2021 College Park Election Voting Guide

The city election was held on Sunday, November 7, 2021. The offices of the Mayor and City Council were up for election. Top issues for this election included accountability, development, community service, and taxes. Our voters guides compile vital sections of each candidate's platform, initiative, social media profile, and pertinent public information.

Vote in the 2021 College Park City Election with ease with kBoulevard's voting guide for College Park's City Election.

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Candidacy by Position

Compare candidates for each election race for the College Park Election. kBoulevard highlights key initiatives between the Mayor and City Council candidates side-by-side for better context.

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Candidacy by Topic

kBoulevard breakdowns candidates for College Park Election by topic. Knowing what initiatives candidates are most enthusiastic about helps voters find candidates that align with their values.

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City Profile

Understanding the City's goals overall can help readers better align their votes to candidates who share similar views. You will feel more informed about the candidates you've voted for.

College Park City Election Candidates

The College Park Mayor and City Council is the legislative body responsible for determining policies, setting ordinances, approving the annual budget, establishing the tax rate, public improvements, public health, safety, and welfare of the community, and developing goals and vision for the City.

Visit the College Park official homepage and social media for additional up-to-date information.

© 2021 kBoulevard.

kBoulevard Candidate Guides

Click Arrows to See Initiatives

Candidates for College Park Mayor

Candidates for College Park Mayor

Patrick L. Wojahn

Incumbent

  • Led initiative to revitalize downtown College Park, building a new City Hall in partnership with the University of Maryland
  • Cites to pursue restorative justice and address the longstanding harm caused by urban renewal in Lakeland
  • Seeks to improve College Park’s environmental sustainability
  • Worked as a policy and legal advocate for the rights of people with disabilities

Unopposed

No Candidate

Patrick L. Wojahn

Incumbent

  • Led initiative to revitalize downtown College Park, building a new City Hall in partnership with the University of Maryland
  • Cites to pursue restorative justice and address the longstanding harm caused by urban renewal in Lakeland
  • Seeks to improve College Park’s environmental sustainability
  • Worked as a policy and legal advocate for the rights of people with disabilities

Unopposed

No Candidate

Candidates for College Park Council District 1

Voters select two candidates.

Candidates for College Park Council District 1

Voters select two candidates.

S.M. Fazlul Kabir

Incumbent

  • Seeks to complete the construction of the Hollywood streetscape project at the intersection of Rhode Island Ave and Edgewood Road
  • Proposes to work with the community on the reconstruction of the second phase of the Duvall Field project

  • Advocates to bring more community space and programs to North College Park for residents of all ages
  • Lead the initiative to start the Hollywood Farmers Market and Hollywood Community Garden
  • Sought for the construction of the Hollywood Dog Park and the Hollywood Gateway Park
  • Aided in the start of newspaper “College Park Here & Now”

Catherine H. Kennedy

Incumbent

  • Advocates for the completing the Hollywood Commercial District Streetscape Project
  • Advocates for a more inclusive and welcoming College Park

  • Proponent for completing the Duvall Field project

S.M. Fazlul Kabir

Incumbent

  • Seeks to complete the construction of the Hollywood streetscape project at the intersection of Rhode Island Ave and Edgewood Road
  • Proposes to work with the community on the reconstruction of the second phase of the Duvall Field project

  • Advocates to bring more community space and programs to North College Park for residents of all ages
  • Lead the initiative to start the Hollywood Farmers Market and Hollywood Community Garden
  • Sought for the construction of the Hollywood Dog Park and the Hollywood Gateway Park
  • Aided in the start of newspaper “College Park Here & Now”

Catherine H. Kennedy

Incumbent

  • Advocates for the completing the Hollywood Commercial District Streetscape Project
  • Advocates for a more inclusive and welcoming College Park

  • Proponent for completing the Duvall Field project

Candidates for College Park Council District 2

Voters select two candidates.

Candidates for College Park Council District 2

Voters select two candidates.

