an election postcard from her last
week.
Good timing, especially after County Councilman Doug "JJ"
Peters had delivered a miniflier to many doorknobs in Greater Bowieville
a day or two before Miz L's card arrived in the mail. Of course, she
may have mailed it a month ago if our local post office's efficiency
in delivering mail is anything to go by.
Anyway, JJ's flier graciously mentioned the two incumbent state delegates,
Mary "I'll Punch You in the Nose" Conroy and Jim "Moneybags"
Hubbard, one of whom Miz Levi hopes to unseat. Miz L told an acquaintance
of Auntie's that she plans to visit every house in the district before
the September primary. Hmmm, Auntie can't image the long-seated incumbents
doing anything that energetic.
Happy electioneering.
Published 06/15/06, Copyright © 2006 The Bowie Blade
POLITICAL
BRIEFS
Joins race
Gerron Levi recently announced her candidacy for state delegate from
District 23A during a campaign party at the Knights of St. John Hall.
Levi, an attorney and senior lobbyist for the AFL-CIO, unveiled her
plans to prepare the local economy for global competition and outline
steps to reduce the county's crime rate. She has visited more than 4,000
households and held dozens of meet and greets across District 23A, which
includes portions of Bowie, Mitchellville, Lanham, Seabrook, Glenn Dale
and Laurel.
For information about the candidate and campaign platform, visit www.levi2006.com.
Published 06/22/06, Copyright © 2006 The Bowie Blade
Editor's view: Local and state political campaigns bogged down
in boredom
by John Rouse
Two Bowie challengers, Gerron Levi and Shukoor Ahmed, have surfaced
to challenge the old-timers. Many are impressed with Ms. Levi, a woman
of liberal leanings who has toiled for U.S. Sen. Diane Feinstein as
well as the AFL-CIO. Levi's breadth of knowledge of the important issues
facing the state and this city is impressive. I can fearlessly predict
that she will be a formidable candidate. Ahmed is now making his third
try for a House seat. An expert in computer technology and active in
local politics for years, this may be his third-strike-and-you're-out
candidacy. More candidates for all these offices may pop up in the near
future. It is, after all, only June, and the primary is in September.
As usual, the Democratic primary will choose the winner of all of these
offices. Successful Republican office seekers in Prince George's County
are as rare as truffles.
Published 06/22/06, Copyright © 2006 The Bowie Blade
Aunt Agatha on Politics: Bowie's self-annointed political elite busy
spreading rumors
by Auntie
Auntie was shocked to hear that several of the political elite in Bowieville
are claiming that County Councilman Doug "JJ" Peters, who
lusts for the glories of state Sen. Leo the Elder's Senate seat in Annapolis,
has cooked up a deal with Del. Mary "I'll Punch You in the Nose"
Conroy that has the dear lady serving two years of her term and then
handing over to her offspring, City Councilman Kevin "Youngish"
Conroy, who, it should be noted, has been down this road, unsuccessfully,
before.
JJ himself says the claim is a load of hooey, noting that it's up to
the Democratic Central Committee to pass on a candidate to replace a
state delegate who doesn't finish his or her term. Though prez of the
local Democratic club, it's not known how much support Youngish would
get from the gathered Democratic clan chieftains. Auntie doubts they
would cave into Punch's political dreams.
JJ also laughs at another "well-sourced" rumor in circulation
hereabouts that the good old Oden Bowie Democratic Club headed by Youngish
was going to endorse JJ's aide, Todd "TT" Turner, the eager
city councilman, for JJ's County Council seat, thus giving JJ a way
out of a touchy situation in which a few other political aspirants,
most notably Mayor Gee Fred Robinson and Turner namesake Ingrid Turner,
sought JJ's blessing, um endorsement. The Hon. JJ could then claim the
club has endorsed TT, and if that's what the party wants, then so be
it.
Nice try, says JJ, but that won't fly, especially since the club doesn't
actually endorse candidates. Ah, the political season begins.
Published 06/22/06, Copyright © 2006 The Bowie Blade
Aunt
Agatha on Politics: Former Bowie city councilman lectures governor on
utilities
by Auntie
"Just who is Aunt Agatha?" asked one of Auntie's own Buckingham
neighbors with a chuckle last week, it was reported by an enthusiastic
House of Delegates candidate out tapping on doors to get herself known.
