Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III
Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III and the county’s council were sworn into office at the Prince George’s County Administration Building (CAB) Dec. 1.
This was Baker’s second time swearing in for the county executive’s office.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I believe we have journeyed far enough down the path and accomplished too much to continue to pontificate about this being a county with so much untapped potential,” said Baker in his inaugural address. “We are better than that! You are better than that!”
During his address, Baker also spoke of his expectations for Prince George’s County by the year 2020.
“And by 2020, our County will be considered a national model on how to reduce crime while reducing the number of arrest,” he said.
Council members sworn in, included Mary A. Lehman, (District 1) Deni Taveras, (District 2) Dannielle M. Glaros, (District 3) Todd M. Turner, (District 4) Andrea C. Harrison, (District 5) Derrick Leon Davis, (District 6) Karen R. Toles, (District 7) Obie Patterson (District 8) and Mel Franklin. (District 9).
The ceremony was emceed by State Sen. Douglas J. J. Peters. Prince George’s County Administrative Judge for the Circuit Court and the 7th Judicial Circuit, Sheila R. Tillerson Adams conducted the swearing-in of Baker. The council members were sworn in by Prince George’s County Clerk of the Court Sydney Harrison.
According to the Washington Post, Baker told the audience, during the county’s 12th inauguration, “As far as I’m concerned, we have been saying this county has potential for far too long,” emphasizing that it was now the county’s time.
“We have come a long way in the last four years and sadly we have lost friends and family we loved and who cared deeply for Prince George’s County,” Baker said. “ One of those people was Wayne K. Curry. It was Wayne’s vision for this County that raised our profile locally and nationally. He taught us that we should be proud of this county and what it represents. This county, this state and this region, are better because of his work and vision. Wayne will be missed, but his love, wisdom, strength and tenacity will serve as our inspiration.”
In memory of Curry, Baker said that his seat, in the front row, is still vacant.