Get to know the faces behind the ballots! Over the next few weeks, we’re bringing you an exclusive look at the Prince George’s County Council candidates. We asked each candidate eight essential questions about their vision and the local issues they are fighting for.

Meet Tamara Davis Brown, a candidate for District 9 who has been a voice on land use and development matters in her community for over twenty years. In this Q&A, Davis Brown discusses her top campaign priorities for District 9, from education and public safety to improving infrastructure and increasing Medical Innovation Districts.

What is your primary motivation for running for local council, and what are your top three priorities for the district?

I am running for office to be a fierce advocate and a strong voice for our community’s unique needs. District 9 needs an experienced leader who is ready Day One for the County Council. Over 60% of what the County Council does is sit as District Council on land use and zoning matters.

For over 2 decades, I have been the District 9 community voice and leader on land use and development matters. District 9 also deserves a community advocate who has always put people first and who has a track record of delivering results for our families, seniors, youth and young adults and local businesses.

My top 3 priorities are proper budgeting for: (1) education; (2) public safety and (3) infrastructure improvement (like roads) and economic development.

How do you plan to support local small businesses and entrepreneurs within Prince George’s County?

I plan to support local and small businesses in Prince George’s County through diversifying our economy in the healthcare sector, specifically through Medical Innovation Districts (MIDs). MIDs provide advanced and innovative healthcare for residents without leaving the County. I plan to expand MIDs by including a nutritional component utilizing our local District 9 farmers for fresh farm-to-table food cooperative (grocery store) along with healthy food option restaurants owned and operated by small and local businesses.

How will you ensure that the voices of all residents, especially those in underrepresented areas, are heard in the decision-making process?

I plan to continue the very popular, successful and enormous email listserv that I currently use to send important information about the decision-making process. I will inform our residents about the proposed legislation we are taking, share my views and ask residents how they think I should vote, which is more of a representative democracy. I will also continue my podcast, All Politics is Local, as well as have monthly townhall meetings.

What specific improvements do you advocate for regarding local infrastructure, public safety, or transit?

I will continue to advocate for developer-funding for road improvements and new roads. I support the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit between Charles County and Prince George’s County to Branch Ave. Metro light rail transit along with Metro over the Wilson Bridge. I was an earlier proponent for each of these projects. With my neighbors, we successfully advocated for the new District VII police station and new Brandywine fire station. I will continue to advocate and seek appropriations for new public safety facilities.

What steps should the council take to promote environmental sustainability and green spaces in our community?

Honestly, the County Council should seriously consider halting new residential development, especially townhouse development in urban sprawl communities and areas and refocus its development upward near our Metro 15 stations. This will protect our green space and halt the cutting of trees, which provide environmental benefits such as carbon absorption. The County should engage with our federal partners to specifically clean up District 9 which has the most environmental impact projects in the County (Superfund site, sand and gravel pits, construction debris mountains, etc.)

How can the council better support local youth programs and educational initiatives outside of the school system?

The Council can have PGCPS partner with MNCPPC to provide more after-school activities such as tutoring and other educational enrichment programs to enhance student learning. We can work with MNCPPC to provide transportation to their centers for such after-school activities.

What is one specific project or policy you hope to be remembered for at the end of your term?

I hope to be remembered for bringing innovation in medicine and good-paying jobs through the Medical Innovation District in District 9 and throughout the County. As stated MIDs will also highlight and support our local farmers and small businesses to bring healthy food options to our residents.

What is your favorite local spot in Prince George’s County to relax or grab a meal?

My favorite place to relax is Cosca Regional Park in Clinton, MD. I love walking the trails there or just sitting by the lake and reading a good book. My favorite place to grab a good meal is Mix and Mingle Coffee Lounge in Clinton. It’s our local speakeasy, and the coffee, food and conversations are always great!