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April 8, 2016
Dear Friends,
Please save the date and plan to attend my 2nd Annual District 3 Town Hall and Resource Fair on Wednesday, April 20, from 6:30pm-8:30pm at William Wirt Middle School.
Numerous County agencies, utility providers, and more will host tables from 6:30-7:00pm so you can gather information and ask questions. My staff has already confirmed the new PGCPS Ombudsman, Prince George's County Police Department, Department of Public Works and Transportation, Family Services, Office of the State's Attorney, and more.
I'll begin the speaking program at 7:15pm and will answer many of the questions I hear most from constituents such as... Is the FBI coming? What's the deal with the Purple Line? What's happening with our schools? What about the MGM Resort? When will I be able to bike (easily!) into DC? What's happening at the New Carrollton and College Park Metro stations and across District 3? Of course, there will also be time for you to ask questions that night.
Be sure invite your friends and neighbors to join us as well. It promises to be a great evening!
 At my Town Hall Meeting I will also give an update on the Fiscal Year 2017 budget process. The County Executive transmitted his proposed budget to the County Council in March. The County Council has begun reviewing the budget and holding hearings with agencies. We will continue to work on the budget through May, with April and early May being the most intense time for budget discussions. This link contains links to the proposed budget and more information about the process, including the date each committee work session and public hearing. I hope you will engage in the budget discussion with me.
 Please also save the date and plan to attend the 3rd Annual Taste of TNI on Sunday, April 17, from 4pm-7pm, at Bladensburg High School. At this free event, attendees will have the opportunity to sample delicious foods from restaurants across the County. Donations will benefit the Bladensburg High School Culinary Arts program.
I recently attended two incredibly exciting grand opening celebrations. The first was at the Diyanet Center of America in Lanham, which is located in Council Member Turner's District 4, right across the street from District 3 communities.
This amazing campus is the site of a $110 million investment by Turkey. Council Member Turner and I had the opportunity for a preview tour this summer and were honored that Council Member Franklin and County Executive Baker joined us at the grand opening on Saturday, April 2.
The facility features a mosque, culture center, guest homes, sports complex, cafeteria and more. The Diyanet Center has the potential to bridge any voids in our understanding of different faiths and cultures. I encourage you to visit the cultural center, share in its beauty, and engage in conversations of mutuality and peace.
 This morning I joined leaders from across the State, the City of College Park, the University of Maryland and County Executive Baker at the opening of the FlexEl facility in College Park. FlexEl develops custom batteries for innovative products. FlexEl's founders are alumni of UMD College Park and I am incredibly excited that this company that started in Prince George's County is now growing in Prince George's County.
 The Purple Line continues to move forward! On April 6 I wore purple to the Maryland Board of Public Works meeting where the contract between the State and their selected concessionaire, Purple Line Partners, was ratified.
Hopefully our Riverdale residents have also noticed that the first two homes along the Purple Line route on Riverdale Road have been demolished. This took longer than planned, but the Maryland Transit Administration will continue to take down the vacant houses one at a time. I look forward to sharing more details about the Purple Line at my Town Hall Meeting on April 20.
On the legislative front, two important economic bills passed out of committee this week. CR-14-2016 establishes a Regional Institution Strategic Enterprise (RISE) Zone in portions of College Park and Riverdale Park. This allows the State, County and municipalizes to offer strategic financial incentives to capitalize on the University of Maryland and bring high-tech companies and new jobs to the area. CB-10-2016 establishes a definition and certification to implement the Green Business Tax Credit passed in 2013. CR-14-2016 and CB-10-2016 both unanimously passed out of their committee and will go to Public Hearing soon.
The Maryland Primary Election is Tuesday, April 26, and early voting takes place from April 14 through April 24. We have an entirely new voting system this year--we've gone back to paper ballots. The Board of Elections has been holding voting equipment demonstrations across the County. Here are some useful links: learn more about the new voting system, find your polling place, and request an absentee ballot.
As always, never hesitate to reach out to me at CouncilDistrict3@co.pg.md.us or 301-952-3060. You can reach my staff via the same phone number or their email address on the right. I share news and updates daily on social media so please like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter if you use social media.
Together Strengthening our Community,
P.S. You may have heard that the Department of the Environment negotiated new trash and recycling contracts which mean that once-a-week, same-day trash and recycling collection will begin in May. Postcards are in the mail and more details are below.
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