Rushern Baker announces run for Prince George's County Executive
HYATTVILLE, Md. - On Monday, Rushern Baker announced his plans to run for Prince George's County Executive exclusively to FOX 5.
Baker served as Prince George's County Executive from 2010 to 2018 - and now plans to run again to fill the last two years of Angela Alsobrooks' term as she prepares to become Maryland's newest Senator.
Three candidates announced their intention to run last week, following Alsobrooks' formal resignation - Prince George's County Councilmembers Jolene Ivey and Calvin Hawkins - along with State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy.
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Baker, who has spent the last six years consulting county executives nationwide and serving on the board of the Alzheimer's Association, said the county needs someone who already knows the job inside and out.
"You need somebody on day one who understands the budget in the county, the agencies, and also understands the crisis we're going to go through - the state has a budget crisis, the county has a $170 million deficit, we have crime issues that are arising," Baker said, adding that public safety will be a top priority and pointing to a 50-year low in violent crime during his administration.
Baker said he also wants to focus on economic development, job creation, and strengthening the public education system.
"We've seen Prince George's County go from the most affluent African American county in the United States and probably the world, to having our neighbors to the south - Charles County - have that reputation," he said. "And that means people voted with their feet - either because of our crime or public education system. They've decided elsewhere is better. I want those people to come back. I want people from Virginia to come to Prince George's County."
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FOX 5 spoke with Councilmembers Ivey and Hawkins last week after they announced their candidacy. State's Attorney Braveboy was quick to announce her candidacy as well, but was in the middle of a homicide trial and unavailable.
On Monday, she said she is known to be someone who understands the job and doesn't hesitate to take action.
"Voters in Prince George's County need to know that I am their voice. I grew up in this county, went to public schools here, and I am someone who not only is from here, but have the values of the community," Braveboy said. "The community will always be first in my administration."
She said she wants to prioritize housing costs, senior care, and public safety.
"I know there are concerns around crime, I have been working collaboratively with law enforcement partners and I can tell you as of today, crime is down and carjackings, which has been a major focus of my administration, are down more than 30 percent -so we are headed in the right direction," Braveboy said.
Baker is formally announcing his candidacy on Tuesday - but wanted to share with FOX 5 viewers about his run first.
On Tuesday at 10 a.m., County Council is expected to set the dates for the special election - with the primary expected to be held between January and March.