Robert Croslin Files for Ward 2

Kennedy Street resident Robert Croslin, a familiar face in city elections, has filed to run for Hyattsville's City Council's Ward 2 seat. To win, he'll have to beat incumbent Council Vice President David Hiles (Ward 2), who is seeking a second term.

Croslin, who has lived at 4004 Kennedy Street for 24 years with his wife Dr. Dyann Waugh, has run for Hyattsville's city council twice before, in 2001 and 2003.

This will be the third time Croslin will have campaigned for Ward 2's council seat.

In 2001, Croslin first ran for city council, losing to Stuart Eisenberg 324 votes to 163.

According to 2011 report in the Gazette Crosslin has served as chairman of Artspin and as president of the Hyattsville Community Artists Alliance. He also headed up the committee which help select the Hyattsville police chief and co-chaired a committee to select a city administrator in the 1990s. 

In 2003, Croslin also unsuccessfully ran for Ward 2's council seat, losing to former Councilor Scott Wythe 291 to 274.

Croslin said he was inspired to run after becoming disappointed with absences on the Hyattsville City Council. 

"I just think we need council people who take their job seriously, and I plan to do that," said Croslin in an interview. "When you run for council, you are taking on a responsibility, and they are paying you to do it, albeit a small stipend, but it's your job and you should take it seriously."

Croslin, age 61, was born and raised in Baltimore. In 1970, he graduated from Edmonston High School in Baltimore. He went on to study art at Towson University, earning his bachelor's degree in 1974. He also earned a graduate degree in landscape architecture from Morgan University in 1985. 

He moved to Hyattsville with his family after his wife accepted a job in Washington. Together, the two raised a daughter and a son, now aged 32 and 23, respectively. 

Croslin has worked in landscape architecture and civil engineering. He is also known in the area for his work as a goldsmith, though he said he's pretty much retired.

His work, both in landscape architecture and as a goldsmith, could be a boon behind the dais, said Croslin. 

"I am patient," said Croslin. "My experience working in a firm doing civil engineering and landscape architecture gives me some insight into development."