It's been almost eight months since Rushern Baker III took over the reins as Prince George's county executive. Baker took over Maryland's second-largest county at a time when it was draped in corruption and disarray after his predecessor, two-term County Executive Jack Johnson, and other county government officials pleaded guilty, in the days preceding his departure from office due to term limits, to having accepted money and gifts from developers doing business in the county.
Baker held a barbecue fundraiser at the Newton White Mansion, in Mitchellville, July 20 that was attended by elected officials and constituents, including some from Laurel.
Because the barbecue was a fundraiser, it was not surprising that most of those interviewed gave Baker a thumbs up in terms of the job he has done thus far, but some said it's still too early to tell, considering the shape the county was in when he took office.
"The jury is still out for me just because I know he inherited a mess and has to straighten that out before he can get to his own agenda," said Phyllis Hines, a retired county schoolteacher and administrator who lives in the county. "There's a lot to be desired where education is concerned, and I'd like to see more affordable services for seniors, since I'm in that boat now, in terms of insurance because a lot of seniors are going without. Maybe he could create more clinics or mobile health clinics."
Many other residents at the heavily attended barbecue said they are pleased with the job Baker has done so far in his efforts to clean up the county's image, such as appointing attorney Betty Hewlett, former chair of the county's Planning Board, to head the board again; and appointing Eric Brown, former executive director of the Annapolis Housing Authority, to head the county's Housing Department. Both agencies figured prominently in the Johnson scandal.
"He's doing well in trying to bring the county back, and it feels like a new day and a new beginning because we have a genuine leader who makes us look forward to the county's future," said Joyce Thompson, a retired principal who lives in Bowie. "He has a lot of charisma and listens to what you have to say instead of being dismissive as some politicians are once they get in office."
Kevin Black, of Laurel, owns a plumbing company in the city. He was hoping to talk to Baker at the event about the county's business climate.
"I think it's a little early to say, but he seems to be doing a good job, and I hope he keeps his doors open to business people," Black said.
But not too wide for those who think that was a problem with the Johnson administration, where a pay-to-play environment existed, and those with deep pockets had the ear of the county executive and were able to get their projects through — sometimes, some thought, at the expense of neighborhoods and the environment.
Elected officials weigh-in
Although District 1 County Council member Mary Lehman, who represents Laurel, described Baker as "thoughtful, fair-minded" and someone she works well with, the two sometimes clash when it comes to business development and the environment. In a straw poll, Lehman voted against Baker's choice of Samuel Wynkoop as head of the Department of Environmental Resources, an agency Wynkoop ran nearly a decade ago.
"He (Baker) is more pro-development than I am, and we do disagree on the environment," said Lehman who attended the barbecue.
"He obviously cares deeply about the county and wants to work through the past problems and move forward. He's helping to bring about the change we need in the county, and I have a great deal of respect for him," she said. "We don't always agree, but we respect each other's opinions and abilities, and that's all you can ask for in politics."
State Sen. James Rosapepe, whose 21st District includes Laurel, commended Baker for working with the General Assembly and being instrumental in the county getting an additional $20 million for its education budget. Rosapepe also praised Baker for his focus on ethics — upon taking office, Baker formed an independent Ethics Committee to make recommendations on how the county should be run — and for his administrative appointments.
"He's appointed competent, honest, public-spirited department heads: good people, who are focused on strong ethical standards, not just on rules, but expected standards," Rosapepe said at the barbecue. "Baker has set the standard of honesty. He's made it clear that he's about serving the people and not lining people's pockets."
In addition to working with Baker on economic projects in College Park that included revitalization of Route 1, Rosapepe pointed out that the county executive has not left Laurel out, making several visits to the city since he took office.
"He knows where the northern part of the county is and recognizes that Laurel is a gem of the county that needs his support," Rosapepe said.
Baker did not use the barbecue to toot his own horn, but to the crowd's delight, met each person at the mansion's front door for a photo and handshake, and talked informally with guests as the event continued.
In a short speech to thank those elected officials and residents for coming out, he simply said, "You have made what I do possible. Thank you."