Cardin's Aid Sought Over Relocation of Federal Jobs

Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.) dropped by the County Council this week for lunch and a wide-ranging conversation that touched on global warming, health care and presidential politics. But it was the local issues that concerned council members most. They enlisted Cardin's help in trying to ensure that thousands of federal jobs at the Parklawn Building in the Twinbrook neighborhood remain in the county.

Council President Michael Knapp (D-Upcounty) said House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) is pressing to relocate some of the jobs to Prince George's County when the General Services Administration's lease expires in 2010. Council member Marc Elrich (D-At Large) said it was not "good policy for us to cannibalize each other."

Cardin promised to look into it, smiling as he said, "That's what we senators do. We referee fights among our congressional delegation."

In general, Cardin said, he agrees that jobs should not be relocated when space is available. But he said the delegation is also trying to help Prince George's develop land around its Metro stations.

Hoyer's press secretary, Stephanie Lundberg, said later that her boss is interested in ensuring that Prince George's is given equal consideration as a location. The county, she said in an e-mail, has been "overlooked and underutilized" for federal office space and offers lower cost options.

"It's important to consider the taxpayer dollars and the most cost-effective choice," she said.

Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) has gotten involved, too. Responding to an inquiry from County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) last month, Van Hollen said in a letter that he shares Leggett's concern about the "potential relocation of thousands of federal employees from Rockville" and agrees that "rental costs alone should not dictate the location."

Voters in 4th District Poised for Special Election

Residents of Prince George's and Montgomery counties will soon get yet another chance to visit the polls, when Prince George's nonprofit executive Donna F. Edwards (D) faces Peter James (R) in a special election Tuesday to fill the seat of Albert R. Wynn (D), who resigned from Congress on May 31.

Edwards trounced Wynn during the Feb. 12 Democratic primary. That ended Wynn's 15-year tenure as a U.S. representative, but it didn't propel Edwards into Congress automatically. It merely gave her the right to face James, who won the Republican primary, in the November election.

Wynn's surprise resignation, before the end of his term, forced the special election. The winner will probably be sworn in within days of the election and will serve out the remainder of Wynn's term. Edwards and James will face each other again in November, with the winner taking the seat starting in January.

The 4th Congressional District encompasses parts of Montgomery and Prince George's. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Committee Gets Taste Of Don Praisner's Style

Council member Don Praisner (D-Eastern County) made his debut this week at a Management and Fiscal Policy Committee meeting and showed he's no shrinking violet. Praisner, who was sworn in last week, brought to the table some of the no-nonsense style of his late wife, Marilyn, who held the seat for about 17 years.