The Prince George’s County Council voted to confirm the controversial nomination of Samuel Moki to serve as the director of the county’s environment department during their meeting on Tuesday.
County Executive Aisha Braveboy nominated Moki and seven others after her election in June to serve as leaders for multiple county offices overseeing public safety, county finances and the environment. While the rest of the confirmations moved forward unanimously, Moki’s confirmation passed in an 8-2 vote.
District 3 council member Eric Olson and District 1 council member Thomas Dernoga voted against his confirmation, but said they hope to see his work improve the county.
Concerns about Moki’s appointment stem from his 2014 termination from the same department for “gross negligence”. County officials determined that he did not properly carry out the county’s stormwater management program, something he was responsible for as an associate director in the department, according to court documents from Moki’s 2016 appeal from the decision. This decision was upheld by a county circuit court and a state appellate court.
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In an August news release affirming her support for Moki, Braveboy acknowledged that the county was fined up to $177,000 by the Environmental Protection Agency because it did not fully comply with storm sewer system permit requirements. However, she said multiple neighboring Maryland counties have been fined for similar violations.
In the statement, Braveboy said Moki’s previous experience within the department and his five academic degrees, including a doctorate degree in political science, make him fit for the role.
“Dr. Moki’s record, credentials, and vision for the future of our environment speak louder than the past unfortunate employment actions taken against him,” Braveboy said.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Braveboy said Moki has produced “visual, measurable improvements” to the community, since beginning his work as acting director of the department in June.
She said he contributed to $31 million in cost savings related to the county’s storm water management projects and coordinated the beautification division’s work to address the county’s backlogged 311 system, which allows residents to request government services such as road repairs or litter removal.
About 45 community members spoke about their views on Moki’s appointment at Tuesday’s meeting. About 10 of them were in opposition to his confirmation.
Derrick Coley, a deputy director at the county’s environment department, said he has seen “dramatic improvements” in morale amongst staff members under Moki’s leadership.
“What I see in Dr. Moki’s character as a leader for our agency is about the ability to have a clear, clear vision and the ability to touch individuals and empower them to be their very best,” Coley said. “He is committed to environmental stewardship and protection.”
Michael Bloom, a resident of Berwyn Heights, voiced his frustration about the nomination.
“The fact that a man guilty of gross negligence and dishonesty by the personnel board and the appellate court of Maryland twice is sitting here before this council is an utter travesty,” Bloom said.
Some residents were also concerned about the people voicing their support for Moki, as many of them were his subordinates at the department or close family members and friends.
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Taylor Frazier McCollum, a Landover resident, said it alarms her that people working under Moki were testifying for his confirmation.
Staci Hartwell echoed this and noted that no environmental organizations spoke in support of his nomination during the council’s transportation, infrastructure, energy and environment committee meeting on Oct. 9.
“Rehiring someone who once failed this department undermines the integrity, demoralizes staff [and] erodes public trust,” Hartwell said. “I urge you to reject this appointment and choose competence and accountability over convenience and political pressure.”
District 6 council member Wala Blegay thanked Braveboy for “believing” in the African immigrant community by appointing Moki. She also credited Moki for helping address storm water issues in her district, after having difficulties with the previous administration.
“I’m not just voting for him because … he’s an African immigrant, I’m supporting him because I have answers already for the community,” Blegay, who is the daughter of African immigrants, said. “Today, the agency is finally working with us to get the solutions, so I do appreciate him.”
While conducting his vote, council chair Edward Burroughs III addressed concerns about a lack of accountability from the county government, saying Braveboy prioritized transparency by holding a council vote on the appointment, even when it was not required.
Dernoga, who voted against the appointment, said he gave more thought to Moki’s appointment than all of the other council members combined.
“I’ve looked at the arguments on both sides and I appreciate very much that Dr. Moki says he’ll work with those citizens and groups that oppose his appointment,” Dernoga said “I am very hopeful that you will prove your opponents wrong.”
