Prince Georges Afro-American Newspaper February 1 2014

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY EDITION

Volume 122 No. 25

FEBRUARY 1, 2014 - FEBRUARY 7, 2014

Obama Hopes to Sidestep Congress to have ‘a Year of Action’

Obama Shops for Minimum Wage Hike Support By Courtney Jacobs AFRO Staff Writer President Obama made a trip to Costco in Glenarden Jan. 29, not to shop, but to discuss raising the federal minimum wage. Obama drew loud cheers and thunderous applause as he spoke to about 80 employees from around the region.

By George E. Curry NNPA Editor-in-Chief WASHINGTON (NNPA) – With a largely uncooperative, highlypartisan Congress headed into a mid-term election, President Obama declared in his State of the Union speech Tuesday night that he will have ‘a year of action’ by expanding economic opportunity through executive orders and other action that do not require legislative approval. “I’m eager to work with all of you,” Obama said in a speech that lasted a little longer than an hour. “But America does not stand still – and neither will I. So wherever and whenever I can

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Additional Safety Sought for Domestic Violence Victims

Special Section

Character Education • Black History Month 2014

He arrived at the invitation-only event just before10:30 a.m. as dozens of people stood outside in the sub-freezing temperatures craning their necks to get a peek at him. “I just want to see him!” said J.J. Martin, 25, who drove into Prince George’s from Alexandria to see the president. “I hoped I could get in, but even seeing his car would be enough for me!” Obama made the trip to the store the day after he announced plans during the State of the Union Address to enact by executive Continued on A3

AP Photo

President Obama gives his State of the Union address on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tues. Jan. 28. take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more American families, that’s what I’m going to do.” Repeating many of the themes he sounded in his State of the Union speech a year ago – and having seen congressional inaction on most of them – a frustrated Barack Obama promised to

be more aggressive in using the power of the presidency. In glowing review of his first five years in office, Obama said, “Here are the results of your efforts: The lowest unemployment rate in over five years. A rebounding housing market. A manufacturing sector Continued on A4

Grand Jury Indicts Charlotte Officer in Shooting

Third Pedestrian Killed in Two Months Near Forest Village Mall By Zachary Lester AFRO Staff Writer Prince George’s County law enforcement officials are investigating a fatal traffic accident that occurred on Jan. 27 on Pennsylvania Avenue near Parkland Drive in District Heights—the third pedestrian fatality along a stretch of the major roadway in two months. Killed in the accident was Ahmaad Sarod Henderson, 31, of the 3500 block of 56th Street in Cheverly, according to a Prince George’s County police statement. Police said Henderson was struck about 9:45 p.m. by a car heading westbound on Pennsylvania as he walked in the street outside of a crosswalk. Continued on A3

By Mitch Weiss Associated Press

Eugene Crawford Anderson (Bible Man) was standing on the side of the road on Pennsylvania Avenue near Forestville Road Nov. 26 when he was fatally struck.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A grand jury has indicted a Charlotte police officer for voluntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of an unarmed former Florida A&M football player. The indictment came Jan. 27, hours after a judge ruled the North Carolina Attorney Continued on A4

Jonathan Ferrell

Fiscal Year 2015 Public Budget Hearing Held in Oxon Hill

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By Courtney Jacobs AFRO Staff Writer

Photo by Michael J. Yourishin

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County Executive Rushern L. Baker III talks to a constituent at the budget hearing

Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III traveled to Oxon Hill High School Jan. 28 for the first of three public hearings to provide an overview of the proposed fiscal year 2015 budget to residents and to hear their input on the proposal. At the Oxon Hill High hearing, which was attended by about 40 people, Baker told the audience to feel free to “express concerns.” In attendance were County Council Chairman Mel Franklin and Councilman Obie Patterson of District 8. Author, poet and public speaker Sistah Joy Alford advocated for the arts. “As a poet and literary activist, we should all have opportunities to be involved in the arts,” she said. Jacqueline Goodall of Forest Heights said she was concerned about pedestrian safety. “As far as safety goes, we need to ensure that we get some sidewalks alongside Livingston Road, between Oxon Hill and [Route] 210,” Goodall told the audience. Prince George’s County officials, like most other jurisdictions, are grappling with how to address increased demand for services from residents at a time when resources have dwindled. The next county budget hearing is scheduled for Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. at Dr. Henry A. Wise High School in Upper Marlboro. The third budget hearing will be held February 12 at 7 p.m. at Laurel High School in Laurel. Citizens interested in testifying are encouraged to pre-register by calling (301)9524547. or may go on line and register at http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/ ExecutiveBranch/Resources/Listening-Sessions/Pages/Registration.aspx.

Copyright © 2014 by the Afro-American Company

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