City Council Election Guide

Editorial: Why Should I Vote?

(Photo: Richard Friend)

Laurel residents will once again take to the polls on Tuesday, November 4, to elect their City Council representatives. While Voices of Laurel does not endorse candidates, we do heartily endorse and encourage the act of voting. For decades, voter turnout in Laurel’s city elections has been notably low, with participation rates as low as four percent. The 2023 elections saw an uptick to 12 percent, which is encouraging but could also be attributed to the fact that a new Mayor was being elected after Craig Moe ended his reign of Laurel’s longest-tenured Mayor by not seeking a sixth term. That election also saw a field of 12 candidates vying for six City Council seats.

While the field is narrower this time around and four of the five council incumbents are running unopposed, voting is still important. Residents in the last few years have repeatedly expressed concerns about overdevelopment, crowded roads and schools, and an increase in crime. Finding resident-positive solutions to those concerns, however, has become more challenging in the face of housing shortages, infrastructure challenges, and cuts in municipal funding. In Laurel, just five Councilmembers and one Mayor make these crucial decisions, backed by several departments led by appointees and their staffs—all of whom work for YOU.

Having a voice in how your local government is run comes down to three responsibilities on your part: staying informed on legislative matters, reaching out to your representatives with input and concerns, and voting. In recent years, the city’s Board of Elections has made it easier to vote by adding a polling site, extending voting hours on election day, and offering both mail-in ballots and early-voting dates. As one candidate put it, “Voting in the city of Laurel is easy and doesn’t take much time.” Another candidate urged residents to use their votes to show confidence in and approval of unopposed Councilmembers: “It’s like a Google review of our performance(s).”

So get out the vote, Laurel!

Sitting Down with the Candidates

To help with your voting decisions, we spent one hour with each of the seven candidates to learn about their priorities and their vision for Laurel. Staff reporter Diane Mezzanotte asked each candidate the same set of questions, then distilled their responses into a draft of 850–860 words. Each candidate was asked to provide a candid photograph of themselves and review their profile for accuracy. The finalized articles make up the Voices of Laurel 2025 Election Guide found in the next few pages.

Questions posted to each candidate:

Why are you running?

What do you bring to the council?

What council achievements are you proudest of?

What do you see as goals for Laurel’s future?

Name a hidden gem of Laurel.

Laurel residents should know that...

Candidate profiles from the 2023 elections can be found in our digital archive. Go to voicesoflaurel.com, click “Print Editions,” and select the Fall 2023 issue.

Why I’m Running

I first ran for council to help people, to learn more about their concerns and the city as a whole. I still have more to give, a desire to continue learning, and lots of ideas. With a passion for creative writing and anything related to books, I’d love to hold a city-wide book fair and work with non-profits on writing and literacy campaigns. I also want to find a way to provide lunches for school kids experiencing food insecurity, which is a very real problem. I’d like to start something similar to Mayor Sydnor’s new Adopt-a-Senior initiative or the “Weekend Tummy Tamers” supplemental food program run by the Woman’s Club of Laurel.

I want to be honest with people: I wasn’t sure I’d run again. Time management is challenging, with a full-time job and leadership roles at church and in the Woman’s Club. I also struggled with self-doubts, particularly the first year. But I’ve achieved a lot of personal growth and learned a lot in the past two years and, after praying on it and giving it careful thought, I ultimately realized I can and I want to continue making a difference. For my second term, I know who I am, I know what we’ll be working on, and I’m ready to keep at it.

What I Offer

I’m a very good listener, which is crucial to both being informed and achieving group balance. During council discussions, I listen carefully and consider the different perspectives my colleagues offer. It helps me make well-informed decisions. I don’t always speak up—I don’t feel the need to speak, just to speak. But rest assured, I’m always listening.

I’m also a good editor. Policy documents have to be accurate and understandable, so we need a complete set of eyes on everything. My editing tendencies often kick in when I’m reading documents. Many are hard to understand at first, and I really want to edit them into plain English.

I love to learn new things. I really enjoy classes at the Maryland Municipal League conference. They give a good foundation to understand how local government works, including the budget process. I’m also grateful to Mayor Sydnor and Councilmember Kole, who shared their knowledge and helped new members get comfortable in our roles.

