Wrong time to replace Pr. George's planning chief

Rabbi Elizabeth A. Richman
Washington

I am disappointed that Prince George’s County Executive Jack B. Johnson is attempting to replace the chairman of the Prince George’s Planning Board, Samuel Parker Jr., with one of Mr. Johnson’s chief aides as Mr. Johnson’s term of office comes to a close [“Bid to replace chief planner is criticized,” Metro, Feb. 26]. I strongly urge the County Council to refrain from appointing a new chairman right now.

Mr. Parker brings more than 25 years of professional experience to his work and has led the county in the direction of smart and equitable growth. Equally important is Mr. Parker’s role in directing important efforts such as Envision Prince George’s and the Takoma/Langley Crossroads Sector Plan.

If Mr. Parker is ousted, the move would not only disrupt the programs he leads but also compromise the continuity of the Planning Board’s critical work. The citizens of Prince George’s County need an orderly conclusion to these important efforts and a smooth transition to a new administration after a new county executive is elected.

The writer is program director for Jews United for Justice, which has been involved in the campaign to protect affordable housing in Takoma/Langley Crossroads.