Prince George's County Council confirms Deborah K Mims to Cannabis Board and others

The Prince George's County Council convened on March 11, 2025, to address several key appointments and resolutions during their meeting. The agenda included public hearings for appointments to various boards and commissions, as well as discussions on a resolution concerning hospital emergency room wait times.

The meeting commenced with the appointment of Deborah K. Mims to the Cannabis Reinvestment and Restoration Board. Council Member Watson reported that the government operations and fiscal policy committee had met on February 27, 2025, and voted unanimously in favor of Mims' nomination. Mims, a resident of Fort Washington and a U.S. Air Force veteran, will serve a term expiring on May 31, 2029. The council confirmed her appointment with a 9-0 vote.

Next, the council considered the appointment of Jason W. Papanikolas to the Board of Ethics. Watson again reported that the committee had voted favorably on Papanikolas' nomination, which aims to enhance accountability and oversight within the county government. Papanikolas, a resident of Berwyn Heights, has a background in strategic leadership and compliance. His appointment was also confirmed with a unanimous vote.

The council then moved to the appointments to the Human Rights Commission, which included several nominees, among them Karen Gillison and Shonda Harmon. Watson noted that the commission works to eliminate discriminatory practices in the county. The committee had voted favorably on the nominees, and the council confirmed their appointments with a 9-0 vote.

Following this, the council addressed the appointment of Stephanie R. Maxwell to the Police Accountability Board. Maxwell, a resident of Laurel and a retired county government employee, was introduced by Brewer, who highlighted her extensive experience in public service. The Health and Human Services and Public Safety Committee had voted unanimously in favor of her appointment, which was confirmed by the council.

Lastly, the council discussed the appointment of Zipporah Miller to the Commission for Women. Miller, who has a strong background in education and community service, was also confirmed with a unanimous vote.

In addition to the appointments, the council reviewed a resolution concerning the extension of time for the task force addressing hospital emergency room wait times. The resolution aims to extend the reporting timeline and add two new members to the task force. Council Member Fisher reported on the complexities surrounding emergency room wait times and the need for a coordinated response involving law enforcement and public safety officials. The council expressed support for the resolution, recognizing the ongoing challenges faced in this area.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to enhancing governance through strategic appointments and addressing critical public health issues within the community.