Past Council Achievements

Producing a balanced budget, with no tax increases, was probably our most important achievement as a council. I had some previous department-level budget experience but had never worked with such a large one. It was a first for most of us and it was a lot of work. We did a lot of other great things, too: the first-time homebuyers’ tax credit, the returning citizens grant, and our sustainability program, to name just a few. I also love the youth apprenticeship program we started for high schoolers, who can gain up to 450 hours of experience in a city department, helping prepare them for future careers. Similarly, the first Next Best Seller competition, held in partnership with Quill and Company, inspired local writers to come out and share ideas for their upcoming literary work. A personal achievement was organizing the student-athlete workshop with W.I.S.E., which helped kids develop their basketball skills and also hear advice on planning for college and seeking scholarships.

I’m also proud to have helped Councilmember Simmons revise guidelines for the Citizens Advisory Committee on Disabilities. My piece of it was to include issues related to senior residents 55 or older. While not all seniors are disabled, there’s a large overlap between those populations, so it made sense to include seniors.

Laurel’s Future

We want the city to grow, but it’s challenging in a concentrated area. I’m concerned to see businesses closing in and around the city. Being surrounded by four counties means a lot of competition, so it’s not easy to attract new businesses. One incentive is the grant program for businesses new to Laurel. We need to publicize that more to people outside of Laurel. We also could expand some zoning specifications to offer more business sites.

Laurel’s Hidden Gems

I wish everyone would come see the Craig A. Moe Multiservice Center to discover all that it offers. We’ve hosted job fairs, immunizations, medical screenings, and presentations on choosing health care plans. The center has its own website and Facebook page that people should follow so they know what’s happening.

Laurel residents should know that

We really do care! We can’t do everything people want help with, usually because of confusion over jurisdiction: a lot of people with Laurel addresses and zip codes aren’t in the city limits. What we can do, though, is advocate for them and help point them where to find answers.

I also want people to know that voting in city elections is easy and doesn’t take long. So please vote, and remember that as the at-large candidate, I represent everyone, from both wards. So come to me with your comments and suggestions!

Why I’m Running

I’m running because Laurel deserves leadership that delivers with substance and a proven track record. I joined the council in 2019 and served as Council President from 2021 to 2023. I stepped up to run for Mayor in 2023 because leadership starts at the top. While some asked me to run for Mayor, there were some in our community that urged me to remain on the council and continue working to move Laurel forward with the new Mayor. Now is the chance!

As the most senior candidate, I’ve seen the challenges our families face. I know how to bring people together to solve challenges. I’ve done it before, and I’ll do it again. I’m committed to moving Laurel forward by keeping our neighborhoods safe, revitalizing Main Street and our shopping plazas, uplifting small businesses, and expanding opportunities for youth and seniors. This campaign is about building a stronger, safer, and more connected Laurel, and I’m asking everyone to stand with me on November 4th to make it happen!

What I Offer

With my previous council experience, I bring leadership that delivers real results with an independent voice. I’ve built trusted relationships at the county, state, and federal levels, giving Laurel a stronger voice in shaping legislation, securing funding, and addressing the issues that matter most, like crime prevention, economic growth, and community development. I am a solutions-based guy! From creating the multi-service center to balancing city budgets and investing in public safety, I have a proven track record of turning ideas into action. Since I’ve been out of office (2023), crime has gotten out of hand, and I am committed to turning that around.

Past Council Achievements

Playing a leading role in creating the Craig A. Moe Laurel Multi-Service Center is the accomplishment I’m proudest of. Appointed to the city’s Homelessness Task Force by Mayor Moe, I helped design the center’s vision, voted to fund it, and stood proudly at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. That center is more than a building—it’s a lifeline that will serve Laurel families for decades. If I left this world tomorrow, I’d be proud to know that was part of my legacy.

But my work didn’t stop there. I’ve led during crisis and change, helping residents and organizations like LARS secure emergency relief funding during COVID to keep families in homes, all while keeping the city services running. I’ve backed forward-thinking environmental efforts like composting and No Mow April. I organized Laurel’s largest expungement clinic in 2021 with Aisha Braveboy, helping over 70 people get a second chance. That same year, I launched the city’s first outdoor Juneteenth celebration, now the model for our annual event. In 2022, I personally planned Carifesta, an Afro-Caribbean festival, and brought it to Laurel, drawing more than 5,000 people. Watching all the families and individuals on the field at Granville Gude Park was a joy. I’ve also led senior gift drives, toy drives, and food drives, just to name a few.

