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We, like many of you, are reeling after the arrest of former Mayor Patrick Wojahn and the alleged  charges. We feel disappointed, shocked, heartbroken, sad,  and betrayed. In short, we’re grieving. He’s been the face of College Park for 8 years, and many feel like the rug has been pulled out from under them. The question now is how do we begin to heal?  

While the process will be different for everyone, we believe it starts with listening and empathy. We ask everyone to be gentle with how your neighbors process their feelings about this situation. We expect this situation may be polarizing for some time and that people will make the decisions they need to make in order to cope. However, we hope that members of the community will be respectful of one another and contribute to the healing process. 

We must allow the judicial process to play out.  However, when allegations such as these arise, the biggest victims involved are vulnerable children. We thank all involved in the process of keeping children safe, including the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Prince George’s County Police Department, and the State’s Attorney’s Office., 

As adults and community members, it’s part of our job to keep children safe. To that end, please review these resources on recognizing child sexual abuse, what to do if a child discloses sexual abuse, and what to do if you suspect a child may have been abused. Please report local incidents by calling 911 and making a report to the Prince George’s County Child Protective Services Unit. The National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline can be reached at 1-800-656-HOPE(4673).

Finally, we’ve seen an increase in invectives against the LGBTQ community online and have even received direct emails as Councilmembers. We want to unequivocally state that we reject any attempts to blame isolated acts on a community as a whole, and we pledge to stand with the LGBTQ community through this difficult time.

In closing, please know that regardless of recent events, we will get through this situation. We and City staff are committed to making sure that happens.