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May 15, 2003
 
 

 
 
Landover Hills officials say one reason behind many of the town's successful projects has been the concerted effort between the mayor and council to work together in the past.
Following Tuesday's election in which the Landover Hills Town Council remained virtually unchanged, officials said teamwork will again play a role in the town's future endeavors.

"Teamwork makes dreams work," said Ward 3 Councilman Richard Shipp, who ran unopposed for a second term. "We respect each other's opinion and function well as a team."

Shipp said he is most proud of the administration's efforts to install a traffic blockage at the intersection of Route 450 and 72nd Avenue, which has been the site of many traffic accidents and two deaths.
He said in his new term, he hopes to work with council members and the mayor in strengthening code enforcement, cracking down on abandoned houses and renovating Route 450.

"Hopefully, this will be the continuation of the good work that's been accomplished in the past," Shipp said.

Mayor Lee P. Walker, who was elected to a third term, also credited his success to the joint accomplishments between he and the council.

"We all work well together," Walker said. "Since I've been mayor, I forced the concept that the mayor and council are a partnership. I still think that way."

One example of their joint efforts includes the sound barriers along Route 450, which officials recently had installed a few years ago following 17 years of unsuccessful lobbying by the town.

Walker said he plans to build a veterans' memorial and turn the town's six-year dream of a community/learning center into a reality during his next term.

"We've been talking about it, but now I think is a good time to push it forward again," he said.

Gary Rowe, who won his first term in office as Ward 2 councilman with 19 votes, said he looks forward to working with the mayor and council in keeping Landover Hills a wonderful community in which to raise children.

"My main focus is really to try and maintain the family-friendly neighborhoods in the area," he said.

In the only contested race for council, incumbent Jeannette Ripley beat out challenger Sheila Skinner for the Ward 1 seat.

Ripley has served intermittently on the council for 18 years.
"I guess I keep doing what the people want," Ripley said of her success in office.

Skinner was one resident who followed the mayor's motto that all citizens should participate in the political process. She said her candidacy was meant to bring a welcome change.

"I'm not saying it's a horrible or terrible council, but there's more diversity in Landover Hills and things are changing," she said.

However, many residents said they were comfortable with the status quo. "I think they're doing the best they can," said resident Mavis Bullard. She said she was most impressed with how officials are keeping the streets clean and safe.

"I like what they're doing with Landover Hills," she said. "The place is quiet, and you don't have any rowdiness or things like that. I'm satisfied so far."