Meet The Candidates For Town of Upper Marlboro Board of Commissioner
Candidate Derrick Brooks
I came to Upper Marlboro at 19 years old. Upon my arrival, I realized three important facts; our community is a close-knit one, the importance of establishing and maintaining good relationships with your neighbors, and that, our care and concern for each other also extends to our fur babies. More than 25 years later, those are a few of the many reasons I have remained a resident of the Town of Upper Marlboro.
Ours is a rich, thriving historic community with a potential to become even better. This is why I am running to be one of the town Commissioners. My love of and commitment to our town has made this a place where I not only live, but I also work here.
For the past 33 years, I have worked for the Circuit Court for Prince Georges County, serving county residents. Additionally, I have worked for Prince George’s Community College, helping to ensure students’ academic success. Serving county residents both at the Court and the Community College has been my great pleasure and honor. As a first-time Town Commissioner, I recognize there will be much learn; however, experience has taught me that no obstacle is too great to overcome when people are committed to accomplishing a common goal.
As Town Commissioner, my goal will be to advocate for and see our community continue to thrive and get better. With your support, if elected, I commit to working alongside my colleagues to ensure this goal is realized.
Ours is a rich, thriving historic community with a potential to become even better. This is why I am running to be one of the town Commissioners. My love of and commitment to our town has made this a place where I not only live, but I also work here.
For the past 33 years, I have worked for the Circuit Court for Prince Georges County, serving county residents. Additionally, I have worked for Prince George’s Community College, helping to ensure students’ academic success. Serving county residents both at the Court and the Community College has been my great pleasure and honor. As a first-time Town Commissioner, I recognize there will be much learn; however, experience has taught me that no obstacle is too great to overcome when people are committed to accomplishing a common goal.
As Town Commissioner, my goal will be to advocate for and see our community continue to thrive and get better. With your support, if elected, I commit to working alongside my colleagues to ensure this goal is realized.
Candidate Patti Callicott
I am Patti Callicott and I am currently running as a candidate for one of the 5 Town of Upper Marlboro Commissioners.
On a professional level, for over 25 years I have worked as a Federal contractor for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Department of Commerce (DOC). I have supported the Satellite Operations Division as a programmer, a software development manager, Critical Infrastructure Protection Project Manager where I was instrumental in building out the Division’s backup facility in Wallops Island, Virginia and I currently serve the Division as the Satellite Operations IT Security lead.
On a personal level, I have lived in this town for over 13 years. I served as a volunteer Board Member for the Prince George's County Historical Society for 4 years and have been an active volunteer within our Town in various capacities since 2012. For the Town, I volunteered to serve as the Chairman of the Town of Upper Marlboro Historical Committee for 10 years and remain an advocate for that Committee. I have also served on our Town's Board of Supervisors of Elections as both a Board member and Judge. Currently, I am volunteering to serve on our Town's Charter Review Board.
I have a great love for this Town, its community and its future. I keep informed of the Town's activities and planning for the future by attending the Town Hall meetings and the Work Sessions where Commissioners discuss current issues and future endeavors in a public forum. As a Commissioner of this Town, I will bring Integrity, Fiscal Responsibility and Commitment to the citizens of this Town.
I am asking you to support me in further serving this Town and the community as one of its 5 Commissioners.
Thank you for your support,
Candidate Charles Colbert
When I first ran almost two years ago, my goals were to increase advancement, safety, and transparency. In that time, we have welcomed new businesses to Town, had new sidewalks installed, and held several community conversations to engage outside of Town meetings. I have proudly served this board and the Town by bringing fresh ideas for growth and practical solutions to challenges. I have advocated and voted for measures to keep the Town safe and supported the growing, diverse population while also representing the Town to other local leaders and organizations. But there is still work to be done. Moving the Town forward continues to be a team effort driven by the needs of this community. Next steps include finishing annexation, soliciting more businesses, finding more spaces for community interaction and engagement, and continuing to engage our state and county leaders to keep Upper Marlboro at the forefront when appropriating funds.
The Town of Upper Marlboro is the place my family and I love to call home. From taking walks around the pond to attending the growing collection of street markets; from having coffee on Main Street to engaging with fellow residents at summer movie nights. It continues to be one of the best kept secrets in the area and has amazing potential to provide the resources and amenities that many of us have asked for while maintaining the small town feel that encouraged many of us to move here or stay.
