Dear Members of the Prince George’s County Council,

Progressive Prince George’s is a coalition of concerned County residents calling for a more progressive approach to governance and policy in Prince George’s County. We write to you today representing over 14,000 members and supporters within Prince George’s.

Progressive Prince George's continues to be shocked and disappointed with Councilman Mel Franklin’s dangerous decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol as well as with his previous mishaps with county vehicles that have now come to light.

The injuries and damage resulting from this and previous episodes demand accountability. When Councilman Franklin was sworn into office, he promised to uphold the laws of our state and county. By choosing to drive impaired, he violated that oath. As residents, we deserve better from our elected representatives and ask Franklin’s fellow Councilmembers to hold him accountable for his actions.

We at Progressive Prince George’s called Nov. 30 for his immediate resignation, an act of conscience only he can undertake. As Franklin’s fellow Council members you have, we believe, a responsibility to ensure that Mr. Franklins actions are taken seriously so that a bad precedent is not set for future public officials. We believe you should take steps to remove him from committee assignments and make certain that the considerable costs to the county of this and previous incidents, as well as for personal injuries, are personally borne by him and not County residents. We also ask that Council members consider mandating that County vehicles be used only for County business in order to prevent future incidents of this kind.

We also agree with the call from Maryland’s chapter of Mother’s Against Drunk Driving for Councilmember Franklin to voluntarily install an ignition lock on his vehicle in compliance with the recently passed Noah’s Law. This action will provide a symbol of leadership and atonement for Councilmember Franklin’s mistakes. We hope the members of the County Council will exercise their authority to manage this damage and to take steps to see that, as a person, Franklin receives what help he needs as well as being made responsible for the human and property damage that has ensued.

With sincere regards

The Progressive Prince George’s Organizing Committee