Democratic Prince George’s County Council member Mel Franklin, announced his resignation from the Council on Friday, leaving a vacant at-large seat with two years left in the term.
Franklin served as a council member representing District 9 from December 2010 until December 2018, when he became an at-large representative.
“We thank Council member Franklin for his years of dedication, hard work, and service. He’s authored numerous pieces of legislation that have significantly shaped Prince George’s County, and his knowledge and expertise have been invaluable in guiding the Council over many years. His presence will be greatly missed,” said County Council Administrator Jennifer Jenkins in a statement recently shortly after his announcement.
It is not currently known why Franklin resigned, but he has been participating virtually for the majority of the current legislative term.
This is not the first time in recent history a sitting council member resigned.
Council members Monique Anderson-Walker and Dereck Leon Davis resigned from their posts on the council during the previous term. When Anderson-Walker vacated her seat, a special election was held that longtime School Board Member Edward Burroughs III won. Davis’ seat was filled via Council appointment.
There is nearly two years until the next council election and thus, his seat is likely to be filled via special election, which must be held within the next 60 days, per county rules. No candidates, as of yet, have publicly announced their interest in the seat.
“We are committed to a smooth transition for the benefit of our residents. The process to fill the vacancy on the council will begin promptly with the scheduling of a special election. Further details will be provided soon,” Jenkins continued.
