Hyattsville’s election day is May 13. Hyattsville residents will elect one councilmember for each of the city’s five wards. Ballots will start arriving in the mail mid-April. Find out which ward you live in with the city’s interactive map: hyattsville.org/541/City-Election-Wards.
You don’t have to be a U.S. citizen to vote, only a City of Hyattsville resident age 16 and older who has lived in the city for at least 30 days. In-person voting and same-day voter registration will be available at the Hyattsville Municipal Building (4310 Gallatin Street).
Registered voters who receive mail-in ballots may vote by mail or deliver their ballots to drop boxes at the Hyattsville Municipal Building, the Hyattsville Branch Library (6530 Adelphi Road) or Heurich Park (2900 Nicholson Street). The ballot box at the library is inside and accessible only during library hours. Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on May 13 to be counted.
The Life & Times (L&T) reached out to all candidates registered to run in the city’s 2025 election. You’ll find their statements in this section. Wards are listed in numerical order; candidates are listed alphabetically by last name within each ward.
Candidate Forum April 24
Join us on the evening of April 24 in the Hyattsville Municipal Building’s multipurpose room at 4310 Gallatin St. The L&T will ask candidates your questions. Visit tinyurl.com/wz5b2fh2 to submit your questions for candidates by April 21. The event will begin with a meet-and-greet from 6:30 to 7pm, followed by a forum from 7pm to 8:30p.m.
Watch the livestream on facebook.com/hyattsvillelife from 7 to 8:30 p.m. This event will be moderated by Managing Editor Griffin Limerick and Streetcar Suburbs Executive Director Kit Slack.
WARD ONE
GREG BARNES
Age: 54
Day Job: Principal, TwinLogic Strategies; CEO/founder, Benjamin Martin Foundation
Community Involvement: Current member of the Hyattsville Planning Committee; president of the Arts District West Homeowners Association; previous member of the Hyattsville Compensation Review Committee
Statement to Voters: Hyattsville has experienced a tremendous amount of growth over the course of the past decade or so. A key to the city’s recent progress has been forward-thinking, capable community leaders with an unquestionable love for the city. Now is not the time to turn back the clock.
I’m running for city council because I firmly believe I can build upon the city’s recent success. If elected, I’ll start by focusing on fiscal responsibility. Ensuring that our future spending is not only transparent and accountable, but also matches the top priorities of Ward 1 residents. In addition to fiscal responsibility, I also plan to champion such issues as pedestrian and traffic safety, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.
I have a proven track record of success. In terms of my educational background, I received my bachelor’s degree in economics from Morehouse College, a JD from Washington University School of Law, and a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University. My professional career has spanned nearly two decades and primarily focused on advising several of the nation’s leading tech companies on some of the most challenging legal questions involving intellectual property.
During my brief time out on the “campaign trail,” I’ve met several new friends and enlisted many new supporters in Ward 1. On May 13, I hope I can count on your support, as well!
STUART EISENBERG
Age: 61
Day Job: Outgoing executive director, Hyattsville Community Development Corporation
Community Involvement: Board member, Hyattsville Preservation Association; Maryland Arts and Entertainment District Advisory Committee member; IOOF [Independent Order of Odd Fellows] Oriole #47 Lodge brother
Statement to Voters: Why run? To improve fiscal discipline and focus on the council, to deliver budget discipline so that the most important, the essential city services, are their finest and we can afford to maintain our roads and parks properly and proactively. The small business climate still needs improvement, as does the city’s working relationship with its business owners. I will continue fostering resident entrepreneurship locally.
Why vote for me? Service, Representation, and Leadership: Those are the job requirements for a councilmember. I served the community a robust tenure on council before (2001-2005), redirecting its efforts towards revitalization and focusing on becoming a destination. The next 20 years were spent on the job running a nonprofit tasked with ensuring that our residents were able to make Hyattsville ever cooler, more self-sustaining, and welcoming at every possible level. With my experience, I can help serve the community to deliver great local events, better public spaces, and keep Hyattsville the place so many of you were looking for and wanted to come home to.
Knowing where the city’s interests need representing, and showing up in those places at the right time is key to being a good representative, and again I have the most experience in this candidate pool to help make that happen. Lastly, my efforts will be focused locally. While I care about a great many things, my service will not be issue-oriented, and I don’t want to change your mind about anything. I can certainly give you a speech if that’s what you want, but I’d rather pave your roads, plant more trees, build public art, and fix the trip hazards on your block, while I pick up the stray trash. See you round the campus.
SCOTT WILSON
As of press time, Scott Wilson had not responded to the Life & Times’ requests for information.
WARD TWO
LISBETH MELENDEZ RIVERA
Age: 58
Day Job: Hola, I am a 58-year-old cis female male of the center who is the resident chef at the Festival Center in Adams Morgan, and the owner of Vegigante Foods, a catering company focused on feeding the social justice movement’s body, mind, and soul one person at a time.