"... I hear she is the wife of one of the councilmen," Auntie's
source quoted the neighbor as saying, hopefully in jest. Auntie wouldn't
have any of them!
---
Speaking of House of Delegates hopefuls, Auntie hears that the dedicated,
and determined, Gerron "Sore Feet" Levi has visited 4,300
households in District 23A so far. Now that's impressive!
Auntie can't help but wonder how many doors have been knocked on to
date by the two incumbents, Dels. Mary "I'll Punch You in the Nose"
Conroy and Jim "Moneybags" Hubbard.
Imagine the joy of trekking through Kenilworth or Somerset in 90-plus-degree
heat! Or earlier this week in torrential rain! No thanks, Auntie will
stay at the senior center sipping iced tea (they don't allow anything
stronger there, the spoilsports).
---
auntagatha@bladenews.com
Published 06/29/06, Copyright © 2006 The Bowie Blade
Editor's
view: Racial tone of county election campaigns disappointing
by John Rouse
I take a broad-brush approach to candidates for offices in the county
and state. For instance, I consider Gerron Levi, a black woman (wow,
that would be two strikes against her in the old Pee Gee), to be one
of the better candidates I've seen surface in Bowie in decades. She's
bright, personable and has an enviable political track record. Hey,
for a pinko like me, working for California Democrat Dianne Feinstein
has to count for something, right? And she also toils for the AFL-CIO.
She's competing against two whites for one of the District 23A House
of Delegates seats. I don't think those two incumbents are "entitled"
to their seats, do you? Of course not. They'll have to convince the
electorate that they are worth votes. That's what it's all about in
the United States. Color shouldn't matter, brains should.
Published 07/20/06, Copyright © 2006 The Bowie Blade
Joan's
Journeys: Bowie African-American women jump into county politics
by Joan Christian
Today's journey
takes us into the arena of county politics and so it speaks to the importance
of the emergence, on the political scene, of several outstanding African-
American women.
It is not meant
as an endorsement of any candidate but rather an acknowledgement of
the promise of change, the impact of their presence, philosophy and
dedication to our community. It becomes our responsibility as voters
to guarantee to candidates of both genders the fairness of an even playing
field.
These three women
- Ingrid Turner,Gerron Levi and Peggy Magee - now find themselves in
challenging roles. What follows was gleaned from interviews with the
three aspiring politicians.
Ingrid Turner is
a candidate for the District 4 County Council seat.
She views the overcoming
of preconceived notions of gender as a critical factor in assuring electoral
fairness.
She says, "There
is a constant need for a woman to prove herself by demonstrating the
extent of her knowledge and ability to have her voice heard. I believe
that anything I put my mind to I can do."
Gerron Levi is
seeking election to the House of Delegates from District 23A.
She states: "People
are looking for political figures with a set of core convictions, with
the ability to listen, take in the thoughts of constituents and make
the right choices. Based upon the values of the people, the decisions
you make will indicate your ability to stand up for critical issues.
Having the courage and the strength to do so means that you are confident
in who you are."
Peggy Magee is
a candidate for clerk of the court. Her biography is stunning in its
drama and courage.
Magee bases her
belief in the strength of the African-American woman upon the model
established by her mother, Jean, who bartered her laundry service in
exchange for guaranteed Catholic school tuition of her three children
in Biloxi, Miss.
As a young adult,
Magee took advantage of the opportunity to leave an abusive husband
and provide security for herself and only son when she realized that
the military could provide for her career structure and a safety net
for her child. She made that life-changing decision without a moment's
hesitation, and created a successful career in a totally new lifestyle.
She feels it is that ability to be flexible and insightful that makes
politics a perfect field for a woman's service to the grass-roots population
of the county.
In the life of
each candidate, education was stressed by their parents. Education played
a key role in the lives of each of them.
Levi
"It is crunch time for education for all of us. Education is a global
issue. I have always felt a sense of responsibility. Working in D.C.,
observing policy making, I feel a tremendous need (push) to think about
those things. A thorough education gets us to focus and be prepared.
There is no time to waste; to meet the global challenge of today's world.
The role of the constituents is to focus on and meet those challenges
together and continue to innovate and create, keeping our community,
county and country secure we have to be vigilant about being on top.
We can't get too comfortable in our present state."
