All Politics Is Local - Maryland

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Ballot questions are the part of the ballot most people rush through, then regret later. We are not doing that this year. I’m Tamara Davis Brown, and I’m walking through the Maryland 2026 midterm election ballot questions in plain English so you can make decisions before you step into the booth. 

We start with the three statewide Maryland constitutional amendments: arbitration reform for state employees, a change to temporary appointments on the Commission on Judicial Disabilities, and a controversial proposal that would let the General Assembly redraw congressional districts in a non census year. I explain why I support the first two, and why I dislike gerrymandering but still plan to vote for the redistricting measure based on what’s happening nationwide. 

Then we move to Prince George’s County ballot questions, including the proposal to charge fees on harmful business types in oversaturated areas, the charter amendment to eliminate at-large council seats, and a transparency upgrade that requires redistricting changes to go through the county bill process with public hearings. I also dig into the purchasing authority question that raises red flags for me, plus the labor arbitration question and the bond bills tied to real capital projects like community college facilities, roads and bridges, homeless shelters, library replacements, and public safety buildings. 

If you want a clear voting plan, key takeaways, and the reasoning behind each yes or no, press play, share this with a friend who’s confused about the ballot, and leave a review so more local voters can find it.

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This week on All Politics is Local, the tables are completely turned as host Tamara Davis Brown steps into the guest seat over on The Left-Handed Leftist podcast. The conversation was so rich that we decided to drop the entire interview directly into your this episode. Tune in to hear a fantastic, unapologetic discussion covering Tamara's run for District 9 County Council, her strong stance against hyperscale data centers and irresponsible housing development, and her innovative vision for bringing "medical innovation districts" to the county to spur economic growth and improve healthcare access. Sit back and enjoy Tamara's sit-down with Carlos Childs!

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We recorded live with four young residents from District 9 who speak candidly about affordability, the changing job market, and what real trust in local leadership looks like. They ask for listening, clearer communication, and opportunities that match today’s costs and realities.

Four young residents from District 9 recently joined us for a live recording to speak candidly about pressing local issues. Their discussion centered on the need for affordability, changes in the job market, and what genuine trust in local leadership means to them. They emphasized the need for officials to listen more, communicate with greater clarity, and create opportunities that align with current economic realities and costs of living.

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Listen in as Tamara discusses the teacher salary scale with Prince George's County Educators Association union member, Stephanny Powell, a teacher at Melwood Elementary School.  Learn how you can engage and ask our Prince George's County Board of Education to be transparent with our tax dollars they are spending and how you can be an advocate for our educators, especially seasoned and veteran teachers.  

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A Good News Episode!

Moriel Randolph, founder of Art for Growth, shares how her journey from youth arts programs to filmmaking led to the award-winning screenplay A Stroke of Genius. Through her nonprofit model, she’s proving that faith-based films can be powerful, relatable, and transformative without being preachy. 

Learn more at artforgrowth.org

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Take a listen as we explore the world of data centers—their pros and cons, and what it could mean to build them in Prince George’s County as a way to grow the commercial tax base.  Please sign Tamara's the Petition for No Hyperscale Data Centers in District 9:  https://www.change.org/p/district-9-residents-oppose-hyperscale-data-centers-in-rural-prince-george-s-county

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Maryland's new legislative changes taking effect October 1, 2025, aim to significantly improve tenant protections and consumer rights across the state. We explore how these upcoming laws impact landlord-tenant relationships, hospital billing practices, payday lending, and introduce graduated fines for speeding violations.

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This episode breaks down Maryland and Prince George’s County’s bond ratings from Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch. We explain the difference between AAA and Aa1 ratings, why it matters, and how the County can avoid structural budget deficits.

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Finally after many calls, emails, texts and asks, Tamara provides her analysis of nine (9) of the 10 candidates that are running for Prince George's County Executive.  Her analysis is based on several candidates forums, but primarily the one she co-moderated on President's Day, February 17th.  She provides the pros and cons of each candidate before making her decision and providing her rationale. 

Early voting begins Thursday, March 3 - March 27, 2025 with the Primary Special Election held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.  There are only 9 voting centers throughout the County, one in each councilmanic district.  Check the County's Board of Election website for more information:  elections.mypgc.us or https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/board-elections

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Listen in as Tamara Davis-Brown explores local politics and the upcoming general election in Maryland, focusing on Prince George's County. This episode offers a clear guide to the election ballot, from the presidential race to important local judicial elections. As a lifelong Democrat, Tamara shares her voting approach and encourages others in her party to support Democratic candidates, especially Angela Alsobrooks for the Senate. She highlights the importance of early voting and discusses a new polling location in Accokeek, Maryland, which could boost voter turnout.

Tamara also looks at Maryland's political scene, including Governor Larry Hogan's independent stance and its connection to Republican views. She discusses the impact of figures like Mitch McConnell on judicial appointments and emphasizes how state and local politics can affect national issues. With a critical perspective, Tamara shares insights into judicial races, advocating for ethics and transparency, and stresses the need to examine campaign finances.

Additionally, she addresses public infrastructure and safety challenges in Prince George's County, including the financial implications of the new FBI headquarters. Focusing on Questions D, she explains why this bond bill is crucial for funding essential infrastructure and supporting public safety departments. Amid these serious topics, Tamara also enjoys the fall season and shares her love for college football, reminding everyone that local politics matters and encouraging active participation in democracy.