Community Involvement: For the past 40 years, I have committed myself to pursuing justice and equity in a transparent and accountable manner. Since moving to Hyattsville, I have actively addressed infrastructure challenges such as water management and overdevelopment, advocated for stronger representation of non-English speakers, and developed resources for those in need within our community. I played a key role in establishing the Hyattsville Pickleball League and have been a strong supporter of ranked choice voting, sanctuary city status, and the protection of undocumented immigrants, women, and LGBTQ+ residents living in our great city.
Statement to Voters: After much consideration and my deep concern for today’s political climate, I have decided to set aside my quiet voice to run again for city council. I am dedicated to ensuring that our residents have a strong voice, attentive ears, and a justice-oriented mindset in their next city councilmember. I believe this is especially important in a time when our democracy is under attack and many of our neighbors are suffering due to various issues, from their status as immigrants to the loss of their jobs as federal employees.
If elected, I will advocate for a transparent budget and a focused council dedicated to serving ALL the people of Hyattsville while safeguarding the most vulnerable in our community by standing firm against county, state, and federal encroachments on our self-determination as a city. Most importantly, I will strive daily to fulfill my commitment to ensuring that Ward 2 remains an inclusive and participatory local democracy for all our residents.
EMILY STRAB
Age: 40
Day Job: I’m a music teacher and school administrator at a private, independent high school in D.C. I started my teaching career in Prince George’s County Public Schools 18 years ago.
Community Involvement: I’m currently serving my first term on the Hyattsville City Council. Before that, I served two terms on the city’s Police and Public Safety Citizens’ Advisory Committee, and for over 10 years, I ran Ward 2’s longest-running neighborhood watch. I’ve coached T-ball, administered babysitting co-ops, organized meal trains, and volunteered for the Life & Times.
Statement to Voters: Since my election in 2022, I have put my time and energy into representing the interests of Ward 2 residents. I’m resolved to continue to bring the voices of our residents to the fore of the conversation on the dais. Residents are concerned about our budget and late audits; last year, I was the only councilmember to move to cut expenditures, and my motion for the audit committee passed earlier this year after time and effort spent building consensus with council and staff. Hyattsville will now have resident oversight of its financial internal controls, processes, and policies, and I will continue to work on financial guardrails and transparency. Residents are worried about affordability. Seniors want to stay in their homes, families want the city to develop sustainably so they don’t get priced out, and everyone wants quality services and to live in a safe, connected, vibrant neighborhood. I will balance the many needs in a diverse community by listening to all sides to provide a nuanced solution, keeping in mind that when the city works with our state, county, and private partners, we get more accomplished without increasing the tax burden on our residents. Tell me more (cuéntame más) at emilystrabforhyattsville.com, and Vote for Experience (¡Elige Experiencia!) by voting for Emily by May 13.
WARD THREE
GOPI DHOKAI
Age: 37
Day Job: Behavioral health subject matter expert, Point32Health; owner/clinician at private practice
Community Involvement: American Red Cross, disaster mental health volunteer — National Capital Region; Prince George’s County Board of Elections, election judge; University of Maryland Alumni Association, member
Statement to Voters: Since moving to Ward 3 in 2023, I have had the opportunity to engage with my neighbors and community members in Hyattsville through many community meetings, social events and individual conversations. This inspired me to serve as an election judge in the general election in November, where I met folks from all over Prince George’s County and more intimately learned about our election process.
My experience as a mental health counselor has taught me the value of active listening and amplifying voices. I will bring this same approach to city council, working closely with residents to understand their concerns and champion solutions that reflect our shared progress. As the fastest growing ward in the city, I will embrace Ward 3’s diversity as I make decisions about the budget, future development projects, public safety, sustainability, housing equity, and additional emerging issues to represent Ward 3 residents. Please learn more about my campaign at: gopiforward3hyattsville.com or my social media: @gopiforward3hyattsville.
Desde que me mudé al Distrito 3 en 2023, he tenido la oportunidad de relacionarme con mis vecinos y miembros de la comunidad en Hyattsville a través de muchos eventos y conversaciones individuales. En cada reunión comunitaria y evento social, he conocido a personas que quiero conocer mejor. Esto me inspiró a servir como jueza electoral en las elecciones generales de noviembre, donde conocí gente de todo el condado de Prince George’s y aprendí más profundamente sobre nuestro proceso electoral. Hay muchísimas oportunidades para el compromiso cívico y para animarnos unos a otros en nuestra comunidad. Por favor visite mi sitio web para obtener más información sobre la campaña: gopiforward3hyattsville.com.
