Next week, Michael Estève, a member of the Bowie City Council, will take the oath of office as the city’s newly elected mayor following a special election in which he garnered 50% of the votes on Tuesday.
Next week, Michael Estève, a member of the Bowie City Council, will take the oath of office as the city’s newly elected mayor following a special election in which he garnered 50% of the votes on Tuesday.
Estève triumphed over eight other candidates, including two fellow city council members. He plans to dive directly into the city’s budget planning process, which commences on the day he is officially sworn in.
“I promised my constituents that I would be a present and active mayor, someone who listens and ensures that residents understand the city’s actions and their rationale. I won’t shy away from making difficult decisions,” Estève stated.
As he embarks on this new role, Estève acknowledges the challenging decisions that await him and the city council as the budget process unfolds.
“We are not making grand promises, nor can I guarantee that I will solve all the issues,” he remarked. “I believe in being straightforward with people. The easy decisions are now behind us.”
Estève will succeed Tim Adams, who has recently moved on to serve on the Prince George’s County Council. The mayoral campaign lasted just over a month, with the term set to run until next year.
Throughout his campaign, Estève listened to the prevalent concerns among residents, which included public safety, the threat of overdevelopment, the quality of local businesses, litter, and aging infrastructure.
Bowie, a city incorporated within Prince George’s County, provides bi-weekly trash collection along with weekly recycling and yard waste services. The city also maintains its own roads and sidewalks, a responsibility that presents a significant challenge while seeking to expand its police force.
“In a city of our size, ideally we would have around 122 law enforcement officers, but we currently operate with about 66,” he noted. Additionally, he shared that a trash truck that cost $120,000 a few years ago now comes with a price tag nearing $280,000. Retaining workers in public services has become increasingly difficult, with employees previously staying for years, and now often leaving after just months. “I think residents are beginning to notice these challenges,” he added.
The operational responsibilities of the city are currently managed by a city manager, a position that is presently unfilled. Estève’s role as mayor will focus on leading the council in shaping the budget and collaborating with various city department heads. He believes that while Bowie can continue to deliver its valued services, residents may need to expect some changes involving additional costs.
Estève expressed confidence that his candid approach would resonate with residents, many of whom endured long lines, even waiting over an hour, to cast their votes on election night.
“Residents are weary of politicians who only tell them what they want to hear and subsequently make promises that are impossible to keep,” he emphasized. “I firmly believe in being honest and transparent.”
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