Prince George’s County could face a cascade of changes in its leadership if County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks (D) wins her bid for Maryland’s open Senate seat, upheaval that would come as the county already is holding special elections to fill the open seat of a former council member convicted in a felony theft scheme.
If the county’s shifting political landscape tilts a certain way, as many as six special elections may have to be scheduled — in addition to the two special primary elections already held this year to fill former council member Mel Franklin’s open seat after he resigned and pleaded guilty to charges that he used at least $130,000 in campaign funds for personal expenses and then falsified his campaign reports.
That would amount to as much as $8 million in special election-related costs since Franklin’s resignation, according to the Office of Management and Budget, at a time when the county is facing a $171 million budget shortfall during the next fiscal year that could more than double by 2030.
Should Alsobrooks, who is leading former governor Larry Hogan (R) in recent polls, prevail in her race, her seat would become vacant. To fill it, the county may have to hold a special primary election, followed by a special general election between the two winners of that race.
Click here to read the rest of the article written by Lateshia Beachum over at The Washington Post
