School Bus tour courtesy Department of Education.

Every person in Prince George’s County wants corruption eradicated everywhere including the county schools. Even after previous county Executive Jack Johnson went to jail, problems continues to rigor in several aspects.  We argue County Executive Rushern Baker to remain resolute to combat corruption in PG County government and within the school system as promised.  Adopting a zero tolerance is the only policy to restore public confidence in addition to the deployment of technology to tackle the tricksters after the passage of PG Bill 410

Cutting edge technology will give us the upper hand to combat the cancer that is corruption at all levels in County government including schools. People are sick to death of it and now demand change. Half-hearted gestures are not enough. Real action is required with zero tolerance. This is what we ask. This is what we demand of our local government.

The Police, the judiciary, procurement of government tenders and taxation are a den of corruption which must be tackled with highest level of urgency. There must be open and fair competition of tenders etc. The process must be transparent and traceable including our school system. Prince George’s County is going to lead the way to reform and reparation were necessary.

The Police are the law NOT above it. The same goes for every other civil servant in the County.

ZERO TOLERANCE FOR CORRUPTION

1.  In many cases, members of the network have close relations with organized crime, some may be engaged in illegal trade, and are able to deposit their corruptly gained funds in “secrecy jurisdictions” from where it may be recycled into the domestic economy or kept away secretly.
2.  Corruption is a major threat facing humanity. “Corruption destroys lives and communities and undermines countries and institutions. It generates popular anger that threatens to further destabilize societies and exacerbate violent conflicts in some cultures. Corruption translates into human suffering, with poor families being extorted for bribes to see doctors, attend schools or to get access to clean drinking water in some places. It leads to failure in the delivery of basic services like education or health care as seen here in PG county. It derails the building of essential infrastructure, as corrupt leaders skim funds.”
3. Corrupt tendencies can lead to the total degradation of a state. “A combination of highly corrupt procurement procedures, the diversion of budgetary funds from social expenditure, irresponsible foreign investment, and the accelerated degradation of natural resources can create the circumstances for a ‘failed state.’
4. The other factor that complicates anti-corruption efforts in the region like PG County, is the fact that the officials mandated to fight corruption participate in it themselves. Immense government interference continues to thwart anti-corruption efforts and we must fight these practices together in order to benefit the less fortunate in our society. Previous county executive went to jail to set an  example to many and it is our hope the same calamity will never revisit.
5. The international community, state and local leaders needs to recognize that so far, reform of corruption has been extremely limited in many places throughout the world including PG County. The momentum needs to be maintained. The challenges of this century can only be met successfully if the corruption dimension is built into policy action.

“Without this, action to combat corruption at county level will be flawed and progress on the issues of the 21st century will be hostage to the many and burgeoning forces of corruption,” Let us work together and continue to demand proper changes and the right policies. Leaders who are tainted must go on their own. Those who have taken what is not theirs must return.  We have had enough. Enough is enough. Let us keep our leaders honest by demanding for the right answers.

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