Turner
"Education was always stressed by my parents. As a child attending Pointer
Ridge Elementary School, Thomas Pullen Junior High School and Elizabeth
Seton High School it was expected that we would work hard to achieve
good grades. Education is a lifelong process of investment. Kids deserve
a quality education with the tools to succeed; the future is shaped
by forces in the early life of students by parents and teachers." A
retired Navy judge advocate general officer, Turner is a graduate of
the U.S. Naval Academy and the Columbus School of Law. "Military training
provided for me, a sense of integrity, being a person of your word,
being able to make the right decisions on matters of ethics," she said.
Magee attained
the rank of Air Force first sergeant in 1990. During her 20-year stint
in the service, she earned a bachelor's degree in 1993 and a law degree
four years later. In 1996, she completed her 20-year military obligation.
In 1998, County Executive Jack Johnson appointed her as assistant state's
attorney.
Turner
"There is a need for all of us to stretch to achieve. Complacency has
no place in our scheme."
Levi
"African-American women are emerging to bring new freshness to issues
in which old solutions have become stale."
Magee
"This is not the time for us to doubt our abilities to forge ahead.
Positions we never thought open to us are now waiting for women to take
the reigns. In the two-year span of 2000-2002, I accepted the position
of professor at the University of Maryland's University College, teaching
courses on criminal justice, a position I never dreamed of holding."
Turner
"Expertise and experience have their place. The challenge for us is
to invigorate our work by sidestepping the tendency to be complacent."
The strength of
the religious experience runs generations deep for the women.
Levi
"Church every Sunday. I pray every day that I make wise decisions. God
is the central focus of my life."
Turner
"Our religious background impacts upon decisions, embodies who we are
and determines character and morality. God guides us in making those
critical moves."
Magee
"I gather my strength from my church. I was in Turkey, working with
NATO when I gave my life over to God, that he might do with me as he
would. At the end of the day, God's will has worked through me. I believe
that the morale of any situation determines the quality of the work
that's being done."
Where do these
three politically inspired women go from here?
Levi
"At this point in time, I have visited 5,000 homes. Touching people
and motivating them about the power of the political process. I don't
believe I can move an agenda without people, their ideas and adherence
to the platform - preparing our district and county through the three-step
approach of stabilizing the four walls of the classroom, issues of discipline
to attract and retain the best teaching talent and changes to improve
student performance."
Turner
"It's my chance to continue my 20 years of service to my country, it's
my chance to work with (the people of) Bowie, Greenbelt, Glenn Dale
and Lanham to help and shape Prince George's County, to bring it to
the next level of serving people, friends, neighbors and former classmates
and their parents and grandparents. I'm connected to a lineage spanning
generations of Prince George's constituents."
Magee
"My goal to become clerk of the court places me in the position of guardian
of the public record, charged with the responsibility to accurately
preserve and record the documents of record in areas of land, civil,
criminal and jury notification. I believe my life's adventures have
prepared me well for the challenges of the test."
Levi, Turner and
Magee say they are ready to serve and ask if the community is ready
for them.
None of them believes
that they can overcome the obstacles to a fair election without grass-roots
support. As women, they say they are accustomed to answering the call.
They say they will be there for the people. It takes a level of perseverance
to endure 90-degree heat and drenching rains, they note. This district
is their future, and they say the sacrifice is worth it.
---
The writer is a retired educator, television host
and producer, recipient of the Rev., Dr. Martin Luther King Award and
founder and first president of the Grovehurst HOA. She can be reached
by e-mail at comment@bladenews.com
Published 07/27/06,
Copyright (c) 2006 The Bowie Blade
Aunt
Agatha on Politics: Auntie recommends the Saturday free concert in Old
Bowie
by Auntie (excerpt)
Burning Question of the Week:
Is that intrepid campaigner, Gerron "Sore Feet" Levi, still wandering
the 23rd District's neighborhoods in 100-degree heat in search of votes
for a House of Delegates seat? If so, Auntie offers her an iced tea.
Last house-visit count for the peripatetic candidate was 6,340, and
six pairs of shoes. Auntie wonders if the other House of Delegates candidates
have yet set forth to solicit votes in the subdivisions.
