2021 College Park Election Voting Guide
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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.
Visit Official College Park City Election Page
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.
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College Park City Election Candidates
Click Arrows to See Initiatives
Candidates for College Park Mayor
Candidates for College Park Mayor
Patrick L. Wojahn
Incumbent
Economic Development
- Led initiative to revitalize downtown College Park, building a new City Hall in partnership with the University of Maryland
Environment
- Cites to pursue restorative justice and address the longstanding harm caused by urban renewal in Lakeland
- Seeks to improve College Park’s environmental sustainability
Inclusion
- Worked as a policy and legal advocate for the rights of people with disabilities
Unopposed
No Candidate
Patrick L. Wojahn
Incumbent
Economic Development
- Led initiative to revitalize downtown College Park, building a new City Hall in partnership with the University of Maryland
Environment
- Cites to pursue restorative justice and address the longstanding harm caused by urban renewal in Lakeland
- Seeks to improve College Park’s environmental sustainability
Inclusion
- 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
Economic Development
- Seeks to complete the construction of the Hollywood streetscape project at the intersection of Rhode Island Ave and Edgewood Road
Parks and Recreation
- Proposes to work with the community on the reconstruction of the second phase of the Duvall Field project
Quality of Life
- 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
Economic Development
- Advocates for the completing the Hollywood Commercial District Streetscape Project
Inclusion
- Advocates for a more inclusive and welcoming College Park
Parks and Recreations
- Proponent for completing the Duvall Field project
S.M. Fazlul Kabir
Incumbent
Economic Development
- Seeks to complete the construction of the Hollywood streetscape project at the intersection of Rhode Island Ave and Edgewood Road
Parks and Recreation
- Proposes to work with the community on the reconstruction of the second phase of the Duvall Field project
Quality of Life
- 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
Economic Development
- Advocates for the completing the Hollywood Commercial District Streetscape Project
Inclusion
- Advocates for a more inclusive and welcoming College Park
Parks and Recreations
- 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
Economic Development
- A proponent of development and housing issues
- A proponent of quality-of-life initiatives
Community Service
- 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
Community Service
- Member of the Advisory Planning Commission (APC)
Government Accountability
- Advocates to listen, seek to understand issues and concerns, advocate, and make informed decisions on behalf of the residents of District 2
Inclusion
- Prioritizes quality of life, diversity, and inclusion policies
Susan L. Whitney
Challenger
Economic Development
- Seeks to protect the interests of historic neighborhoods
Robert T. Catlin
Challenger
Economic Development
- A proponent of development and housing issues
- A proponent of quality-of-life initiatives
Community Service
- 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
Community Service
- Member of the Advisory Planning Commission (APC)
Government Accountability
- Advocates to listen, seek to understand issues and concerns, advocate, and make informed decisions on behalf of the residents of District 2
Inclusion
- Prioritizes quality of life, diversity, and inclusion policies
Susan L. Whitney
Challenger
Economic Development
- 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
Parks and Recreation
- 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
Public Works
- Scrutinized Prince George’s County priorities for the Calvert Hills Drainage Project
Transportation
- Supported pedestrian safety and biking infrastructure improvements
Robert W. Day Sr.
Incumbent
Community Service
- 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
Economic Development
- A proponent of smart economic development
Public Safety
- 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
Finance
- Led the city’s efforts to develop support programs for businesses and residents during the COVID pandemic
Parks and Recreation
- Fought to conserve open forest land on Albion Road
Youth Services
- Worked with UMD leadership to create a city-university daycare at a vacant school site on Calvert Road
Stuart M. Adams
Challenger
Parks and Recreation
- 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
Public Works
- Scrutinized Prince George’s County priorities for the Calvert Hills Drainage Project
Transportation
- Supported pedestrian safety and biking infrastructure improvements
Robert W. Day Sr.
Incumbent
Community Service
- 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
Economic Development
- A proponent of smart economic development
Public Safety
- 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
Finance
- Led the city’s efforts to develop support programs for businesses and residents during the COVID pandemic
Parks and Recreation
- Fought to conserve open forest land on Albion Road
Youth Services
- 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
Affordable Housing
- A proponent of affordable housing initiatives
Inclusion
- Created initiatives to have local caption streamed during Mayor and Council Meetings
Senior and Youth Services
- Led the initiative for Aging in Place Task Force
- Created a Youth Advisory Council
Maria E. Mackie
Incumbent
Community Service
- Active volunteer at church
Government Accountability
- 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
Affordable Housing
- A proponent of affordable housing initiatives
Inclusion
- Created initiatives to have local caption streamed during Mayor and Council Meetings
Senior and Youth Services
- Led the initiative for Aging in Place Task Force
- Created a Youth Advisory Council
Maria E. Mackie
Incumbent
Community Service
- Active volunteer at church
Government Accountability
- Cites experience working intimately and collaboratively with the mayor, city council, and city stakeholders
- Has sought to address constituents’ concerns and interests
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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.
