Maryland Lawmaker Takes Road of Inspiration to State House in Annapolis

USPA NEWS - It would be nearly impossible to spend more than 5 minutes with newly appointed Prince Georges County Delegate Alonzo Washington (D-22) and not feel energized, hopeful and inspired.

The 29 year-old Hyattsville Delegate is the new face of hope and renewal for a bruised Prince Georges County, MD.

Delegate Washington proudly tells his story of being raised by a single mother, and being the first person in his family to graduate from High School, go to college, and receive a Bachelors Degree. “I have lived a life that many people have not, I understand those issues, and my story is not unique. I know there are many other families out there I can help.“ “That is what I intend to do“, said the Delegate.

After receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology from the University of Maryland College Park in 2007, Alonzo Washington went to work for Prince Georges County Council member Will Campos (D-2) also of Hyattsville, as a constituent services liaison. He was subsequently promoted to Chief of Staff.

For those who see Delegate Washington as a youngster, a political novice with no real experience worthy of an appointment to the Maryland House of Delegates as his first elected office, he is quick to acknowledge their concerns, but refutes them passionately. He humbly explains that his experience as the constituent services liaison and Chief of Staff to Councilman Campos taught him some of the most valuable skills and qualities an elected leader can possess.

“I learned a lot about outreach, how to listen and speak to people and their issues, and how to take their issue(s) and turn them into policy.“ Delegate Washington also speaks about how his experience working within the County Council and knowing their legislative process has helped him adjust during his first few weeks in the General Assembly.

When asked about the perception of corruption among elected officials from Prince Georges County, Delegate Washington spoke decisively in saying “There is nothing bad about Prince Georges County that can´t be fixed by the good people of Prince Georges County.“

Delegate Washington went on to say, “We have to ensure that we speak for the people and not for ourselves, ensuring that we abide by the rules and not make the rules fit our personal and political ambitions.“ “We have good people in Prince Georges County, that perception is going to die off with our leader in Rushern Baker, with leaders like the Lt. Governor, who is also from Prince Georges County.“

Like his colleague Delegate Carolyn J.B. Howard (D-24), Delegate Washington received the nomination of the Prince Georges County Democratic Central Committee not being the choice of his State Senator or the remaining Delegates from his District. Delegate Washington was sworn in on December 19, 2012 by House Speaker Mike Busch.

Delegate Washington is completing the term of Delegate Justin Ross who retired late last year. He sits on the House Ways and Means Committee and the education subcommittee.

Delegate Washington's district includes the communities of Hyattsville, Edmonston, Greenbelt, University Park, and New Carrollton. His top priorities include the purple line, and ensuring that the FBI tenant is secured; which would bring upwards of 10,000 jobs to the community.

Delegate Washington's energy and enthusiasm is contagious, his passion coupled with compassion is refreshing, and his sincerity and respect to the position he holds is a perceived rarity. Del. Alonzo Washington appears to be just what the doctor is ordering for Maryland political leaders.