I am Venus Bethea, candidate for Prince George's County Council, District 6.  Prince George's County has tremendous potential and I am eager to uncover dormant resources and invigorate community involvement to move our county to the forefront in the State of Maryland.  Raised in Prince George’s County, I have witnessed firsthand progress over the last 20 years.  We must continue to strive to be a positive leader within the Metropolitan area and the State of Maryland.  I have developed an outline to explore potential solutions addressing Unemployment, Public Safety, Education, and the uninsured in our county.
 
There are essential steps we must take to stay the course.  Our continued success hinges upon drastic changes in our priorities: Vacant homes, foreclosures, seniors services, public safety and education need our immediate attention.  These issues will work against our progress and slow us down, if we are not willing to make the pertinent changes now.  My campaign will incorporate an extensive and in-depth plan for these challenges for Prince George’s County, and District 6.   I have the courage to stand up for my district and my constituents. Morals and character will be the deciding factor in many County policies and debates.

I will, as your representative in the County Council, pledge to work to improve job training and job readiness programs for our youth.  Although, the vast majority of our youth aspire to go to college, there are professions that do not require a college degree.  I will tap into the resources that the County currently has, and reallocate funds to the programs that are priority.  In my opinion, our children are priority.  We need to train them so they will be ready for the workforce of today. 

 
To facilitate my plan we must use innovation and foster partnerships. I believe taking action, consulting with experts and including the community will help us best serve the citizens of Prince George’s County.
 
My extensive experience serving the citizens of Prince George’s County entail working in communications for seven years with the Maryland State Police and serving four years in the Judiciary as a District Court Commissioner for Prince George’s County.  These positions have enlightened my sensibilities as it relates to understanding constituent needs, and I have developed the ability to navigate through the Prince George’s County bureaucracy.
 
This special election of 2011 is paramount to the next stage of development for Prince George’s County.  All candidates running for any office in Prince George’s County must have their pulse on the needs of Prince George's County and be able to demonstrate clear and concise ideas that will move this county forward.

My vision for Prince George’s County is to unite and work for the betterment of all Prince George’s County residents.  It will not matter if you are rich, poor, or middle income. It will not matter if you live inside of the Beltway or outside of the Beltway. It will not matter if you are Black, White, or Yellow.  We have to live together and work together in peace and that is all that really matters.