Del. Doyle Niemann to Vacate Maryland House to Run for Prince George's County Council // PLUS: Will Campos for Delegate?

Maryland Juice just received the email blast below from Delegate Doyle Niemann indicating he is retiring from the House of Delegates to run for the Prince George's County Council in the June 2014 Democratic Primary. Del. Niemann currently represents District 47 in the House of Delegates, in a 3-member district alongside Jolene Ivey and Michael Summers. But notably, District 47 was split into two new districts in last year's state legislative redistricting. In 2014, D47 will become District 47A (a two-member majority African American district) and District 47B (a single-member majority Hispanic district).

With this change ahead of him, Niemann is now leaving the legislature to run for the District 2 seat on the Prince George's Council currently held by Councilmember Will Campos. The announcement represents a bit of musical chairs, given that The Gazette reported last year that Campos' is likely to exit the Council to run for the new House of Delegates District 47B (excerpt below):

GAZETTE: Campos became the first Latino member of the council after winning a Nov. 2, 2004, special election to replace a council member who resigned. He was successful in both re-election bids in 2006 and 2010. Once his term ends, Campos said he is considering continuing his political career by running for the newly created District 47b delegate seat, which serves a population that is 62 percent Hispanic....

Below you can read Delegate Doyle Niemann's announcement for the Prince George's County Council:

I am running for the County Council.

A Decision for the County Council I wanted you to be one of the first to know that I am running for the Prince George's County Council in District 2 in next June's Democratic Primary rather than for reelection to the House of Delegates. It was not an easy decision. I have accomplished many things in the House that I am proud of (and I still have one more session to wrap up some unfinished business) but after much thought and advice from friends and supporters, I have come to realize that my experience may be more useful on the County Council. As a criminal prosecutor in the county for almost 16 years, as well as an elected member of the Mt. Rainier City Council, the Democratic Central Committee, the Prince George's School Board, and for the last 11 years, the Maryland House of Delegates, I have accumulated a base of experience in most of the critical areas facing our county. I want to put that to work for: Stronger code enforcement and a more aggressive approach towards dilapidated and abandoned properties.   A housing policy focused on meeting the needs of current residents--especially seniors who want to stay in the community as they age--as well asattracting new families who can strengthen our communities.   Economic development that attracts quality projects without disrupting existing neighborhoods--development tailored to our strengths and needs not just the latest fad or developer gimmick.   Law enforcement and a justice system that work to stop problems before they begin and that break the cycle of criminal behavior that has befallen too many of our young.   Schools that work--with more cooperation between the school system and the county government and more emphasis on tailoring education to the needs of our students and our community.   More effective and efficient services--a government in which citizens are treated with respect and problems are addressed in a timely fashion. I will be expanding on these points in the future. In the meantime, I need your help. Spread the word. Invite me to meet your neighbors and community groups.   Join the campaign committee now being formed.   Agree to put up a lawn sign in the Spring.   Join me in going door to door.   Make a contribution. Campaigns cost. I'd rather be indebted to you than others. Send a check to Friends of Doyle Niemann, P.O. Box 51, Mt. Rainier, MD 20712. Good government only happens when people like you get involved and make it happen. Call me at 240-606-1298 or email me at doyleniemann@verizon.net today and tell me what you think and what you will do to help. Doyle Niemann