Wala Blegay
~ District 6 Candidate ~
Prince George's County
By Afiya J. Watkins
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As the 2022 election cycle approaches, it’s important to get to know the candidates who will be running to serve Prince George’s County. With controversial issues such as redistricting, school board acrimony and budget concerns looming, now is the time to get better informed about the issues and identify those who are best suited to address them. Wala Blegay is running for Prince George’s County Council District 6 and is hoping you will do just that.
An experienced public servant, Wala is an advocate with a clear vision for Prince George’s County. She’s been a resident for over 20 years and has fought tirelessly for Civil Rights, Women’s Rights and Workers’ Rights. Wala is currently counsel for the DC Nurses Association, CEO of Massa Consulting: The People’s Advocate, a talk show host for the Chat with a Lawyer TV show, which provides free legal advice to the residents of Prince George’s County, Maryland. She is also an adjunct professor at American University Washington College of Law, and recently ran for State Delegate in District 25 in Prince George’s County. Wala previously served on the Prince George’s County Human Relations Commission, the adjudicatory board that enforces discriminatory cases in the County. Wala was also appointed to the Maryland Governor’s Task Force for the Study of Economic Development and Apprenticeship Programs by former Governor Martin O’Malley. She has also served on the following Boards: The Training Source, ACLU of Maryland, Maryland Legislative Agenda for Women, Prince George’s County NAACP, Emerge Maryland and Maryland Coalition of Consumer Rights. Wala has been a strong advocate for police accountability in the county, and even received the 2015 ‘40 under 40’ in Prince George’s County award, the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials Presidential Service award and the Daily Record Leading Women award. She has written several articles on civil rights,health care and education issues; ran numerous campaigns in Maryland and the District of Columbia; and was an At-Large Delegate for the 2012 Democratic Convention. Ms. Blegay was born and raised in Washington DC and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. She is a first-generation Liberian and Nigerian American; a graduate of University of Maryland, College Park with a B.A. in Government and Politics; and earned a Juris Doctorate from American University, Washington College of Law. District 6, often referred to as the ‘heart’ of Prince George’s County due to its diversity and prosperity, is a thriving area which includes some of the most vibrant communities in the county such as Lake Arbor, Largo, Kettering, Woodmore, Upper Marlboro and Bowie. District 6 is also home to Prince George’s Community College and the highly anticipated University of Maryland Capital Regional Medical Center. Wala Blegay has garnered support from several organizations including UFCW Local 400, which represents nurses, grocery store workers and others. Wala is not only capable, but she is eager to serve District 6. |
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Copa Style Magazine had a chance to chat with Wala for a Q&A session:
Copa: What inspired you to run for County Council District 6?
Wala: I was inspired to run for County Council in District 6 because I want to enhance my community. Prince George’s County is my home and I have the experience, skill, and focus to be a meaningful partner on the County Council around visionary ideas that will help build an even better District 6 and an even better Prince George’s County. District 6, like much of the County, has beautiful residential communities – the vision of former County Executive Wayne Curry, however what we need are new ideas and a vision around business and commercial development to diversify and strengthen our tax base which enhances the quality of life of the residents of District 6. We need development that will complement our community and increase our commercial tax base so we can provide more services for those in our community including support for local small business owners, community-based health care centers and school-based health clinics, affordable housing, mental health services and more. I am an advocate, and I am committed to taking my advocacy to the next level to increase amenities and services for those in my community. Part of any economic development vision must include services for residents and support for local and minority business owners.
Wala: I was inspired to run for County Council in District 6 because I want to enhance my community. Prince George’s County is my home and I have the experience, skill, and focus to be a meaningful partner on the County Council around visionary ideas that will help build an even better District 6 and an even better Prince George’s County. District 6, like much of the County, has beautiful residential communities – the vision of former County Executive Wayne Curry, however what we need are new ideas and a vision around business and commercial development to diversify and strengthen our tax base which enhances the quality of life of the residents of District 6. We need development that will complement our community and increase our commercial tax base so we can provide more services for those in our community including support for local small business owners, community-based health care centers and school-based health clinics, affordable housing, mental health services and more. I am an advocate, and I am committed to taking my advocacy to the next level to increase amenities and services for those in my community. Part of any economic development vision must include services for residents and support for local and minority business owners.