Catherine H. Kennedy – Council District 1
- Chairperson for the Neighborhood Preservation Trust, which promotes affordable housing while also stabilizing neighborhoods
Denise C. Mitchell – Council District 4
- 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.
S.M. Fazlul Kabir – Council District 1
- Advocated to reduce College Park’s property tax rate to historically low levels
Stuart M. Adams – Council District 3
- Advocates for lower property taxes and smart growth redevelopments
John B. Rigg III – Council District 3
- 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.
Catherine H. Kennedy – Council District 1
- Cites chairing the council committee that improved the city’s committee structure, leading to more engagement within the community
Llatetra Brown Esters – Council District 2
- Advocates to listen, seek to understand issues and concerns, advocate, and make informed decisions on behalf of the residents of District 2
Maria E. Mackie – Council District 4
- 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.
Catherine H. Kennedy – Council District 1
- Advocates for a more inclusive and welcoming College Park
Llatetra Brown Esters – Council District 2
- Priorities quality of life, diversity, and inclusion policies
Stuart M. Adams – Council District 3
- A proponent of diversity and inclusion initiatives
Denise C. Mitchell – Council District 4
- 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.
Susan L. Whitney – Council District 2
- Cites their interest in the city’s trajectory and wants to continue that progress while ensuring it remains an affordable place to live
Stuart M. Adams – Council District 3
- Encouraged new ideas for responsible social amenities including a weekend, downtown “Streatery”
John B. Rigg III – Council District 3
- 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.
S.M. Fazlul Kabir – Council District 1
- Proposes to work with the community on the reconstruction of the second phase of the Duvall Field project
Catherine H. Kennedy – Council District 1
- Proponent for completing the Duvall Field project
Stuart M. Adams – Council District 3
- Community advocate who has challenged the deforestation of Guilford Woods
John B. Rigg III – Council District 3
- 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.
S.M. Fazlul Kabir – Council District 1
- Sought for monthly Police-Community meeting
Robert W. Day Sr – Council District 3
- Cites goal is to “continue being a strong leader in building a better College Park through a strong focus on public safety”
Stuart M. Adams – Council District 3
- 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.
Patrick L. Wojahn – Mayor
- Works as an advocate for trails and safe bicycle and pedestrian networks as Director of Government Relations at Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Catherine H. Kennedy – Council District 1
- Champions for expanded sidewalks
Stuart M. Adams – Council District 3
- Supported pedestrian safety and biking infrastructure improvements
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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.
John B. Rigg III – Council District 3
- Worked with UMD leadership to create a city-university daycare at a vacant school site on Calvert Road
Denise C. Mitchell – Council District 4
- Led the initiative for Aging in Place Task Force
- Created a Youth Advisory Council
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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.
Affordable Housing
Community and Youth Services
Reevelopment
Envionrment
Government Accountability
Public Safety
Transportation
Affordable Housing
Foster and sustain an affordable and stable city for individuals and families to live, work, play and retire here. We understand how important it is for our city to remain affordable to develop a thriving, stable, year-round community. We want to keep College Park attractive and affordable for individuals and families of all ages, incomes, and ethnicities
Community and Youth Services
Celebrate our history and diversity to highlight our unique character and build on the strengths of our community. We will strive over the next 5 years to highlight our historical and cultural past and the characteristics that make us exceptional. This will help us identify more ways to bring the community together.
Advocate for improving the quality of education and learning opportunities for our residents and community’s future. Although the city has little control over the county’s education system, we are not shying away from advocating for its improvement.
Reevelopment
Plan and facilitate strategic economic development and smart growth to support a variety of businesses that can thrive and serve the diverse needs of our community. We have heard our residents ask for better shopping and entertainment options and concerns about over-development.
Envionrment
Preserve and enrich our environment and natural beauty to attract people and sustain our city’s future. College Park seeks to create a sustainable city that continues to reduce negative impacts on the environment through lower emissions, less waste, and higher levels of recycling and composting.
Government Accountability
Inspire and nurture a welcoming and inclusive community that encourages and embodies engagement, collaboration, and equity throughout our city. Over the next five years, we will provide more opportunities to meet your neighbors and engage with the City Council and staff to cultivate a sense of community.
Cultivate an empowered and collaborative organizational culture that is high-performing, values employees, and is known for excellence. We know that we can exceed our residents’ expectations only if we are performing well as an organization. We must identify ways we can continuously innovate and improve.
Public Safety
Enhance safety and quality of enforcement to advance our reputation as a safe City. We will enhance safety by increasing positive interaction with law enforcement and improving safety infrastructure. We believe that the most important measures of success are how safe our community feels and reductions in crime.
Transportation
Expand and promote alternative transportation approaches to build a more interconnected and accessible City for all. In College Park, residents can walk, bike, metro bus/train, or drive to many destinations. Over the next 5 years, we will continue to create a city that is interconnected and accessible via all forms of transportation, especially ones that are environmentally friendly.
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
What cities and counties do your guides cover?
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.
Where do you source your information?
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.
When do you publish your guides?
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.
Do you plan to expand outside the DMV area?
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.
Are you hiring or adding team members?
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.