Tara Jackson was elevated to lead Prince George’s following the resignation of Sen.-elect Angela Alsobrooks (D) from her post as county executive. Jackson, who formerly served as county administrative officer, will act as county executive until the winner of a pending special election is sworn in. Having served in county government for decades, Jackson pledges to keep Prince George’s moving forward amid uncertain times.
“I believe in keeping the trains running,” said Jackson during a press conference on Dec. 4. “That means trash is still picked up. If we get snow…then snow is removed quickly. I pledge to do that for whatever time I have in this office.”
She projects to be in this role for four to six months.
Legislation to expand property tax credits for seniors remains on the table for Jackson to sign, veto, or allow into law without her signature.
She plans to continue work to prepare Prince George’s for the FBI headquarters relocation, although the Trump Administration is likely to shutter this move.
“We’re going to work very hard to make sure we keep the program on track,” said Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D), who believes the issue is settled as funding has already been allocated and a new headquarters is a national security concern. “I think there’s a consensus that the FBI’s current headquarters does not meet the security requirements [and] does not meet the other requirements. So from our perspective, a decision has been made and we will work hard to make sure it’s executed, implemented.”
Another priority Jackson plans to address during her term is health care.
“I believe that Prince George’s in the past has been underfunded as it relates to health care,” said the acting county executive. “Our residents deserve primary care, to be able to go see a doctor that is in Prince George’s County, and to not have to travel to other counties to have their needs serviced and their needs met.”
Her term begins with a council that is likely to be deadlocked on many issues. As no candidate for council chair received the necessary six votes to be appointed to the role, Council member Jolene Ivey (D-District 5) will remain as chair until further notice.
She will be elevated to the vacant At-Large seat in the coming weeks, and a special election will be planned to fill the District 5 seat once she leaves it.
Ivey, State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy (D), Council member Calvin Hawkins (D-At Large), and lawyer Tonya Sweat (D) have already made their intentions to campaign for the county executive seat known. Former County Executive Rushern Baker (D) is still considering his options and discussing a potential campaign with family and supporters.
Jackson has stated publicly that she does not plan to run in the special election.