Published 08/10/06,
Copyright (c) 2006 The Bowie Blade
POLITICAL
BRIEFS
Levi Endorsed
Two major unions in Prince
George's County have thrown their support behind Gerron Levi, Maryland
State Delegate candidate for District 23A. The Prince George's Professional
Firefighters and Paramedics Association, IAFF Local 1619 and the Baltimore/Washington
Laborer's District Council have endorsed Levi, stating she has a strong
agenda to aggressively tackle education, crime and economic issues in
the region. Levi is running for one of two delegate seats in District
23A which includes portions of Bowie, Mitchellville, Lanham, Seabrook,
Glenn Dale and Laurel. She is challenging incumbents Dels. Mary Conroy
and Jim Hubbard.
Published 08/10/06,
Copyright (c) 2006 The Bowie Blade
Incumbent
delegates respond to challenger
by David Emanuel, Staff Writer
Moderator Benjamin Woolery of the Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce
said at the beginning of the candidate event last Thursday night that
"This is a forum, this is not a debate; answer the questions and
not each other."
But there was one moment that seemed to deserve some sort of response.
At the end of her closing statements, House of Delegates candidate Gerron
Levi offered some rather pointed comments directed at the incumbents,
Dels. Mary Conroy and Jim Hubbard.
She said that in 35 years, "neither have chaired a full committee
within the House of Delegates," hardly secured any money for their
constituents and had 200 unexcused absences in 2004 and 2005.
She concluded: "I honor the public service of our delegates, but
I think we need new leadership in Annapolis so we can be a robust district."
The incumbents responded heatedly.
Hubbard especially took offense at the accusation that he and Conroy,
both incumbents who have served for a combined total of nearly 40 years
in Annapolis, and missed 200 days of legislation.
"That would mean, for example, that for five of my 14 years, I
have been absent from the Assembly," he said.
"That's ridiculous."
"How can you make comments like that? I feel she is getting desperate,"
said Hubbard. "She clearly plays national politics at the local
level."
Conroy, also in a brief interview, told the Blade-News that accusations
that neither have held leadership positions while in Annapolis are unfounded.
"I served as assistant majority floor leader and vice chairman
of the Rules Committee," she said. "I can't be speaker of
the House because that job's already taken."
The record of leadership speaks for itself, said Conroy.
Said one observer after the event, "Ms. Levi certainly went for
the jugular and didn't let go. I don't really know whether that was
right or wrong."
Published 08/31/06, Copyright
© 2006 The Bowie Blade
Aunt Agatha
on Politics: Auntie is sure the city's new police chief is eager to
get to work
by Auntie
Speaking of candidates
for the House of Delegates, the Maryland Accountability Project (as
opposed to the Pee Gee Accountability Project, which doesn't exist,
alas) notes that incumbent District 23A Dels. Jim "Moneybags"
Hubbard and Mary "Punch" Conroy had more than a hundred unexcused
absences from House sessions in 2004 and 2205.
Goodness! And that's for two three-month sessions. Auntie hasn't had
that many sick days in her life! Perhaps voters should extract a promise
from them both that they will be there more often in the future, should
they win re-election.
Marvin Holmes, the District 23B incumbent, on the other hand, had but
a handful of absences. Auntie salutes Marvelous Marvin.
Our choices in House, Senate primary races IN the race for the two state
delegates' seats from District 23A, our first choice is newcomer Gerron
Levi, an intelligent and personable woman who has an impressive background
in national politics and trade unions.
Levi has been active in her community and, in our opinion, is the type
of eager, clear-minded politician who comes around very seldomly in
county politics. She holds refreshingly well-thought-out positions on
the issues, especially education, with which members of the state legislature
must deal. She's not just a fresh face, she's also a fresh mind, something
the General Assembly can certainly use more of.
We urge you to vote for Gerron Levi on Sept. 12.
The incumbent state delegates, Mary Conroy and Jim Hubbard, have been
reasonably effective representatives in Annapolis, Conroy in the area
of constituent services and Hubbard in actual legislative matters. Either
of them would fill the bill for the second House seat from District
23A.
Marvin Holmes in District 23B, who proved himself a good representative
of this city over the past four years, has no challengers.
Published 08/31/06, Copyright © 2006 The Bowie Blade
|
|
Endorsed by:
The
Washington Post
Prince
George's County Professional Fire Fighters
and Paramedics
Baltimore/Washington
Laborers' District Council
Bowie
Blade News dubbed her Gerron "Sore Feet" Levi for visiting
more than 8,000 homes in 23A
|