Robert T. Catlin

Challenger

  • A proponent of development and housing issues
  • A proponent of quality-of-life initiatives
  • Vice-Chair of the College Park Housing Authority – Attick Towers
  • Board of the Lakeland Community Heritage Project
  • Performs litter pickups in the neighborhood

 

Llatetra Brown Esters

Incumbent

  • Member of the Advisory Planning Commission (APC)
  • Advocates to listen, seek to understand issues and concerns, advocate, and make informed decisions on behalf of the residents of District 2

  • Prioritizes quality of life, diversity, and inclusion policies

Susan L. Whitney

Challenger

  • Seeks to protect the interests of historic neighborhoods

Robert T. Catlin

Challenger

  • A proponent of development and housing issues
  • A proponent of quality-of-life initiatives
  • Vice-Chair of the College Park Housing Authority – Attick Towers
  • Board of the Lakeland Community Heritage Project
  • Performs litter pickups in the neighborhood

 

Llatetra Brown Esters

Incumbent

  • Member of the Advisory Planning Commission (APC)
  • Advocates to listen, seek to understand issues and concerns, advocate, and make informed decisions on behalf of the residents of District 2

  • Prioritizes quality of life, diversity, and inclusion policies

Susan L. Whitney

Challenger

  • Seeks to protect the interests of historic neighborhoods

Candidates for College Park Council District 3

Voters select two candidates.

Candidates for College Park Council District 3

Voters select two candidates.

Stuart M. Adams

Challenger

  • Requested accountability from M-NCCPC on the Calvert Road Park and Airport tree “trimming” project
  • Community advocate who has challenged the deforestation of Guilford Woods
  • Led the effort alongside community stakeholders to preserve Albion Woods
  • Scrutinized Prince George’s County priorities for the Calvert Hills Drainage Project
  • Supported pedestrian safety and biking infrastructure improvements

Robert W. Day Sr.

Incumbent

  • An active member of the community for 22 years through many boards and commissions
  • Two-term former Chair of the Advisory Planning Commission
  • Former President of the College Park Estates Civic Association
  • A proponent of smart economic development

  • Cites goal is “to continue being a strong leader in building a better College Park through a strong focus on public safety”

John B. Rigg III

Incumbent

  • Led the city’s efforts to develop support programs for businesses and residents during the COVID pandemic
  • Fought to conserve open forest land on Albion Road

  • Worked with UMD leadership to create a city-university daycare at a vacant school site on Calvert Road

Stuart M. Adams

Challenger

  • Requested accountability from M-NCCPC on the Calvert Road Park and Airport tree “trimming” project
  • Community advocate who has challenged the deforestation of Guilford Woods
  • Led the effort alongside community stakeholders to preserve Albion Woods
  • Scrutinized Prince George’s County priorities for the Calvert Hills Drainage Project
  • Supported pedestrian safety and biking infrastructure improvements

Robert W. Day Sr.

Incumbent

  • An active member of the community for 22 years through many boards and commissions
  • Two-term former Chair of the Advisory Planning Commission
  • Former President of the College Park Estates Civic Association
  • A proponent of smart economic development

  • Cites goal is “to continue being a strong leader in building a better College Park through a strong focus on public safety”

John B. Rigg III

Incumbent

  • Led the city’s efforts to develop support programs for businesses and residents during the COVID pandemic
  • Fought to conserve open forest land on Albion Road

  • Worked with UMD leadership to create a city-university daycare at a vacant school site on Calvert Road

Candidates for College Park Council District 4

Voters select two candidates.

Candidates for College Park Council District 4

Voters select two candidates.

Denise C. Mitchell

Incumbent

  • A proponent of affordable housing initiatives
  • Created initiatives to have local caption streamed during Mayor and Council Meetings

  • Led the initiative for Aging in Place Task Force

  • Created a Youth Advisory Council

Maria E. Mackie

Incumbent

  1. Active volunteer at church
  • Cites experience working intimately and collaboratively with the mayor, city council, and city stakeholders
  • Has sought to address constituents’ concerns and interests

Denise C. Mitchell

Incumbent

  • A proponent of affordable housing initiatives
  • Created initiatives to have local caption streamed during Mayor and Council Meetings

  • Led the initiative for Aging in Place Task Force

  • Created a Youth Advisory Council

Maria E. Mackie

Incumbent

  1. Active volunteer at church
  • Cites experience working intimately and collaboratively with the mayor, city council, and city stakeholders
  • Has sought to address constituents’ concerns and interests

College Park City Election by Topic

Candidates sometimes campaign on initiatives that may not be relevant for the office they are running for. kBoulevard provides a more in-depth look at each candidates' platform, categorizing initiatives, giving you the opportunity to pick the candidates that share your values.

