Politics & Government

Prince George's Councilman Expresses Surprise at Harrison's Reelection as Chair

One county councilman was surprised by the vote, after he believed he had enough support for the job.

Council Member Andrea Harrison (District 5) was reelected as chair of the Prince George’s County Council Tuesday morning by her peers, although Council Member Eric Olson (District 3) thought he had enough votes to be elected to the position.

“Until late yesterday, at least six colleagues on our nine-member body had committed their support to me.  Today, however, I received four votes. I want to thank Council Members Mary Lehman, Ingrid Turner, and Obie Patterson for their unwavering support,” wrote Olson in an email to constituents.

Had Olson been elected, it would have been the first time in 20 years that the county council was chaired by the representative from District 3.

Harrison expressed her gratitude to the county council for reelecting her as chair. Tuesday's vote marks the first time in a decade that a council member has been elected to serve as chair for two consecutive terms, Harrison said. 

“I am profoundly grateful and humbled to have been again entrusted with the Gavel of Leadership for a second term, and I am honored by the faith my distinguished colleagues have placed in me and my leadership ability," Harrison said in a statement.  

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Olson offered his congratulations to Harrison in his email and reiterated his commitment to serving Prince George’s County.

“I will continue to work with my colleagues for the residents of Prince George's County.  The Council will, I am confident, work through this chapter, but work remains to rebuild trust unimpeded by outside influence,” wrote Olson.

Next year will mark Harrison’s second as chair of the county council. She also served as vice chair during the 2010 legislative year. The chair of the county council is elected annually. 


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