David Brosch Runs for University Park's Vacant Ward 1 Seat

David Brosch has lived on Tuckerman Street in University Park for 24 years, with his wife, Sharon, raised three children, stayed involved in community and watched the town go through some big changes.

Now, Brosch is running for the vacant seat on council, after former Ward 1 Councilwoman Margaret Mallino moved out to Montana.

Currently, he works as a consultant for energy auditing, but he's most well known in town for his work as president of University Park Community Solar, the group credited with .

"I've been involved in the town in different ways," Brosch said. "I believe in our community and want to make sure our interests are protected."

He's also been involved in the following ways, according to his election announcement:

• Headed the University Park Katrina Relief effort to house a displaced New Orleans family
• Coached a LUP Boys and Girls Club baseball team
• Served as a board member of the Adelphi Swim Club
• Wrote the proposals that were directed to the town council for the initial town newspaper and later
• Expanded multi-material recycling programs
• Proposed the establishment of the town’s bus shuttle to the Prince Georges Plaza Metro Station during
• Rush hours and help design the route
• Involved in setting goals for the STEP-UP Program and participated in developing the grant proposal

Although it may seem like he's a newcomer to politics, he was already on council for a two-year term representing Ward 1 in the late '80s and early '90s — during the time when council decided to close off Queens Chapel Road.

He comes to the council seat with years of experience working in the fields of planning, energy and housing, with degrees in urban planning and architecture.

Brosch said he hopes to be able to help foster more communication, not only with residents, but with other municipalities as well.

His interests lie with eco-friendly initiatives and locally grown food and would like to see University Park pursue as many of those opportunities as possible.

He's aware of the current council's issues with the, how it might change the environment — concerned with traffic, stormwater management and greenspace.

"People in the town are concerned about the stream," he added, saying something should be done to make sure pollution doesn't flow from Hyattsville upstream.

As for the changes to the charter about council compensation and election procedures, Brosch said he hasn't totally decided one way or another, but believes that at least the mayor should be compensated — with a comparable salary.

He doesn't like speed cameras, but thinks there should be some changes made in the permitting process, when it comes to the town voting on permits already OK with the county and within the town's compliance as well.

Brosch is running unopposed. The election will be held on Oct. 25.

Residents can reach Brosch by calling 301-779-3168 or by e-mail at davidcbrosch@comcast.net.