Candidate Profile: Trance Washington Running For County Council 4

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Candidates in the Democratic and Republican parties will be competing on Tuesday in their respective primaries to see who will be on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Patch has asked each of the candidates running in select races to fill out a questionnaire, sharing facts about themselves and why voters should choose them to represent their party in November.

Let's start with your name.

Trance Washington

What email should be used to contact your campaign?

trance_washington@yahoo.com

Does your campaign have a website?
https://www.votetrancewashington.com

What city or town do you live in?
Greenbelt

What office are you seeking?
County Council 4

What is your party affiliation?
N/A

Please share with us with your education.
Juris Doctorate (JD)

What is your occupation?
Lawyer

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.
N/A

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
N/A

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?
Commissioner

How old will you be as of Election Day?
48

Why are you seeking this office?

I'm running for County Council 4 because I want to continue to represent your views, and your voice on Council. It is imperative that Prince George’s County Council properly represent the diversity of the people who live here. It is my knowledge and commitment to this community that has helped me decide that running for County Council would be a natural extension of being involved and giving back to the community. I want to be one of the decision makers, who develop the future for our community, ensure its alignment with your values, and support the vision that you have for the future of your family, your business and yourself.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is \_\_\_, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Crime and health. I would definitely work more with the police and the community directly to help reduce crime. I would also help start and foster different organizations to work with the police so that the community can build trust with our officers. Additionally, I would continue to work with other constituents to bring more healthy food options to Prince George's County. We are very limited in Prince George’s County with health eating options. I believe everyone health is important and we must do our part to eat healthy and take care of our health.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I'm someone who has fresh ideas and I would love an opportunity to make a difference. I'm also someone who is willing to work with everyone with an open mind and put in the long hours to get the job if necessary. We need diversity on our leadership team and we need someone smart and outgoing. I'm a military veteran who plans to bring that with me if elected.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

LGBTQIA, Abortion, Education, Health Care, Housing, Roadways and Military Veterans. I'm also open to listen and work hard for any other issues that are affecting the community.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I'm a military vetetan and a lawyer that have worked very hard to succeed. I have worked as a District Court Commissioner addressing crime and holding people accountable for committing crime. In furtherance of this dedication to service to the court system, I have been a volunteer with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for several years and is still an active volunteer. CASA volunteers are appointed by a judge to speak up for abused and neglected children in court. Trance also has his own 501(c) non-profit organization that helps abused women and children find housing, food, and clothing by writing grants and networking with other organizations. In line with his commitment to serving underserved communities, I hav done many pro bono community hours by helping the community with various legal and military matters and has been recognized for his hard work. Through my word's and action, I am a pillar of the community and have been dedicated to public service and making a difference. I can appreciate the utmost importance of living in a Community that is safe and affordable, while offering the amenities families require.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Never give up on your dreams because you have what it takes to succeed. You just have to believe in yourself. I was once a person who grew up in the inner city with violence and drugs and didn't believe at one time that there was hope for people who was poor, but I would tell people never give up.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I would like for them to know that I'm military, smart and hard working. I will listen to them and I will work for them with no excuse. I accept accountability with no excuse if given an opportunity to make a difference.