Voters guide for Riverdale Park
Vernon S. Archer (Mayor)
Alice Ewen Walker (Ward 1)
Alan K. Thompson (Ward 2)
David J. Lingua (Ward 3)
Christopher Henry Sr. (Ward 4)
Raymond Rivas (Ward 5)
Keelah Allen-Smith (Ward 6)
Mayor
Age: 45
Occupation: Educator
Reason for running: Two terms of service to Riverdale Park have laid the groundwork for continued improvements in town services, infrastructure and community development. I want to keep up the momentum.
Top three priorities: Maintain a high level of service to residents; lay groundwork for a new Riverdale Road bridge and storm water system; provide the space and support for a culturally rich community.
Why should people vote for you? I led the town to become a safer, cleaner and more beautiful place. I plan to continue the same emphasize on community and consensus over the next two years.
Other relevant activities: Did not respond
Ward 1
Age: 37
Occupation: Executive Director, National Alliance for Community Trees
Reason for running: To further community life, improve neighborhood appearance standards and increase collaboration with county and adjacent town governments.
Top three priorities: Community code enforcement, Route revitalization and building the bike path to College Park
Why should people vote for you? I have been honored to serve my neighborhood the last two years as Ward representative. I received full support from the council to enact electronic documents policies which made the town government more accessible and transparent to the public.
Other relevant activities: Volunteer with Riverdale Park Farmers Market for seven years. Served on M-UTC Design Review Committee for four years. Former Editor of Riverdale Park Town Crier. Editor of Riversdale Historical Society Newsletter.
Ward 2
Age: 45
Occupation: Staff scientist at NIST, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Reason for running: I've been encouraged by many people over the years to run for Town Council. With the current economy and our ward representative leaving office, I decided the ward needed my skills on the council.
Top three priorities: Maintain/improve the town's financial situation, preserve essential town services, and make interactions between town residents and town government easier and more efficient.
Why should people vote for you? I have been involved in town government since moving here almost 5 years ago. When elected, I'll be able to roll up my sleeves and represent Ward 2 residents right away.
Other relevant activities: Activities and responsibilities I'm most proud of: Website Committee (Chair) and Webmaster, Election Appeals Board (Chair), M-U-TC Zoning Committee (Member/Chair), Town E-mail List Administrator, father of two boys, husband to my wonderful wife.
Ward 3
Age: 46
Occupation: Assistant Lab Manager, Chrome Imaging, Washington,<D.C.
Reason for running: I want to serve. By working to bring improvement to and foster a sense of community in Riverdale Park, I believe I can make a difference.
Top three priorities: Two priorities are to build on the progress made in public works and public safety. The third is to continue working with the Central Kenilworth Avenue Steering Committee for future development.
Why should people vote for you? I have worked to serve well, both my neighbors and the town. I would be honored by the vote of Ward 3 to continue serving to improve Riverdale Park.
Ward 4
Age: Did not respond
Occupation: IT Manager
Reason for running: Continue to be the voice for hardworking families, to demonstrate initiative and provide integrity, honestly, openness and respect for our diverse community.
Top three priorities: Safety, security, community
Why should people vote for you? As the incumbent council member, think back to two years ago and judge me on my record and past performance. My courage and conviction ranges from advocating against discriminatory practices to outrageous tax increases.
Ward 5
Age: 46
Occupation: Community Manager
Reason for running: To help my community
Top three priorities:<I want to help the Hispanic population. Make a reduction in crime. Direct my constituents in acquiring various services in the community
Other relevant activities: Spanish Committee Council of Riverdale
Ward 6
Age: 29
Occupation: Code Enforcement Officer
Reason for running: To speak up and bring the concerns, issues and compliments of Ward 6 to the forefront
Top three priorities: Work on revitalization of the Kenilworth Avenue Corridor, continue open dialog with apartment managers and owners, work in conjunction with business and property owners to achieve an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere in Riverdale Park.
Why should people vote for you? I have represented Ward 6 for the past two years and would like to continue to be the "voice" for our community
Other relevant activities: Do remember to come out and vote on May 4th – your vote matters.
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