Copa: What is your vision for Prince George’s County?
Wala: My vision for Prince George’s County is diversifying our tax base by increasing our commercial tax base and bringing services and amenities directly to our residents, “meeting our residents where they are.” Currently, over 70% of the county’s tax revenues rests on the shoulders of county homeowners. We need to increase the commercial tax base in the County by creating destinations within Prince George’s County communities that attract both County residents and those who live in surrounding jurisdictions. These destinations will create opportunities for local business owners to build their brand through business incubator programs so that we can create generational wealth in our community and increase the quality of life for residents, allowing us to live, work and play with access to all the amenities that great communities like ours deserve.
If we increase our tax revenues through commercial development, we can increase our county services to “meet people where they are.” I believe we can be creative around how we increase and deliver more accessible services to residents where they are, especially around health and wellness – community health centers, school-based clinics, but also affordable senior housing, job training programs and more.
I am also excited about transit-oriented development done right. We need only look around the region to see the hub of economic activity that has resulted from Transit Oriented Development, making them not only transit hubs but attractive and active destinations. That can happen in Prince George’s County while at the same time delivering valuable transportation options for residents without cars. Our communities should have sidewalks and bike lanes and an intra-county public transportation system that allows seniors and those without cars to travel throughout the County. Finally, we need transparency in our system within the County where resident’s input and accountability is key.
Wala: My vision for Prince George’s County is diversifying our tax base by increasing our commercial tax base and bringing services and amenities directly to our residents, “meeting our residents where they are.” Currently, over 70% of the county’s tax revenues rests on the shoulders of county homeowners. We need to increase the commercial tax base in the County by creating destinations within Prince George’s County communities that attract both County residents and those who live in surrounding jurisdictions. These destinations will create opportunities for local business owners to build their brand through business incubator programs so that we can create generational wealth in our community and increase the quality of life for residents, allowing us to live, work and play with access to all the amenities that great communities like ours deserve.
If we increase our tax revenues through commercial development, we can increase our county services to “meet people where they are.” I believe we can be creative around how we increase and deliver more accessible services to residents where they are, especially around health and wellness – community health centers, school-based clinics, but also affordable senior housing, job training programs and more.
I am also excited about transit-oriented development done right. We need only look around the region to see the hub of economic activity that has resulted from Transit Oriented Development, making them not only transit hubs but attractive and active destinations. That can happen in Prince George’s County while at the same time delivering valuable transportation options for residents without cars. Our communities should have sidewalks and bike lanes and an intra-county public transportation system that allows seniors and those without cars to travel throughout the County. Finally, we need transparency in our system within the County where resident’s input and accountability is key.
Copa: In your opinion, what is the biggest issue facing Prince George’s County, and how do you plan to address it?
Wala: The biggest issue facing Prince George’s County is the need for business and commercial development, which attracts jobs and families to live and work in Prince George’s County. New jobs and families grow our tax base and result in greater consumer spending in the County. A growing tax base increases our ability to fund county services, including schools and law enforcement where today, 70% of the county’s tax revenues rests on the shoulders of county homeowners. That is unsustainable so we have more work to do. As a Council Member, I will work the County Executive and Council to develop a plan that improves our quality of life, allowing us to live, work and play with access to all the amenities that great communities like ours deserve. The plan will be creating destinations within communities in Prince George’s County that will be attractive to both county residents and those who live in surrounding jurisdictions. Additionally, we must have a creative posture with ideas that enable us to provide more support for our local small business owners through incubator programs and other initiatives that will allow residents to build their brand in the County and create generational wealth right here in District 6 and in the County. These destinations will increase our commercial tax revenues and lift the burden of taxes from homeowners. I also believe we can be creative around how we increase and deliver services to residents where they are, especially around health and wellness – community health centers, school-based clinics, but also affordable senior housing, job training programs and more.