It is important to note we only reference what candidates cite from their own platforms and reputable publishers. Candidates typically do not run similar campaigns and races may seem lop-sided. The depth of a candidate's platform can serve as a good indicator of their qualifications for office.

Click Candidate Names to See Initiatives

Candidates on College Park Affordable Housing

Initiatives centered on stabilizing cost of living. Policies centered on buyers incentives and mortgage programs are highlighted in this section.

  • Chairperson for the Neighborhood Preservation Trust, which promotes affordable housing while also stabilizing neighborhoods

  • A proponent of affordable housing initiatives

Candidates on College Park Finances & Taxes

Initiatives centered on fiscal policy, property taxes, property assessments, and government revenue matters are highlighted in this section. Candidates here are considered to be heavy on fiscal policies.

  • Advocated to reduce College Park’s property tax rate to historically low levels
  • Advocates for lower property taxes and smart growth redevelopments

  • Led the city’s efforts to develop support programs for businesses and residents during the COVID pandemic

Candidates on College Park Government Accountability

Topics focused on community engagement and government services are highlighted in this section. Candidates here are considered to be passionate about active government services.

  • Cites chairing the council committee that improved the city’s committee structure, leading to more engagement within the community
  • Advocates to listen, seek to understand issues and concerns, advocate, and make informed decisions on behalf of the residents of District 2
  • Cites experience working intimately and collaboratively with the mayor, city council, and city stakeholders

Candidates on College Park Inclusion and Diversity

Initiatives highlighted here center on policies regarding people with disabilities and addressing racial injustices. Candidates here have a passion for social advocacy.

  • Advocates for a more inclusive and welcoming College Park

  • Priorities quality of life, diversity, and inclusion policies

  • A proponent of diversity and inclusion initiatives

  • Created initiatives to have local caption streamed during Mayor and Council Meetings

Candidates on College Park Quality of Life

Initiatives centered city amenities and community events are highlighted in this section.

  • Cites their interest in the city’s trajectory and wants to continue that progress while ensuring it remains an affordable place to live

  • Encouraged new ideas for responsible social amenities including a weekend, downtown “Streatery”

  • Touts protecting the character of College Park’s neighborhoods while bringing amenities and smart development to the city

Candidates on College Park Parks and Recreation

Topics focus on creating and maintaining public parks and green spaces highlighted in this section.

  • Proposes to work with the community on the reconstruction of the second phase of the Duvall Field project

  • Proponent for completing the Duvall Field project

  • Community advocate who has challenged the deforestation of Guilford Woods
  • Fought to conserve open forest land on Albion Road

Candidates on College Park Public Safety & Works

Topics on crime reduction, waste disposal policies, and utility management are highlighted in this section. Candidates here are considered to be on crime and government services.

  • Sought for monthly Police-Community meeting

  • Cites goal is to “continue being a strong leader in building a better College Park through a strong focus on public safety”
  • Scrutinized Prince George’s County priorities for the Calvert Hills Drainage Project

Candidates on College Park Transportation

Initiatives highlighted here center on traffic alleviation, public transportation initiatives, and pedestrian-focused policies. Candidates here have a passion for addressing the region’s traffic-related problems.

  • Works as an advocate for trails and safe bicycle and pedestrian networks as Director of Government Relations at Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
  • Champions for expanded sidewalks
  • Supported pedestrian safety and biking infrastructure improvements

Candidates on College Park Youth & Senior Services

Topics here focus on initiatives for the youth and seniors. Education policies are typically under the county and state’s authority. Municipals oversee youth programs, summer camps, learning equipment, senior events, and policies relevant to the senior community.

  • Worked with UMD leadership to create a city-university daycare at a vacant school site on Calvert Road

College Park City Agenda

Townhalls, community meetings, and government newsletters are a great way to keep abreast of your local government affairs and priorities. We know sometimes it’s hard to make those evening and weekend meetups, but you still want to participate in your town election.

kBoulevard provides a more in-depth look at College Park’s strategic planning and budget appropriations, giving you the insight you need to catch up with your community leaders and the town’s future plans. City agendas are the best way to determine if the current administration understands their constituents’ needs.