Having served on the council for four years, and serving as its president for two years, I’ve learned what it takes to lead and to listen. I know how to bring people together to solve problems, and I care deeply about making Laurel stronger, safer, and more connected. My leadership strives for results, but it’s also rooted in heart. At the end of the day, leadership is not about titles: it’s about people, and building a Laurel where every resident feels seen, supported, and valued.

Laurel’s Future

My vision is a stronger, safer, more connected Laurel where public safety and vibrant community life go hand-in-hand. People want thriving businesses and gathering spaces, but safety is essential. I’ve felt the impact of crime personally, and I know how unsettling it can be. We cannot attract new businesses or homeowners without promising safety. Residents deserve to know their quality of life is protected.

I want Laurel to be a city that people speak of with pride, like Alexandria or Annapolis. That means making sure it’s safe, revitalizing Main Street, uplifting small businesses, expanding concerts, creating programs for youth and seniors, and hosting events that bring residents and leadership closer together. With proven results and genuine care for this city, I’m ready to keep leading Laurel forward with bold, actionable solutions.

Laurel’s Hidden Gems

The Laurel Armory, Robert DiPietro Center, Multi-Service Center, and Gude Mansion are incredible assets, yet many residents don’t realize the wide variety of programs and rentals available. As a city, we must promote these resources so everyone can enjoy the opportunities Laurel offers.

Laurel residents should know that….

Change can happen quickly on the local level. We just must communicate and work together. Whether it’s a street repair, grant, or beautification project, we want to hear what’s needed and make it happen. Together, we can create a Laurel that excites people about the future and inspires us every day.

Why I’m Running

I want to keep working for the people of Laurel. I enjoy helping residents and making sure they get answers. If I don’t know the answer myself, I’ll still respond and do what I can to make changes where they’re needed. I’ve helped with alley improvements and pushed to update the weed ordinance so neighbors can plant native gardens and take part in No Mow April. Being on council takes 20 to 30 hours a week. It really is like a second job, but I love doing it.

What I Offer

I bring strong communication and team-building skills, and I like being the bridge between residents and city government. I get along well with people of all ages. My grandparents helped raise me, and that gave me a real appreciation for different generations. I have a wide range of interests, which helps me connect with people on many issues. Over the years, I’ve also become very familiar with Laurel’s codes and ordinances, something that can be a big hurdle for new Councilmembers. In the last two years, I’ve focused on putting all our council rules in one place and worked to review and improve the appointment process.

At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to make sure Laurel works for everyone. That means listening, responding, and doing the hard work behind the scenes to keep our city thriving. Whether it’s helping a neighbor with a code question, working on new legislation, or meeting with community groups, I try to bring people together and make city government easier to navigate.

Past Council Achievements

Passing a balanced budget was our biggest achievement. It was especially challenging this year because the State of Maryland and Prince George’s County budgets both faced a deficit, plus there is a lot of uncertainty for the future. We had to cut back on spending, but do it in a responsible way, looking out for the needs of both the city and its people. We’ve done a good job of maintaining services, but that will be more challenging as the city continues to grow. Departments like Public Works or Parks and Recreation will need bigger staffs, but how will we fund that? We’ll have to try different approaches in the future.

This year we also updated Laurel’s Sustainability Plan with direct input from residents. The plan helps guide how we balance growth, protect our environment, and improve quality of life. What I value most is that neighbors helped shape it. That shows how much stronger our city can be when government and residents work together.

Laurel’s Future

Balancing growth with responsible fiscal management will be both a goal and a challenge. We have to grow. The area’s housing shortage is a very real issue and we likely will continue to lose federal and state funding. People don’t want to see more development, but they also don’t want their taxes to go up. If we stop developing, we may have to raise taxes. Houses are appraised when they’re built, and Homestead Tax Credit limits taxable assessment value increases. We can annex more land into the city, but that can take years to generate tax revenue. Also, as an advocate for saving our trees, I’m sensitive to the loss of green spaces, like so many other residents. The good news is, a state law goes into effect in 2026 that will prohibit forests from being cleared, so razing a forest in Laurel will no longer be possible. With all this in mind, I think the overall goal has to be to continue to grow and develop, but to do it responsibly. That’s a challenging task and will take a lot of planning, but I think it’s the only way forward.