Wala: The biggest issue facing Prince George’s County is the need for business and commercial development, which attracts jobs and families to live and work in Prince George’s County. New jobs and families grow our tax base and result in greater consumer spending in the County. A growing tax base increases our ability to fund county services, including schools and law enforcement where today, 70% of the county’s tax revenues rests on the shoulders of county homeowners. That is unsustainable so we have more work to do. As a Council Member, I will work the County Executive and Council to develop a plan that improves our quality of life, allowing us to live, work and play with access to all the amenities that great communities like ours deserve. The plan will be creating destinations within communities in Prince George’s County that will be attractive to both county residents and those who live in surrounding jurisdictions. Additionally, we must have a creative posture with ideas that enable us to provide more support for our local small business owners through incubator programs and other initiatives that will allow residents to build their brand in the County and create generational wealth right here in District 6 and in the County. These destinations will increase our commercial tax revenues and lift the burden of taxes from homeowners. I also believe we can be creative around how we increase and deliver services to residents where they are, especially around health and wellness – community health centers, school-based clinics, but also affordable senior housing, job training programs and more.
Copa: What sets you apart as a County Council candidate?
Wala: I am an attorney and advocate with the expertise in understanding of the legislative process. I am an advocate and that’s what District 6 deserves. I have spent my professional life as an advocate, an attorney committed to improving the lives of the people in my community. My advocacy has been about helping working people gain fair wages and benefits and worker protections and improving the workplace for nurses and other health care workers. I have been an advocate on issues of civil rights, foreclosures, police reform, protecting and providing resources to victims of domestic violence, access to quality healthcare for all residents, and protecting immigrant families. My advocacy includes drafting legislation, advocating during the budget process, advocating for the passage of legislation, testifying on behalf of legislation and more. With my show “Chat with A Lawyer,” my goal was to inform and educate residents on their legal rights. I believe I can make difference for District 6 by taking my experience in negotiating, legislative knowledge, and advocacy to the County Council.
Wala: I am an attorney and advocate with the expertise in understanding of the legislative process. I am an advocate and that’s what District 6 deserves. I have spent my professional life as an advocate, an attorney committed to improving the lives of the people in my community. My advocacy has been about helping working people gain fair wages and benefits and worker protections and improving the workplace for nurses and other health care workers. I have been an advocate on issues of civil rights, foreclosures, police reform, protecting and providing resources to victims of domestic violence, access to quality healthcare for all residents, and protecting immigrant families. My advocacy includes drafting legislation, advocating during the budget process, advocating for the passage of legislation, testifying on behalf of legislation and more. With my show “Chat with A Lawyer,” my goal was to inform and educate residents on their legal rights. I believe I can make difference for District 6 by taking my experience in negotiating, legislative knowledge, and advocacy to the County Council.
Copa: If you are elected, what will be your first order of business?
Wala: If elected, my first order of business is focus on bringing back the economic development promised in the communities in and around District 6. I create a round table of stakeholders on economic development within District 6 and create a plan to ensure that we create marketable destinations within our communities with programs to promote and encourage local business owners.
Wala: If elected, my first order of business is focus on bringing back the economic development promised in the communities in and around District 6. I create a round table of stakeholders on economic development within District 6 and create a plan to ensure that we create marketable destinations within our communities with programs to promote and encourage local business owners.
Copa: No elected official can do it alone. If you are elected, in what ways can the residents of District 6 partner with you to ensure positive growth?
Wala: As I mentioned, we need transparency in our system within the County where resident’s input is key. If elected, I will be creating work groups and committees with community leaders in every area of District 6 so that I can ensure that residents have an input on the growth and plans of development in the County. I will ensure that I regularly hold town halls and focus group meetings to keep the community engaged in upcoming development within the District and engage them on their feedback.
Wala: As I mentioned, we need transparency in our system within the County where resident’s input is key. If elected, I will be creating work groups and committees with community leaders in every area of District 6 so that I can ensure that residents have an input on the growth and plans of development in the County. I will ensure that I regularly hold town halls and focus group meetings to keep the community engaged in upcoming development within the District and engage them on their feedback.
Afiya J. Watkins is a communications and real estate professional who has served elected officials, political candidates and influential community leaders. Afiya is a Lifestyle Correspondent for Copa Style magazine and has written articles for several other media outlets. Afiya is a native Washingtonian who currently resides in Maryland. She may be contacted via email at afiyablogs@gmail.com.
