“Yesterday Is Not Ours To Recover, But Tomorrow Is Ours To Win Or Lose.”
Lyndon B Johnson
My name is Ralph Patterson II and I am running for re-election as the current Vice President of the Charles County Board of Commissioners for District 4. I am a life-long Charles County resident and a product of Charles County Public Schools (go McDonough Rams). I earned my undergraduate degree in History from The American University in Washington, DC and received my graduate degree in History from the University of Alabama. I am currently a High School Special Education teacher in the public school system and I love it! Marc Anthony was correct when he said “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Community Service
Charles County Democratic Central Committee Member (2021 – 2022)
Charles County Government – Ethics Commission Member (2019 – 2022)
Prince George’s County Education Association – Government Relations Committee Member (2019 – Present)
Special Education Transition Coordinator: Surrattsville High School (2020 – 2023)
The National Academies Division Awards Chairman (2005)
Education
Charles County Public Schools
MAURICE J. McDONOUGH HIGH SCHOOL
Bachelor of Arts: History
THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
Masters of Arts: History
THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA, BIRMINGHAM
Advanced Professional Certificate
TRINITY UNIVERSITY
Professional Memberships
Current Prince George’s County Education Association member
Current National Education Association Member
Former Education Association of Charles County Member
Awards / Publications
The National Academies Team Award for Outstanding Achievement (2005)
Southern Maryland Athletic Conference – Coach of the Year / Girls Soccer (2011) Henry E Lackey High School
Patterson, Ralph (2008). Silver Bullet: Depleted Uranium as a Military Weapon. Vulcan Historical Journal, Vol. 12: 44-51.
Youth Mentoring
Head Coach – Varsity Girls Soccer (2010 – 2014) {Henry Lackey High School}
Head Coach – Mock Trial Team (2011 – 2014) {Henry Lackey High School}
Head Coach – Junior Varsity Softball (2011 – 2014) {Henry Lackey High School}
Head Coach – Varsity Boys Soccer (2021 – Present) {Surrattsville High School}
What I Value
Service to the community and country along with honesty and a strong work ethic were instilled in me and my siblings at a young age by our parents. Both parents instilled in us that service to community and country are essential and that you show your commitment to what you believe in by your words and your service.
My father is a Desert Storm veteran and proudly served 30 years in the US Army. My mother has served tirelessly for Charles County at every level of County Government for the majority of my life. This inspired my sister to graduate from West Point Military Academy and for me to want to serve the community by being an advocate for those in my community.
I often refer to Philippians 2:3-4 for moral guidance and it states “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” This encapsulates my philosophy of service to my community.
My Vision for Charles County
I believe that together we can all come up with solutions to help grow Charles County in a way that benefits all of our residents. Access to broadband internet & alleviating the income gap will be some of the major issues I will help solve with your help.
Finding solutions to the food deserts that plague our citizens will also be a priority that with your vote we can eliminate entirely from our county.
A top priority of mine will be establishing sustainable growth. I will find solutions to the high population density issues of the county and maintain green spaces.
These issues are not insurmountable and with fresh ideas and cooperation between the community and county leadership we can solve these issues and move Charles County forward. I was taught at an early age by my parents that “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” I am asking for your help today because the resources of Charles County are plentiful and with some hard work we can reap a bountiful harvest for all our residents. Thank you and may God bless each of you.
My Motivation
Helping people to realize their full potential has always been a passion of mine and what has led me to want to work with people of differing abilities. It definitely can be tough at times but it is always worth it when you see someone reach their own personal goals.
Being honorable and lending a hand to make people’s lives better is one of the highest callings a person can have in life and should be embraced as an opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the hearts and minds of our community. I promise to bring that same passion to representing what is in the best interest of Charles County. Charles County has an incredible wealth of potential and I am willing to put in the work to maximize that potential for all Charles County residents.
“The Measure Of A Country’s Greatness Is Its Ability To Retain Compassion In Times Of Crisis.”
Thurgood Marshall
By Authority, Campaign to Elect Ralph E Patterson II
Jazsma Speece, Treasurer, P.O. Box 115 Pomfret, MD 20675