Laurel’s Hidden Gems

Riverfront Park is one of my absolute favorite places in the city. I’d love for everyone to see the improvements we’ve made to it. It has a one-mile path that’s paved and shaded, and the historic dam ruins at the beginning of the park will be stabilized and improved using state and federal funding. Our city exists because of that dam and mill, so it’s an important part of our history.

Laurel residents should know that….

Your city government is here to serve and support you. We will always stand for freedom and equality, but we must follow the law. That’s not to say laws can’t be changed—in fact, we have some old, weird laws that are no longer relevant. Laurel residents should work with elected officials to change things when change is needed. Often, some of the issues people run into come down to code enforcement. We all have to do the job we’re elected or appointed to do, and enforcing codes is one of them. But we’re more than willing to look into issues and consider suggestions when issues are raised that might require changes.

Why I’m Running

I want to promote a vision for the City of Laurel that sees its residents as our biggest asset and helps them to flourish in our town. I first ran for council inspired by the belief that for a community to work, it needs people to step forward in service of others. I saw this modeled in many ways growing up, including in my volunteer activities like Boy Scouts of America. And it’s an honor for me to apply my effort and experience towards creating and maintaining a great place to live, work, and play here in Laurel.

What I Offer

I’m a strategic thinker, but also very comfortable with detail, things that have served me well in my work on council. My work as a CPA business coach has trained me in thinking big picture, brainstorming alternatives, and identifying paths forward. And my work as a tax professional serving small businesses has made me comfortable with the sometimes-boring nuances of the legislative process, because I can see how it impacts real people and their everyday lives. Not to mention my familiarity with numbers, which is helpful to both the budget and bid processes.

Over my 46 years of living here, 25 of which working in Laurel and helping people, I’ve also gained insights into people’s pain points. I empathize with their struggles, and I want to help find solutions. And as a Dad raising four romping boys age 8 and below with my wife, I’m invested in building community and thinking towards the future.

Lastly, I work very hard to listen and to communicate. I believe a Councilmember should always begin with questions and seek to understand. And I’ve worked consistently through my council blog to keep residents informed of important changes and solicit their input.

Past Council Achievements

One of the items I’m proud of from this past term was authoring legislation to update our city’s Elderly & Veterans Property Tax Credit so that it didn’t expire after five years. This enables retired residents to continue to age in place and remain important parts of our communities.

I was also able to co-author two other pieces of legislation: one where I expanded qualified members to serve on the city’s advisory committee for persons with disabilities, and the other to harmonize code enforcement to ensure that residents always receive a notice first before any penalties are applied.

We also accomplished a lot as a council, including a complete re-write of our city’s election laws. There, I advocated for an even playing field by guaranteeing a minimum candidate application window and a 60-day yard sign timeframe so that incumbents would not hold an unfair advantage. I’ve also helped frame key considerations to a new elected official social media policy to be adopted by council. These things aren’t always that apparent to the public, but having clear policies relevant to today’s world makes a difference.

One challenge that I think is important on council is maintaining strong ongoing communication with colleagues and residents throughout the legislative process. It can be too easy to lock into a position without having first listened to others. And it’s important to hold your initial thoughts loosely until you’ve had a chance to hear other’s perspectives and ideas. More than once, I had a thought about which way to move on a topic, but hearing the perspective of another Councilmember or getting more details from residents on an issue helped flesh out my thinking and even shift tack. It’s extra work to take that extra effort, but to me, that is what the legislative process is all about.

Laurel’s Future

We must be proactive toward economic development and do everything possible so people want to live and do business here. This could take the form of proactive plans for retail and business redevelopment along Route 1, further simplification of licensing and permitting processes, and continuing to evolve our incentives and support programs. With the 2026 Preakness coming to Laurel, we have a great opportunity to jumpstart initiatives. And following my recent tour of the revitalization efforts in historic Snow Hill on the Eastern Shore, I think there’s a number of things Laurel can add to its playbook to continue advancing our attractiveness as a small town.