I have been honored to serve and represent my community and, with your help, I look forward to being able to continue to build up and toward a vibrant community all of our family members can enjoy. Vote for me to be a partner, not only with the Board, but with you to Move Our Town Forward, Together.
Candidate Sarah Franklin
Hello friends and neighbors!
I thank you for allowing me to serve the Upper Marlboro community as Mayor and Town Commissioner for the past three years. Serving you, the people of Upper Marlboro, is why I am here. If you look around you will see the great things we have been able to accomplish together:
- Road repairs on Old Mill Road and Spring Branch Drive.
- Traffic calming on Church Street.
- Sidewalk Improvements
- Beautification, public art, and benches downtown
- Food trucks for more dining variety downtown.
- Reduced speeding along Old Marlboro Pike and Old Crain Highway.
- Grant-funded land purchase for trails.
- A community-supported Vision Plan to guide economic growth and create vibrancy downtown.
- Improved access to and understanding of the Town’s Budget process.
Our Town can continue to thrive and grow under the effective leadership I have shown as Mayor over the past two years. If you re-elect me for another term, I will work to implement the vision that we have imagined together:
- Paving and redesign of roads.
- Increasing pedestrian safety and connections via trails.
- Focused economic development in downtown.
- Continuing to improve and build positive relationships in the community.
It has been a pleasure serving and I truly enjoy my visits to your neighborhoods and homes. I enjoy the conversations we have about our needs. I look forward to continuing to serve the whole community over the next two years.
Vote for me and I will continue to bring a problem-solving approach to leadership that is both collaborative and thoughtful. I will remain a responsive leader to our Town.
Learn more about or contact me via www.facebook.com/SarahLovesUM
Candidate Thomas Hanchett
I would like to start out by giving my thanks and appreciation to the residents and hard working staff of the town of Upper Marlboro.
The last two years have been a great start for what I hope to be an eventful second run as your town commissioner. We have seen a lot of change over the past two years, for the better.
Imagine, together, we have worked on the towns behalf to procure the land next to the proposed new rail trail adjacent to town hall. I have heard from many town residents and locals that our area needs a dog park. I am working to make that happen. We have always worked together to get things done, like the new sidewalk on Old Crain Hwy, the painted crosswalk and more. We are always looking for new and exciting new ideas for the town and opportunities to residents to take part in the community.
The Mayor, other commissioners and I have worked together to put on events in town look forward to seeing you and answering any questions before Election Day. I will be at the farmers market and trunk or treat event on Saturday October 21st, please stop by with any suggestions or ideas to continue to create Upper Marlboro in to the community we all "Imagine" it could be.
I have always done my best to use my voice as a positive influence and will continue to do so if elected. My ideas are centered around the outdoors and beauty our community holds, it's wonderful residents who fill it and the great neighbors we enjoy. While in office I just want to continue to grow and improve upon the great roots we have all planted here.
A vote for me will ensure we are making the right choices for the town, its residents and turning our "Imagined" vision into a reality.
Candidate Joe Hourcle
I moved to Upper Marlboro in 2000 because I liked the town the way it was, not because I wanted to change it. Although I understand that there needs to be change so we don’t stagnate, I believe that decisions need to be made for the long term benefit of the town as a whole, without sacrificing what makes Upper Marlboro special.
As a military brat, I have lived in other places—almost a dozen, but I spent years in Marlton and so Upper Marlboro feels like ‘home’ to me. I like living in a quiet little town.
The citizens of our town have varied experience and diverse perspectives and it is important that we respect them all, even if we might not agree. Although it is impossible to please everyone with every decision, I believe it is the commission’s responsibility to listen to the people, and do what is in the best interest of the whole community.
If I look familiar, that’s because I have been a regular fixture at town meetings, was chief election judge (town and county), and have been president of the Friends of the Upper Marlboro Library, secretary of the Marlboro Area Recreation Council and a founding member of the Town’s Historical Committee. I know what is required of the Town Commissioner because I served for three terms, 2008-2014, including when we had to deal with the fallout from the Great Recession. My degrees in Civil Engineering and Information Management help me to understand issues that we were dealing with, keep the citizens informed, and write unambiguous legislation.
If you would like to chat with me, please visit the Town Hall from 6-9pm on October 18th and November 1st. Follow the signs for board games.
