Meet Babatunde Alegbeleye, Candidate For Bowie City Council, District 3

BOWIE, MD — The office of mayor and six councilmembers for Bowie will be on the ballot Nov. 7. There are at least two or more candidates running for Districts 1-4 and the two at-large seats, including Babatunde Alegbeleye. Two candidates are vying for the office of mayor.

Alegbeleye shared information with Patch about himself and his interest in running for office.

What ways can people contact you with questions?
I can be contacted via email biskblob@hotmail.com and my cell number (301)364-7482.

What is your campaign website?
My campaign website is htt12_s://www.baba4bowie3.com.

Age as of election day?
I will be 66 years old.

Place of residence?
15019 Newcomb Lane, Bowie, 20716

Family members?
My spouse, five daughters, two sons and a granddaughter.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
None of my family members work in politics, one of my daughters work in government.

Education?
I have a bachelor's in management, nursing diploma and several certificates in different disciplines.

Occupation?
I am a nurse.

Previously held elected or appointed political positions?
I have never held a public office however I have been an advocate in the community.

Why are you running for office?
I am running to bring about increased citizen engagement in our democracy, diversity, equity and inclusion within our diverse and multicultural district; transparency; and public access to all city services and public safety. These will ensure and encourage input of different ideas; opinions and explore obstacles to change and outreach.

What is the single most pressing issue facing voters? What do you intend to do about it?
The most pressing issues the voters face is safe community, improving our schools and smart development. I am a justice ambassador and a trained city of Bowie community police. I intend to utilize the trainings received by working with the city of Bowie police to implement community policing; I will encourage hiring our residents, increase the city's funding of the Bowie Teen and Mentoring Program. I will be proactive in implementing smart development to attract small businesses, industry, retail and more.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
The City Council is the legislative body for the city, I am a trained union activist and have served as the Chief Shop Steward. I have advocated for workers' rights to create a safe and nurturing environment, inclusion, fairness for all and justice through negotiation. I am a better listener as being a trained nurse. District 3 deserves a committed councilmember. I am committed to public service.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform. What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
The city of Bowie is growing, I support increased services for the seniors and increase funding for the residents need wherever they are. I have been told to continue my advocacy for people because I am a coach, philomath, empathizer, timekeeper and a self-believer and above all, that I am a people person.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I have worked for over 25 years as path of a team that delivers outstanding health outcomes to our aging United States Veterans. Listening actively to veterans' complaints in other to serve effectively with accuracy. I will collaborate with other councilmembers to balance our budgets. I am not a politician, just a concerned citizen. I am a team player.