Christine Nagle: 'I Enjoy the Satisfaction of Helping the Community Resolve Tough Issues'

has represented College Park's District 1 for the past two years, after serving as a North College Park Citizens Association board member in 2008 and 2009.

Nagle served with the 175th Wing of the Maryland Air National Guard, and she is licensed to practice law in both Maryland and Washington, D.C.

She is currently employed as a natural resources manager with the Maryland Department of the Environment.

Nagle is one of three running for two seats in the District 1 City Council.

College Park Patch: As you look back over the past two years, which of your contributions makes you most proud?

Christine Nagle: Increasing the voice of our residents in the decision making process. The decisions that include the collective input of our residents have led to results that the community accepts and welcomes. Some examples include the installation of sidewalks on Mangum Street, the defeat of the taking by eminent domain of private property, and eliminating the proposal to increase Rhode Island Avenue to four lanes. The positive results were a direct result of input by District 1 residents.

Patch: Do you have any regrets over the past two years as councilwoman?

Nagle: Regrets no, but I would do some things differently knowing what I do now. Experience is a wonderful teacher and there is a definite learning curve that goes with the council position.  It seems like yesterday that I began serving the residents of College Park and I feel that there is still much to be accomplished.

Patch: Hypothetically speaking, if you are not re-elected, what advice would you give your successor? 

Nagle: Relax and enjoy those three weeks in November because once you are sworn in, life as you know it is over. During the course of your term, you will have many calls upon your time and many new issues put before you. Remember to listen to your residents and focus on what is most important for the community.

Patch: What is the cultural make up of College Park’s District 1, and what challenges and/or opportunities result from that?

Nagle: I think District 1 is the City’s most diverse area, not only in ethnicity, but also in levels of education and careers. Challenges include that many of the programs we offer are not multi-lingual and that residents have constraints on their time and are unable to participate in meetings, etc. As a positive attribute, the diversity in District 1 provides an educational experience and makes our district a wonderful area to raise our youth and provides them with an education that is not obtained in a classroom setting. Once we establish the community center in the Hollywood Commercial District we will have a central gathering place for the community that will increase the sense of community and provide a location to assist new residents [to] become acclimated to the area.

Patch: Assuming you are re-elected, how long do you see yourself serving as a councilwoman?

Nagle: I would love to serve as long as my constituents see that I am making a difference and can assist them. Additionally, I would like to serve long enough to see that means are in place to make certain redevelopment of the Hollywood Commercial area and location of Multi-purpose Community Center in the commercial district takes place. 

Patch: What are your motivations for running for re-election?

Nagle: I enjoy the satisfaction of helping the community resolve tough issues. There are many initiatives that are currently in the beginning stages or that I have had an active role in. I would love to be able to continue with these projects and bring them to fruition as well as implement new projects that will benefit our City. Additionally, revision of the /Route 193 Corridor Sector Plan is currently in process. North College Park will be directly impacted by the development that occurs at the Greenbelt metro station and on Route 193 adjacent to our borders. I feel it is extremely important for the city to take an active role in the process and I think my experience working on the Central U.S. 1 Sector Plan will be valuable in producing a positive outcome from the current sector planning process.