Candidate Karen Lott
For the past 9 years, I’ve called Upper Marlboro home. This town, with its unique characteristics, holds a special place in my heart. Having served in the military, I’ve learned the profound importance of unity and community service. I’m driven by these values, aiming to leaving a lasting positive imprint on our town.
Our youth represent hope and promise. As commissioner, I’m dedicated to championing initiatives that not only involve but also nurture their potential. A vibrant downtown corridor can be the heartbeat of our community. I’m committed to pushing for infrastructural enhancements and through strategic annexations, we can infuse our town with financial growth, enhancing services and maintaining its vibrancy, all of which are paramount for drawing businesses and sustaining the town’s momentum.
Our youth represent hope and promise. As commissioner, I’m dedicated to championing initiatives that not only involve but also nurture their potential. A vibrant downtown corridor can be the heartbeat of our community. I’m committed to pushing for infrastructural enhancements and through strategic annexations, we can infuse our town with financial growth, enhancing services and maintaining its vibrancy, all of which are paramount for drawing businesses and sustaining the town’s momentum.
Safety isn’t merely a necessity. It’s the bedrock of a prospering community. I pledge to collaborate closely with our police department to launch neighborhood safety initiatives and bridge any gaps between our officers and fellow residents.
Drawing from my expertise as a Commercial Property Manager, I bring specialized skills in budgeting, contract negotiations, and strategic planning. Every decision will place Upper Marlboro’s interests at the forefront.
At the heart of a thriving town is the strength of its community bond. My goal is to fortify these connections, guaranteeing our families are nurtured and our community stands unified. In pursuit of this, we’ve recently rolled out notable community projects, including the family fun day. More than just a delightful day out, it symbolized our collective spirit. Along with a community-shared barbecue, we had the pleasure of handing out over 60 book bags, combining joy with a meaningful cause.
Together, let’s chart a prosperous path for Upper Marlboro. I humbly seek your support to serve as your commissioner. Let’s make our voices heard and our choices count on November 7, 2023. Cast your vote!
Candidate Linda Pennoyer
I have lived in the Town of Upper Marlboro since 1991. I have been active in the Town for most of that time. Many of you have seen my statements over the years as I have run in the last 5 elections.
Throughout that time my message has always been to achieve balance. That can only be achieved If look to members of the Commission to communicate the issues the Town deals with on a regular basis. We can not only rely on surveys, meeting agendas, or quarterly newsletters.
Economic development, fiscal responsibility, and community outreach are essential. We need to be mindful of our Budget and be aware of how our tax dollars are being spent.
Being informed of pending issues in the county that have an impact on our Town is a critical part of being on the Board of Commissioners. Investing the time to network with State, County, and Municipal leaders is essential. Communicating our Vision as we request partnerships and collaboration to work together to achieve our goals.
I have said it before, it is the right of every citizen to question what we do and why. We need to be responsive to our residents and not just for three minutes at a Town meeting.
I have served on this Commission since 2016. I took a short Hiatus for personal reasons but remained active. I returned to the Board because there is still work to be done.
As we look to the future, we must be mindful of what we leave behind. We need to address the needs of all the residents. As our Town grows, we become more diverse in many ways. We need to be ready to address the diverse interests and needs of our residents.
It has been my honor and privilege to serve on the Board of Commissioners and I am again asking for your support and your Vote on November 7th, 2023
Candidate Alma Prevatte
My name is Alma Prevatte, and I am running for town commissioner. My excitement and enthusiasm in running for town commissioner stems from my desire to have a place that is economically stable, safe, and accessible for my children to grow up in. I believe we can achieve this by working together, developing strong positive relationships with other towns and the county, and opening businesses that are resident-serving oriented to include diverse dining options.
As the county seat of Prince George’s County, I believe that we can better represent the Town of Upper Marlboro as an example of a unified and clean community, so that visitors will want to emulate our town and will be discouraged from littering. This town has a lot of potential, but it takes someone willing to collaborate with a strong community to enhance its beauty. We can accomplish this together by working with already existing businesses to have pride in the appearance of their buildings and to clean up the litter that overwhelms the streets and sidewalks.
If elected as town commissioner, I will treat everyone with dignity, respect, and fairness. I will be a good steward to preserving our small-town feel while also balancing the services desired by the residents, economic benefits, and continued stability of the community.