Laurel’s Hidden Gems

Riverfront Park is a hidden gem to check out if you haven’t visited. And I’m also impressed by our deep offerings from Parks & Recreation—be sure to flip through their seasonal pamphlet.

Laurel residents should know that….

City officials are very approachable, and we’re residents just like you! People have told me how great it is to call a Councilmember and actually get an answer; it often just takes a simple reaching-out. That’s why we’re here: to build a bridge, to translate.

So, reach out anytime! Visit my blog for the latest. And I’ll keep putting my best foot forward to help people.

Why I’m Running

I approach everything with a service mindset. I want to lead in a way that I’d be proud to vote for myself. I ask myself daily, “How would I want someone to respond to me?” and I try to live by that. It’s not about the title. It’s about helping people and building community; however, the title does give me access to more information, which helps me make connections and find solutions.

Even though I’m running to represent Ward 2 again, I don’t put up boundaries. I’m here to help anyone—whether you live in Ward 2, elsewhere in Laurel, or even outside the city. For the past two years, it’s been an honor to be part of Laurel’s support system, and I’d be grateful to continue serving in that role.

What I Offer

For years, I’ve worked with corporations and non-profits on marketing and communications. I believe communication is the foundation of everything we do. As Council President, my top priority has been realigning and strengthening that communication. I’ve also been helping organizations transition more into digital spaces—reaching a wider audience, cutting costs and waste, and supporting sustainability.

I do what I say I will; I back up my words with action. Some residents call me “The Connector.” They trust me with their challenges, and I work to find solutions with genuine care—as a neighbor, not just a Councilmember. I do a lot of networking, to help me help others. I’m unafraid of tackling tough issues, and residents can always count on me to speak up on their behalf.

Past Council Achievements

Sponsoring Resolution 5-2025, to formally recognize Emancipation Day, was my most important achievement. As a city, we already recognized Emancipation Day verbally, but that isn’t enough in today’s climate. We must enshrine more of our history. With this ordinance, Laurel acknowledges its history and commits to ensuring that diversity, equality, and inclusion remain part of our present and our future. Laurel is sending a clear message: celebrate diversity, respect everyone, and stand on equality for all.

Adopting the budget was another big achievement, because communities stall without the right one. As a council, we focused on balancing residents’ needs with those of the city, which became more challenging with recent federal cuts. We avoided the political gridlocks that can stall progress by communicating “if/then” scenarios, offering grant opportunities, and seeking new funding sources to ensure essential services continue. I’m inspired by seeing how collaboration and dedication can turn challenges into opportunities to strengthen our community.

Laurel’s Future

Affordable housing must be the top concern. As a non-voting member of the City of Laurel’s Planning Commission, I always speak up and include residents’ concerns. I want to ensure that anyone with the ability and desire to own a home has that opportunity. Owning a home is a proud moment, and everyone deserves that chance. But townhouses starting at $750,000 are simply out of reach for many families. I understand developers need to recoup costs, but affordability shouldn’t be out of the equation. I was encouraged to see solid, affordable housing details included in Pulte Homes’ plan for the Corridor Center community, and I hope many people apply to live there.

Laurel’s Hidden Gems

My favorite place in Laurel is Granville Gude Park. It’s where neighbors meet while walking or exploring nature, where kids play, and where we gather for concerts and festivals. Some of our city’s highest and happiest moments happen there.

I also love supporting our small businesses on Main Street. It’s the heart of our community, and even though many business owners don’t live here, they bring new energy, ideas, and opportunities. I treat them like neighbors because their contributions make our city stronger and more vibrant.

Laurel residents should know that….

Your Councilmembers love to dance! We’re residents, too. I’m your neighbor. I love to help build a sense of unity and joy in our community so we can be strong together for a better city.

I also want to stress the importance of being involved—especially through voting. Laurel offers plenty of volunteer opportunities, even at the polls, which help neighbors connect and stay informed. Remember, local decisions often affect your daily life more than those made at the state or national level. Take the time to meet the people you’re voting for and make your voice count.

