Who is equipped to be the top prosecutor in the most policed county in the state? Whose policies will be the best for the people of Prince George’s county?That was the question candidates, Aisha Braveboy, Michael Lyles and State Senator Victor Ramirez aimed to answer at the May 17, 2018 State’s Attorney Candidates Forum & Sunset Feast (Iftar), held at Bowie State University.
Sen. Victor Ramirez believes his strength is his 17 years as a practicing attorney and his work at the state legislature.
Aisha Braveboy thinks her work at the Community Public Awareness Council and Children's National Health System makes her a prime candidate. Bravery has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police and wants to work with the department.
Michael Lyles touts more than 20 years practicing law, with a keen interest in fighting civil rights violations, and a role as the Executive Director of Prince George’s County Human Relations Commission.
After a welcome by Ryan Middleton, Esq., President of J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Assn., and a member of Senator Cardin’s staff.
Dr. Diarra O. Robertson, Chairman, Bowie State University Department of History & Government, welcomed the audience in the auditorium to the forum.
The Hon. Hassan El-Amin, Prince George’s County Circuit Court, asked question inline of his remarks. He wants dot know what the candidates will do to retain talent and run a cohesive office.
Dr. Roger Davidson, Jr., Associate Professor, Bowie State University Department of History & Government, Chakeia Campbell - Bowie State University Graduating Senior Pre Law Minor and Hena Zuberi of the Muslim Link asked questions of the candidates.
Talib I. Karim - Adjunct Professor, Bowie State University, Department of Management & Managing Attorney, TEC Law Firm moderated. He gave homage to his student that as killed in a hate crime incident at the UMD campus and asked the candidates pointed questions on their stance of crimes like these.
“It’s important that we have evidence to prove a hate crime,” said Braveboy. Timely prosecution is important, she added.
Ramirez reiterated that he didn’t want to go after non violent criminals but keep his eye on violent crime. “We have to keep victims up to date and … not wait so long to charge people with hate crime.” He wanted to directed the most competent to serious crimes. “In Prince George’s county, hate crimes will be prioritized ” he said was the message he wanted to send to the public.
Zuberi asked what the candidates' stance was on bail reform and how the candidates would that their office was not contributing to the mass incarceration of people of color by a biased criminal justice system.
Host, Dr. Carmen Walker, Associate Professor, Bowie State University Department of History and Government, was delighted by the exposure her students had to the process.
Jameel Johnson, Prince George’s County Muslim Council, invited the audience to break fast with Muslims.
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