Candidates for the 2023 General Election:

Mayor
S.M. Fazlul Kabir
Faz.Kabir@gmail.com | 301-659-6295

Dr. Fazlul Kabir currently serves as the Mayor of College Park. Before his mayoral role, Dr. Kabir held the distinction of being the longest continuously serving member of the City Council for the past 12 years. He and his wife purchased their first home in College Park two decades ago and raised their two boys. Dr. Kabir holds a Ph.D. in Engineering and works as an information architect for the Federal Government. Additionally, he taught at the University of Maryland for eight years.
 
 In close collaboration with residents and the City Council, Dr. Kabir co-founded College Park Day, restarted the College Park Parade, initiated the new “Here & Now” College Park newspaper, and launched a Farmer’s Market and a community garden. He successfully advocated creating a new Duvall Field, a Dog Park, protected bike lanes, affordable housing, and a community center. Furthermore, he championed funding for local schools and a reduction in the city's property tax rate.
 
Dr. Kabir has been running a daily blog, https://KabirCares.org, since 2009.
 
 Looking ahead, Dr. Kabir plans to continue leading College Park by uniting the community, enhancing transparency, and fostering trust. His advocacy focuses on improving the quality of life with strong public safety measures, enhanced code enforcement, smart economic development, support for new small businesses, sustainable and green programs, solutions for aging-in-place seniors, improved school education, and increased availability of affordable housing.

District 1

Kamthorn Clary

KamthornClary@Gmail.com | 240-645-3183

My name is Kamthorn Clary and I am running for District One City Council. I’ve lived in this area my entire life and have been a College Park resident for eight years. I first moved to College Park to study at the University of Maryland. In 2018, I made the transition from former student to permanent resident and realized a lifelong dream of purchasing my first home here in District One because I saw not only what this city is, but also what it can become.

I’ve spent nearly a decade working in finance, focusing specifically on affordable housing. I know there is an important balance between growing our city and maintaining the integrity of our existing neighborhoods. I will focus on controlling the cost of living, improving accessibility and safety for pedestrians and cyclists, expanding city environmental initiatives, and, most importantly, amplifying the voice of our communities. I’m excited to work tirelessly on behalf of the people of District One and the city as a whole. Together, we can make College Park a little better each day.

Bryan Haddad

HaddadForCouncilOfCollegePark@Gmail.com

My name is Bryan Haddad and I am running for City Council. I am a homeowner and small business owner here in College Park. I have lived in the Edgewood neighborhood in North College Park for the last 12 years. Before that I went to the University of Maryland for four years where I got a degree in Philosophy. I served on my fraternity’s board as head of the judicial committee. During high school I was on the wrestling and football teams, and graduated with academic honors. I enjoy waterfalls, live music, and swing dancing.

An effective government can increase quality of life for everyone. I am committed to helping our government work in a way that is successful, not wasteful. We want to see our city get better over time, and enjoy living here more and more. I want these things for everyone and I will work to benefit the entire community in an equitable manner.

I would be honored by your vote. Thank you for your trust and belief in my ability. I promise to be fully committed to the office of Councilmember and to work at creating the best possible future for our city.

Jacob T. Hernandez

Jacob@VoteHernandezForCP.com | 301-857-8572 

As a first generation Hispanic American, State Department civil servant, and 13-year military service member (now Reserve), I humbly ask for your vote for District 1 City Councilmember.   

I’m blessed to live with and support my mother, my teen brother and sister; both attend our local public schools.  We are each invested in our city. 

I am running because I believe in local government and am on a mission to maintain and enhance our neighborly community.   I will leverage my diverse work and life experiences to build cross-sectoral and governmental relationships necessary to positively impact issues that matter to residents. 

I have dedicated my entire adult life in service to our country and the institutions that allowed me to prosper from a once-homeless legally emancipated minor to a proud home-owning neighbor of yours in District 1.  Now, I want to return what I’ve learned back to our community.  I’ll bring my indefatigable spirit to work with and for you, to ensure all College Park residents have access to similar opportunities.

We can do this together.  Podemos hacerlo juntos.

Learn more about how I will continue serving you at www.JacobTHernandezforCP.com

Alan Y. Hew

AlanHew.4CP@Gmail.com | 240-391-8678

I moved into College Park in 2005, when we bought our home in the Autoville neighborhood.  However, I have been in the area since 1991 while attending the University of Maryland, graduating in 1994 with a B.A. in Natural Resources Management.