Last, I want to explain why you won’t see as much signage or fundraising this time. Many in our community, including laid-off federal workers, are facing real struggles; I can’t in good conscience ask them to donate. Donations do cover signage, mailers, and more, and I want to be a good steward of every dollar, so I want to be transparent. Even though I’m running unopposed, your vote still matters. Remember, you can vote for two people in Ward 2, and I hope to be your number one choice. Your vote is a vote of confidence in me, in diverse perspectives, and in the future of our city.

Why I’m Running

I ran the first time to follow in my father’s footsteps. Now that I’ve gained experience and knowledge, I want to help more people, particularly the youth. That’s what I’ll focus on in my second term: What are their ideas and concerns? How can we help them from city hall? The Mayor’s initiatives like Safe Summer Nights and the Drone Certification Program are a good start, but we have to do more.

One challenge has been getting others off the fence to act or to take a stand. Adults shouldn’t be afraid to speak honestly. My motto is, “Whatever I fear, I must challenge it.” For example, I challenged my fear of heights in Las Vegas. My wife and I saw people doing the Sky Jump, where you bungee jump off a skyscraper. And I said, “I need to challenge my fear of heights.” The next morning, at sunrise, I jumped. This second run for council is like taking another Sky Jump.

What I Offer

I will fight for the city. We sometimes need someone to stand up and say no. If we let developers make decisions that determine Laurel’s future, then whose city is it? It should be our city, and I’ll fight aggressively for it. I owe that motto to former Mayor Moe, who said in the last election that I was too aggressive to serve. I went all in on being aggressive for the city. I chose to look past his statements; after all, Moe helped my family, even though he didn’t know it, because he achieved many things for Laurel.

One of my biggest strengths is knowing who I am. Years ago, while seeking investors for a fashion business, I had a sudden revelation: I am my own greatest investor. Once I realized that, I took action and set out on a path to success. But it isn’t about me: it’s about me helping others. I started the CDL Bookclub to help others on a path to success. It has over 21,000 members, and my goal is one million. If others want to know who I am, just look at my name:

Motivation  Intelligence  Loyalty  Love  Service

Past Council Achievements

The budget was our biggest accomplishment. It was a huge process, and really important, because it’s not really about the money—it’s about the people and programs that the money funds. That’s what matters. We need to invest in people, particularly our youth, so they will invest in us in the future. I’ve learned a lot from my colleagues. Sometimes we hash things out, but we are never arguing with each other—we are arguing the point.

As for personal achievements, I organized a Father’s Day breakfast that I hope will become an annual event. The idea came to me at the Main Street Festival. I was going around on my scooter, saying “Happy Mother’s Day” to so many people, when it struck me that the city doesn’t do anything for fathers. I actually heard my father’s voice saying, “You must solve this. It’s up to you.” That’s when the idea formed to hold a breakfast for fathers. We used the Multiservice Center, and Congressman Glenn Ivey spoke. I want to see it grow bigger every year.

Laurel’s Future

Our top focus has to be the youth. It has to be. We all see what’s been going on. I want to be proactive, like a chess player, thinking several steps ahead. What do we do to get a checkmate? I get angry when people post on social media that kids have nothing to do here. Are you kidding me? There are programs, jobs, and other opportunities. Let’s teach them work ethics: how to rake leaves, mow the grass, shovel snow. Show them that earning their own money is an investment in themselves and then help them think strategically to plan their futures. How do you build the respect of being a man or woman without the ability to invest in yourself?

Laurel’s Hidden Gems

I have two words to describe a hidden gem of Laurel: Sheila Carroll. I’m so proud of my sister. She’s a tough cookie! She has leadership skills, finance skills, and her ideas will help Laurel win. God put it on her heart to run for council. Vote for her: win, before you lose!*

Laurel residents should know that…

With more people, we can get the work done. People should be asking, “How can I help?” Don’t sit at home and complain if you don’t help. On social media, if people complain about the city, I correct them. I’m The Corrector. I won’t stand for bullying. We are all neighbors, and we need to practice good neighborship.

I also want people to know about the city’s Carreen Koubek. I brag about her to people; they need to know how hard she works. She has the touch and makes magic happen for the city and the people. I see who she is.

*Editor’s note: Mr. Mills’ interview was conducted before Ms. Carroll announced her withdrawal from the Ward 1 race.