PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — The Prince George's County Council Chair Jolene Ivey said she is going to run for the At-Large council seat once held by Mel Franklin.
Franklin unexpectedly resigned from the Council just days before he was charged by the Maryland Office of the State Prosecutor with embezzling more than $124,000 in campaign funds to pay for personal expenses, including rent and cosmetic procedures for himself and a friend.
On Tuesday, the Council passed a resolution calling for a special primary to take place on Aug. 6 to replace Franklin, followed by a general election for the At-Large seat on Nov. 5.
Ivey, in addition to being Council Chair, currently represents District 5 in Prince George's County. She told WUSA9 that in addition to keeping her chair seat, she wants to focus on constituent service on the At-Large level.
"As chair, someone who has been in this seat for five years, and a chair in Annapolis, I am well positioned to be the best person for this role," Ivey said. "Change is troubling to people, but change can be good."
Candidates have until July 5 to file their certificate of candidacy for the At-Large seat.
RELATED: Prince George's County Council votes to hold a special election to fill Mel Franklin's vacancy
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