The City of College Park will measure success using responses from the Bi-Annual Community survey and break down those responses by ethnic and racial groups to ensure that everyone experiences services similarly.

Townhalls, community meetings, and government newsletters are a great way to keep abreast of your local government affairs and priorities. We know sometimes it’s hard to make those evening and weekend meetups, but you still want to participate in your town election.

City agendas are the best way to determine if the current administration understands their constituents’ needs.

The City of College Park will measure success using responses from the Bi-Annual Community survey and break down those responses by ethnic and racial groups to ensure that everyone experiences services similarly.

Click Tabs to See Town Agendas

College Park City Profile

Here we provide a sample of regional statistics that correlate directly with offices up for election.

32,159
College Park Pop. 2019
(2nd Largest in Prince George’s County)

14,668
College Park Employed Pop.
(2% decrease – 1yr)

32,159
College Park Pop. 2019
(4th Largest in Prince George’s County)

14,668
College Park Employed Pop.
(2% decrease – 1yr)

$1,521
Average Gross Rent
(Prince George’s County Avg: $1,515)

6.7%
increase in property value – 1yr
(4.2% growth in Prince George’s County)

$1,521
Average Gross Rent
(Prince George’s County Avg: $1,515)

6.7%
increase in property value – 1yr
(4.2% growth in Prince George’s County)

26.7%
1% increase in poverty rate – 1yr

(Prince George’s County Avg: 8.4%)

.5%
decline in median household income – 1yr
(3.9% increase for Prince George’s County)

26.7%
1% increase in poverty rate – 1yr

(Prince George’s County Avg: 8.4%)

.5%
decline in median household income – 1yr
(3.9% increase for Prince George’s County)

College Park Crime Statistics

Crime statistics come with a margin of error and may over or under-represent what is actually occurring. Simply data rarely tells the whole story. Crime statistics are usually recorded on a per capita metric, showing the number of a type of crimes committed per person in the area. Typically, you may see a higher per capita crime rate in locations with a large influx of people.

Crime statistics come with a margin of error and may over or under-represent what is actually occurring. Simply data rarely tells the whole story. Crime statistics are usually recorded on a per capita metric, showing the number of a type of crimes committed per person in the area. Typically, you may see a higher per capita crime rate in locations with a large influx of people.

Overall, reported violent and property crime has seen a sharp decrease since its last peak in 2013. According to reports, violent crime in College Park is significantly below county and state averages; however, property crime is above county averages and slightly below state averages.

Overall, reported violent and property crime has seen a sharp decrease since its last peak in 2013. According to reports, violent crime in College Park is significantly below county and state averages; however, property crime is above county averages and slightly below state averages.

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important things you should know

Frequently Asked Questions

Our guides primarily cover municipalities in the DMV area. This includes: Washington D.C., Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Alexandria City, and Fairfax City.

We have covered elections at request, such as the 2020 Congressional District 7 Special Primary Election for the Baltimore City area.

Primarily, each region’s respective board of elections and each candidate’s website. Additional sources may come from social media profiles, town-halls, and other reputable publishers. We also cite our sources at the bottom of each guide.

Guides are typically published 30 days from the election date. We have produced last-minute guides at request. We compile vast amounts of information on many candidates and races in the region, we do not publish every guide.

We cover all reputable political party candidates for down-ballot elections. Guides are crafted by individuals with a wide range of political ideologies. Some races may seem more lopsided with information; however, not all candidates run thorough campaigns. We can only publish what we can find or are given.

Yes, there are plans in the works to expand to the entire tri-area within the next election. We do produce guides at request. If you are interested in having a guide published for your community, contact us here.

We are always looking for highly-talented individuals who are passionate about policy research and civic engagement. You can contact us here for opportunities.

Mistakes happen, and information changes. If you wish to recommend a revision, there’s an option to contact us and recommend an edit at the bottom of each guide, or you can contact us here for corrections/revisions.

We have chosen to not run ads on our guides to keep uniformity and unbiasedness. We currently receive donations and have a team of skilled individuals who perform this work for a small stipend. We appreciate any funding we receive.

Sources

Below are the primary sources for kBoulevard’s candidate guide for the 2021 College Park City Election.