Congratulating Elizabeth M. Hewlett on Her Retirement From the Prince George's County Planning Board

Floor Speech

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Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House to join me in recognizing Elizabeth ``Betty'' M. Hewlett for her more-than-two decades of service on the Prince George's County Planning Board of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Betty has done a tremendous job managing land-use issues and questions relating to the development of land for the benefit of residents of Prince George's County and the Fifth District. She has been a good friend, and I've been proud to work with her throughout the years to make a positive and lasting impact on our community.

Since she began her distinguished career with the Planning Board, Betty has been a tremendous public servant. As Chairwoman, she oversaw the provision of community planning services, the regulation of real- estate development, and the parks and recreation programs for the residents of Prince George's County. Betty was also a trailblazer: she was the first woman and first African-American to serve as the Chairwoman of the Planning Board. She mentored many Black women who became elected officials and now lead their communities with purpose and vision. Her championship of diversity in Prince George's County government and public services has helped create new opportunities for residents to realize their full potential and become forces for change in their own communities.

Betty has served Prince George's County in many ways beyond her outstanding work on the Planning Board. She has played a critical role in the organizing of my annual Black History Month Breakfast, which brings community members and leaders together to celebrate Black History Month and rededicate ourselves to the ongoing fight for justice and equality. Additionally, Betty has served on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Board of Directors and the Metropolitan Development Policy Committee of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. Her devotion to improving the lives of Prince George's County residents has been incomparable.

Madam Speaker, I offer Betty my congratulations on retiring from public service after a career of great contribution to Prince George's County and to our State of Maryland. I hope all f my colleagues will join me in recognizing Elizabeth M. Hewlett as she celebrates this milestone and in wishing her all the best in the future.

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