 My community involvement started when I joined the Animal Welfare Committee as co-chair, then moved on to the Committee for a Better Environment. Unofficially, I participated in discussions with the developers of what is now Monument Village. When Monument Village sought Detailed Site Plan approval in 2013, I became the neighborhood liaison negotiating on behalf of the residents with the developers, the County, and the City. 

 I was elected to the City Council for District 4 from 2013-2015.  Afterwards, I returned to the Committee for a Better Environment and helped establish the Bee City USA Committee. I also serve on UMD’s Institutional Biosafety Committee and the College Park Day Committee.

 I believe community involvement is essential to any community worth living in. Redevelopment is beginning in North College Park. I want to be on top of that. Assuring smart growth and development that will benefit the community, not just the developers, is why I am running for City Council.

Brian J. Roan

BrianJRoan@Gmail.com | 281-467-6875

Brian J. Roan is a father and small business founder who has been living in District 1 since 2010. A graduate of the University of Maryland with a B.A. in journalism, Mr. Roan has been involved in local politics in some form since 2005. A renter in college through the beginning of his professional career, he now owns his own home in Daniels Park off Route 1. Mr. Roan’s daughter attends Holy Redeemer School and his business (Shmidt Spirits Distillery) sells at the Hollywood Farmers Market. Mr. Roan looks forward to raising his daughter and building his business in College Park and is interested in ensuring that development and city planning create the best possible environment to achieve those goals. For the past year, he has served as Secretary of the North College Park Community Association. It is his belief that a community is best served by focusing on improved public spaces and events; infrastructure development that serve residents’ interests and needs; and facilitating local small business investment. If elected, Mr. Roan intends to be a strong conduit between the city and the residents of District 1, so that no one ever feels their voice is ignored or miscontrued.

District 2

Llatetra Brown Esters

Llatetra4CP@Gmail.com | 301-842-7879

Llatetra Brown Esters has made College Park, Maryland her home since 1999. She has always valued its diversity and strong sense of community. She and her husband moved to the Oak Springs neighborhood in 2014. They know their neighbors and appreciate the relationships they have built over the years. All of which reinforces her desire and commitment to serve.

 Llatetra has served on the College Park City Council since December 2020. During her time in office, she has made a point of listening to residents, responding to their concerns, addressing issues, and advocating on their behalf. Prior to serving on City Council, Llatetra served as a member of the Advisory Planning Commission (APC) and a Prince George's County election judge who served at Paint Branch Elementary School in Lakeland.

 Llatetra has focused her attention on issues related to quality of life, public safety, fiscal responsibility, and inclusion. She looks forward to the opportunity to continue serving with intention and for the benefit of residents in District 2 and the City of College Park.

Susan L. Whitney

Susan4CollegePark@Gmail.com | (301) 750-3608

Susan Whitney is an eighteen-year resident of Berwyn. College Park’s safe, affordable, charming housing drew her and her husband here. They started a family and remember pouring change into CoinStar to cover childcare and the mortgage. Things are easier now, and their daughter has thrived in the area’s public schools. Susan is a runner and dog owner who loves the parks, trails, businesses and diversity of College Park. She wants to continue the city’s progress while ensuring it remains affordable & protecting the interests of its historic neighborhoods. She’s been honored to serve in her first term as a councilmember.

Susan walks or bikes to work as an Administrative Coordinator for UMD’s Office of Special Events and previously worked as a business manager for a software company. Outside of work, she co-founded the DC Lady Arm Wrestlers, which raised $55,000 for charities benefiting women & children. She served as PTSA treasurer, bringing it into compliance for the first time in its fourteen-year history. A former photojournalist, she values truth-telling & communication.

Susan has a bachelor’s in international relations from Tulane University and a master’s in journalism from the University of Missouri - Columbia, where her capstone project studied gentrification.

District 3

A. Perez Abbott

Perez4CPCouncil@Gmail.com | 240-886-8665

Perez Abbott is the Manager, Business Services for Employ Prince George’s, the principal workforce development entity for Prince George’s County Government. As a leader his job is to inspire his staff, to provide them with guidance, and to lead them by example. He’s originally from Peoria, IL, and a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He is a 6-year resident of College Park, MD and has served his community as a mentor, a coach, a former educator, a volunteer, and a community advocate. His career has included opportunities to work in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. His global experience highlights his ability for problem solving, leadership, adaptability, and teamwork.  He is inspired by “possibility.” The possibility of creating a better College Park, a better environment, and a better quality of life drives him. Perez enjoys family and friends, local sports (Commanders, UMD Football, Nationals), the arts and culture, travel, spending time outdoors, and a good book. His “Why” is to leave the world better than he found it. He is a member of Alfred Street Baptist Church, the 100 Black Men of Prince George’s, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, ACLU, National Urban League, Sierra Club and Amnesty International.

