A Q&A With Will Campos

Patch: The area has seen rapid growth recently. What is your approach to development?

Campos: You are right, new economic development in council District 2 has increased over the years: the University Town Center, Post Park Apartments, EYA project on Route 1.  Since being on the Prince George's County Council I have worked to ensure our district receives sensible community based and environmentally progressive economic development. Bringing development to our county increases our tax base which will lead to an increase in school funding, improved infrastructure and public safety.

Patch: A lot of resources are lacking in classrooms right now. What do you plan to do to bolster the quality of education?  

About two-thirds of the county's budget is allocated to our school system, and every year I have worked to ensure our school system remains the #1 priority. I have worked with state officials to continue to improve the county's school system by bolstering funding for resources to improve the quality of education in Prince George's County. As I alluded to in the previous question, a long term solution is increasing our tax base.

Patch: Prince George's County has a reputation for crime. How do you plan to make the county safer?

Last year Prince George's County experienced the lowest crime rate in a decade, because every year there has been an increase of police officers protecting our streets, in addition to community involvement. I pledge to continue to fund the county's police department to add decorated and highly qualified police officers protecting our communities.

Patch: What are the goals for your term? What programs or projects do you want to undertake?

We have to be extremely detailed with the budget. We cannot afford any more layoffs or furloughs. We need to be frugal with spending, wise with contracts, and be in constant contact with all our officials for outside aid.

Increasing our commercial tax base. Until we form true private/public partnerships with investors that want to do business in the county …  we will continue to rely on the sweat and dollars of our property owners.  We must be… proactive about seeking those who are interested in doing business here.

Education – Finding ways to provide more money to the school system is essential.  When we fix a school system that forms a ripple effect beneficial to everyone.