J. CLEMONTS JR.
Age: 36
Day Job: Cyber director for OnyxPoint; president of The Clemonts Family Foundation, a nonprofit charity; captain in U.S. Army Reserves with 18 years of service
Community Involvement: For the last seven years, I’ve helped feed hundreds of Hyattsville families by teaming up with local organizations, such as Hyattsville Initiative Partnership and both Edward M. Felegy Elementary and Nicholas Orem Middle schools, among others. My wife and I donate our pre-loved clothes and household goods to the local Lutheran Church. I served on the Editors Park HOA Board for three years and helped develop relationships with the Hyattsville Police Department.
Statement to voters: I’m running for city council because I feel that decisions our city has made the last couple of years have benefited businesses more than Hyattsville residents. Hyattsville already has a rent stabilization bill drafted; as a city councilmember, I will bring it to a vote so our neighbors who are struggling to pay rent can get the relief they need. I’ll work to increase the safety in our city, from getting crosswalks in our communities, to lighting on our numerous walking paths, to easily implemented safety protections at our mall. I understand these things will take hard work. With your vote, I’d draw on nearly 20 years of teamwork experience that I’ve learned in the military to make these things happen. Hyattsville is a wonderful city, and I’d work to make sure it’s one where everyone is given a chance to thrive.
WARD FOUR
EDOUARD HABA
As of press time, Edouard Haba had not responded to the Life & Times’ requests for information; he is running unopposed.
WARD FIVE
MICHAEL ANGELONI
Age: 37
Day Job: Advocacy engagement senior manager with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Community Involvement: Member of the Hyattsville Education Advisory Committee since 2022; volunteer for Pamela Boozer Strother’s campaign for school board; community theater actor for the last decade throughout the D.C. area, including several shows in Hyattsville
Statement to Voters: I am running for the Ward 5 seat on the Hyattsville City Council because I believe in fostering a community where every resident feels empowered, safe, and connected. My vision encompasses enhancing public education, promoting community-centered public safety, advancing environmental sustainability, and strengthening accessibility and inclusion for all.
Investing in our schools and youth is pivotal for our city’s future. I aim to increase school funding, expand after-school programs, and bridge the digital divide, ensuring every child in Ward 5 has the resources they need to succeed.
Public safety should be rooted in trust and collaboration. I support a community-first approach that includes increased mental health crisis response resources, stronger neighborhood watch programs, and greater engagement between law enforcement and residents to build lasting relationships of trust.
Environmental sustainability is crucial for our community’s well-being. I will advocate for green infrastructure projects, such as rain gardens and solar initiatives, and the expansion of bike lanes and walkable neighborhoods.
True representation means ensuring all voices are heard and valued. I am committed to making city services more accessible for people with disabilities, enhancing language access services for non-English speakers, and creating more opportunities for residents to participate in local decision-making through regular town halls and listening sessions. Together, we can build a more inclusive, sustainable, and empowered Hyattsville. I hope to earn your support to turn this vision into action.
KELSON NISBETT
Age: 42
Day Job: I spent two decades in military service with a focus on military space operations. I now work for a private company leading their space program.
Community Involvement: My involvement includes being a committee member on my neighborhood HOA, attending city council open forum meetings, and cleaning our neighborhood. Lately, I’ve been speaking with the residents of Hyattsville and directly engaging with our community leaders. My goal is to gain their perspective to start making an impact on my first day. Remember, I work for you.
Statement to Voters: I am running because Hyattsville is my home, and it is my duty to protect my home. I believe in the safety and prosperity that we can achieve together. I plan to create a profitable budget, prevent tax increases, maintain affordable housing, and keep our streets safe. Safe communities are happy communities, and happy communities create prosperous communities. We should ensure our law enforcement, fire and ambulances have the resources to keep us safe. We should create business strategies that support small businesses. Let’s give incentives to local businesses who prioritize hiring residents of Hyattsville. Let’s invest in programs that teach our residents about business and financial literacy. Let’s also invest in programs dedicated to STEM education. We should also develop West Hyattsville as a metro “destination location” and a beacon of prosperity. This means building restaurants and retail stores near the metro and investing resources to refurbish the Hamilton stores. The goal is to have people from other cities spend their money in Hyattsville, NOT the other way around. I want to build a safe future for everyone in Hyattsville. Please visit ElectKelson.com to help me build “A Safer, Stronger Hyattsville for All.” Para español, por favor visite mi sitio web.
DANIEL AMADOR RENARD
Age: 33
Day Job: Manager at Deloitte LLP
Community Involvement: Co-chair of the Race and Equity Task Force; member of the community planning committee; and active member for Ward 5, namely around development and transportation issues
Statement to Voters: Daniel Amador Renard is running for Hyattsville City Council to work on government transparency and accountability, housing affordability, and equitable and sustainable economic growth. I want to engage with residents differently and ensure that everyone has the support they need to express their concerns and get the services they need. I want to explore ordinances that will promote housing affordability for renters and owners as well as create sustainable infrastructure and businesses to ensure our local economy thrives.
