The Prince George’s County administration building in Upper Marlboro. Prince George’s County photo.
Longtime Prince George’s County Council Member Jamel “Mel” Franklin (D) resigned Friday, according to a statement released that evening. No reason was given for the resignation.
County Council Administrator Jennifer A. Jenkins said in the statement that Franklin’s “presence will be greatly missed.”
Franklin began his service on the all-Democratic council in 2010. In his first two terms, through 2018, he represented parts of southern Prince George’s known as “South County.” But he was barred by term limits at the time from running for a third consecutive four-year term for that seat.
Mel Franklin. Photo courtesy of Prince George’s County.
In November 2016, however, voters approved a measure to add two at-large seats to the nine-member council and Franklin was elected to one of the two at-large seats in 2018. He was re-elected for a second term four years later.
Franklin, an attorney, could not be reached for comment this weekend.
He drafted dozens of pieces of legislation that included economic development, public safety and housing. He also advocated for small and minority businesses, led initiatives for fathers and was the only man in 2019 on a panel at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s legislative conference in Washington, D.C., that discussed ways to combat domestic violence.
“He’s authored numerous pieces of legislation that have significantly shaped Prince George’s County, and his knowledge and expertise have been invaluable in guiding the Council over many years,” Jenkins said.
“The process to fill the vacancy on the Council will begin promptly with the scheduling of a special election. Further details will be provided soon.”
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