Executive Race Tops Full Ballot

Prince George's residents going to the polls for the Democratic primary on Sept. 12 had better arrive ready for some big-time voting.

With more than 100 candidates running in 21 local races, plus a bevy of state and federal races, this election season has brought an unprecedented flurry of political activism.

The top race for local officials is the campaign for county executive.

Incumbent Jack B. Johnson (D) faces an energetic challenge for the Democratic nomination from former state delegate Rushern L. Baker III. There is no Republican candidate, so if Johnson fends off Baker for the Democratic nomination, he will be elected to his second and, because of term limits, final term.

Johnson has argued that the county has made great strides under his tenure and residents should reelect him for more of the same. He points to an economic boom and rising property values, which have produced unprecedented tax revenue for the county to spend on improving services.

For the first time in a generation, the school system's requested budget was fully funded this year. Schools have been built and the county police force expanded.

"The success of the county is my résumé," Johnson said recently.

Baker has countered that many of Johnson's accomplishments were launched by his predecessor, Wayne K. Curry (D). And he said Johnson has been unwilling to acknowledge problems in the county, particularly a crime rate that has generally risen over the county executive's tenure. In 2005, the county had a record number of homicides.

Baker also has seized on recent revelations that Johnson has awarded more than $3 million in county contracts to friends and supporters. "Stop the corruption. It's time for a change," read a recent Baker mailing.

All nine seats of the County Council will be on the ballot as well, though the legislative body will have significantly less turnover than four years ago, when eight members joined the board. Three members are running unopposed. They are Camille Exum (D-Seat Pleasant), Thomas E. Dernoga (D-Laurel) and Tony Knotts (D-Temple Hills).

In District 5, David Harrington (D-Cheverly) faces no Democratic opponent but will match up against Francis Marshall in the Nov. 7 general election. And William A. Campos (D-Hyattsville) in District 2 faces Anthony Cicoria, a former delegate and council member who went to jail in 1990 for misusing campaign funds.

Popular Mitchelville council member Samuel H. Dean (D) is facing off with community activist Phil Lee, whose challenge is based on his years advocating for improved education and reduced crime. Marilynn Bland (D-Clinton), a former school board member, is facing five opponents in the 9th District.