Stuart M. Adams

Stu4CP@Gmail.com | 301-364-4576

Stuart Adams is a community resilience engineer for housing, transportation, and disaster mitigation as a Program Manager at Stantec’s Prince George’s County office in Laurel. He manages and supervises technical support to local, state, and federal agencies including MDTA, Amtrak, GSA, FEMA, USFA, NIST’s National Construction Safety Team and the White House’s Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ).

A resident of College Park since 2015, Stuart served as the President of the Calvert Hills Citizens Association for three years where he led the effort, alongside residents and elected officials, to protect Albion and Guilford Woods. 

Stuart’s expertise in floodplain administration, sustainability, and resilient building codes provides a strong understanding of community development and engagement. He has championed action on business preservation, affordable housing, pedestrian and biking infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life initiatives.

Stuart represents District 3 with a proven record of community-focused action and welcomes your input on projects and policies to improve College Park.

John B. Rigg, III

JRigg@JRigg.net | 443-646-3503

John Rigg has served as Councilmember for District 3 since 2017, living with his family in Calvert Hills since 2007, where he served for five years as civic association president.  A leader on city council, natural collaborator, and tireless community activist, John has worked hard to protect the character of our neighborhoods while bringing amenities and smart development to our city.  A career civil servant with a large federal health agency, John has served in the White House under two presidents, and worked in the House of Representatives.   John’s first career was as a Paramedic-Firefighter, and he still volunteers as a Paramedic.  John is a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, and past PTA volunteer and officer.

In his time on council, John has delivered results for our community, including leading the effort to develop the joint venture university-city daycare center on Calvert Road, fighting to preserve open space on Rhode Island Ave and Albion Rd, and advocating successfully for infrastructure such as storomwater improvements, sidewalks, and bike lanes.

John is excited for the opportunity to continue serving District 3.  He would love to hear from you at jrigg@jrigg.net, and check out his website at http://jrigg.net.

District 4

Maria E. Mackie

MMackie4D4@Gmail.com | 240-472-0681

Education, experience and deep roots have prepared me well to serve a third term on City Council.  I have a BS degree and worked as an agricultural specialist for the federal government.  I spent 26 years homeschooling our five children, and later worked substitute teaching, tutoring and as a small business owner.  I grew up in the City and chose to settle here in 1994.  My husband and three of our children attended UMCP.  Before City Council, I served on the CPW Swim Club Board, the West CP Civic Association, CPW Neighborhood Watch and on the City Board of Elections.  In addition to City Council duties, I am the liaison to the Educational Advisory Committee, and advocated funding extra tutoring opportunities.  I served on the Cares Act Committee to rescue CP businesses and residents.  I supported the curbside food scrap pickup, worked to preserve the Paint Branch Golf Course and Guilford Wood and championed pedestrian/bicyclist trails.  My most important concerns are crime deterrence, road safety, educational opportunities, environmental preservation, care for the elderly, housing costs, responsible spending, and increased opportunities for residents and small businesses.  I will listen to you, and make College Park a great home – for all. 

Denise C. Mitchell

ElectMitch4D4@Gmail.com | 240-854-6293

My goal is to achieve transparency on the city council, serve constituents with integrity, and invite and engage a wide range of stakeholders to collaborate and implement a bold and inclusive vision of One College Park. Candidate Mitchell wants to continue working on creating avenues for our diverse populations, affordable housing for all, and getting back to "The Basics" in servicing our constituents. 

Denise is a retired Early Childhood Administrator and Consultant. With her expertise in education, the former Mayor, Mr. Andrews Fellows, appointed Denise to the founding board of College Park Academy. Denise served on the City Council from 2009-2013, where she was appointed the first female Mayor Pro Team under former Mayor Andy Fellows's tenure. In 2021, she was affirmed Mayor Pro Tem and continues to serve in that capacity.  

Candidate Mitchell has represented city leadership with the National League of Cities as a member of the Board of Directors, Immediate Past President for the Maryland Municipal League and the Prince George's County Municipal Association, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. 

Denise and her family moved to College Park Woods in 1975. She began her service within the community by serving on the Board of Directors of the West College Park Civic Association and as a member and Chair of the City of College Park's Education Advisory Committee. Denise is also a member of the Prince George's County Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 

To learn more about the General Election, visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/elections.