The Greenbelt News Review asked the 12 candidates running for the position of Prince George’s County Executive to share their stance on the maglev project, a proposed high-speed rail line that would connect Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. The proposed project has been met with strong resistance from Greenbelt residents, who raise significant environmental and financial concerns. With this in mind, we asked the county executive candidates: “How do you plan to address these concerns, and what is your stance on the project?” Six candidates responded, although Jolene Ivey subsequently dropped out of the race.
All who responded expressed opposition to the project, though their reasons and proposed approaches varied. Some said they wanted to focus on improving current transportation options while others questioned whether the maglev is the correct solution to the transportation issue. Most said that they see no benefit in the project to county residents.
Below are the candidates’ unedited answers.
Ron Hunt
The project should not happen. It’s going to cost us 10 times it would have cost for us to rehab and make these places brand new and not affect the environment in the process.
The bottom line is this, we have people that are driving this train that have no idea how fast they’re going. So if they think they get a good deal, and they say things like, yeah, that’s a good deal, we’re going to make a deal with the contractor, somebody that knows what they’re doing is going to pay at least 30 percent less, but they’re not spending their own money. That’s why they do what they’re doing. So I say no to the new deal. And now what we do in the Greenbelt area, find out how many properties are vacant that Prince George’s County has, and let’s see if we can rebound, rehab them because the infrastructure is already there with the electric, with the water and gas, and why not see if we can spend a fraction of the money and not mess with the environment at all?
George McDermott
Greenbelt was a vision as someone who was born in Bowie, Maryland in the 40s. The whole metropolitan region has changed along with population growth and transportation needs; Greenbelt has grown from a segregated community to a racially diverse community, when the FBI is relocated to Greenbelt it will mean even more changes to the community. The new County Executive and County Council, along with parking planning commission all have a responsibility towards maintaining responsible use of our limited land re-sources.
Unfortunately. With the new federal administration taking over the relocation of the new FBI headquarters to Greenbelt and the maglev may never be funded the best the county executive can do is to ensure our residents and environmental impacts and community impacts as well as educational index on our citizens on a compromised by federal of a reach and corporate Government. Abandonment of principles and legal and constitutional rights which they are encroaching on each and every day. The county executive must serve all of the diverse community and not let our communities to be trampled on by the new administration at the federal level, in violation of their oath of office.
Moisette Tonya Sweat
I first learned the detailed plans for and concerns with the maglev in 2021. Before then, I was familiar with the train system in Japan and only knew what little I had heard in the press. Based on the environmental impact statement and other reports, I have grave concerns about SCMaglev. I cannot support the project based on the environmental impact statement alone. My research indicates the potential harm to the environment far outweighs any benefit maglev is projected to bring. I am also concerned about the financial costs, especially considering the developer has not been transparent and forthright about projected ridership or the cost of construction. I appreciate the need to reduce traffic congestion and to provide transportation options. I also understand light rail is a possible solution. However, I question whether maglev will really address those needs. The project includes limited stops, which will impact the number of people who choose to use this mode of transportation. Specifically, there are no stops planned for Prince George’s County, even though we will be expected to sacrifice a large portion of our environment. I will raise my and Prince Georgians’ concerns with the State, M-NCPPC and the District Council re-garding the maglev project. I do not have the authority to stop the project, but I can oppose it loudly and influence the construction if it is approved through the permitting process.
Alonzo Washington
I am unequivocally opposed to the maglev project and will continue to fight against it as County Executive. As Greenbelt’s State Senator and Delegate, I have held several town hall meetings, created community sign-on letters and sponsored legislation to prevent the train from becoming a reality. The maglev is not in the best interest of Prince Georgians – and I will continue to stand in opposition to this project. Instead, we need to focus on supporting existing public transportation and improving pedestrian infrastructure. My administration will also work to spur new economic development around existing transit hubs in New Carrollton, Greenbelt, Largo, etc.
Jonathan White
I oppose the maglev project due to its environmental and financial risks to Greenbelt and surrounding communities. Concerns include potential harm to the Patuxent Research Refuge, increased noise pollution and disruptions to local ecosystems. The unclear financing structure raises fears of taxpayer burdens with limited benefits. While transportation improvements are needed, this is not the right solution for Prince George’s County. The project’s estimated $10 billion cost and extended timeline could cause prolonged disruption. Our focus should be on completing existing infrastructure projects and investing in community-driven transportation solutions that are less invasive and more practical. As County Executive, I would support community-focused transit solutions that prioritize sustainability. Enhancing MARC train service and exploring bus rapid transit (BRT) options are key strategies for cost-effective and eco-friendly improvements. I will collaborate with federal and state officials to ensure major infrastructure projects in Prince George’s County meet resident interests and environmental standards. If the project proceeds, I will ensure strict environmental safeguards, transparent financing and active community engagement. Residents will have a decisive say in our county’s future and I will advocate for their concerns.
The other six candidates: Rushern Baker (D), Aisha Braveboy (D), Marcellus Crews (D), Calvin Hawkins, Jr. (D), Jesse Peed (R) and Albert Slocum (D) did not respond by our deadline. Campaign finance reporting shows that The Northeast MAGLEV contributed $5,000 to Aisha Braveboy’s campaign on December 30, 2024.
Early voting for the March 4 primary election is set to begin on February 26.
Diya Shah and Ryan Colasanti are students at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism interning at the News Review.