Prince George's County Council appoints nominee to fill at-large vacancy after hearing from 38 applicants

Prince George's County Council voted 9-0 on Monday to appoint the person named in the motion to fill the at-large seat left vacant by the resignation of Calvin Hawkins, following two-minute remarks from 38 applicants.

The council opened the meeting with a staff legal overview noting the county charter and code require the body to fill the vacancy within 30 days. Chair Orietta thanked Hawkins "for his service" and said the appointment would last until voters decide the seat in next year's election.

Council member Burrows moved "to nominate Walla Blaguet as the at large council member," praising the nominee's experience and countywide leadership. The motion was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote in which each member recorded "Aye," producing a 9-0 tally. "Motion carries 9 0," the clerk announced.

The formal appointment followed a long round of applicants who were given two minutes each to speak. Applicants emphasized a range of priorities the council will confront in the coming year — public safety, fiscal stewardship, housing and infrastructure, education, and the county's economic strategy. Jason Fraser, an applicant who cited the recently adopted county budget, noted the county's $5,800,000,000 spending plan as context for near-term fiscal decision-making.

Several applicants and a public commenter highlighted concerns about large data-center projects. Tolleson Banner of the Prince George's County Community Development Corporation urged the council to reconsider a "hyperscale data center at the Landover Mall location," saying he stood "in solidarity with the over 20,000 residents opposed" and proposing smaller "last-mile" data centers and a medical innovation district as alternatives.

The council chair announced that, because the appointment is to fill the remainder of the term, there will be a separate open election process next year to choose the seat permanently; staff will soon publish related announcements and the council will open a separate appointment process for the vacated district seat created by the internal movement.

The meeting adjourned after the vote. The record shows the council completed the required public process for this temporary appointment and that next procedural steps and public notices will follow.