The Un-Candidate of Prince George’s County
In an era when political ambition often trumps public service, Michael Tolson Banner stands out — not because he’s running for office, but because he never wanted to. And that’s precisely why his neighbors are rallying behind him.
They call him “The Un-Politician.” Not as a gimmick, but as a declaration. Banner isn’t polished. He’s not rehearsed. He’s not beholden to donors, party bosses, or the revolving door of insider deals. He’s a community activist with 35 years of experience in public-private partnerships, and a track record of saying “NO” when the powers that be expect silence.
Tolson Banner is Not Afraid to SAY NO!
When Amazon tried to shoehorn a mega distribution center into Westphalia — a family-friendly neighborhood with no business hosting industrial freight traffic — Banner stood up and said “NO.” When PEPCO proposed a lithium-ion battery facility in Oxon Hill — the kind of installation that fire experts warn is nearly impossible to extinguish in an accident — Banner said “NO.” And when developers floated a data center at the old Landover Mall site, in one of the county’s most densely populated inner-beltway communities, Banner didn’t mince words: “This is environmental injustice, plain and simple.”
Tolson Banner Is Pro–Smart Growth
But Banner isn’t anti-growth. He’s pro–smart growth. He’s spent decades building sustainable development models that actually benefit the community — not just the tax base. As founder of the Prince George’s County Community Development Corporation (PGCCDC), Banner has helped steer investment toward projects that uplift neighborhoods, promote civic engagement, and create real opportunity.
What makes Banner’s rise so compelling is that it wasn’t his idea. It was the community’s. After years of watching elected officials play politics with their lives, residents asked Banner to run. He resisted. He still resists. But he’s agreed to form an exploratory committee — not because he wants power, but because he listens when the people speak.
If Tolson Banner were a soda, he’d be 7-Up — the UN-COLA.
As one supporter put it, “I want to elect Tolson Banner, because he doesn’t want to be elected. Most politicians make decisions based on getting reelected. Tolson will just do the right thing.” Another neighbor nailed it: “If Tolson Banner were a soda, he’d be 7-Up — the Un-Cola. In politics, that makes him the Un-Politician.”
Tolson Banner is the kind of leader who shows up at County Council meetings not for applause, but for accountability. He’s the kind of neighbor who fights for clean air, safe streets, and fair development — even when it’s inconvenient. He’s the kind of man who builds coalitions, not careers.
In a county tired of cronyism, nepotism, and corruption, Tolson Banner offers something radical: integrity. Whether he runs or not, the movement he’s sparked is real. And it’s growing.
Michael Tolson Banner
Stay tuned.
Footnotes:
Banner’s opposition to the Landover Mall data center reflects growing concerns about environmental justice in Prince George’s County. See PGCCDC’s advocacy work: PGCCDC Website
Tolson Banner founded the Prince George’s County Community Development Corporation to promote civic engagement and smart investment. More on PGCCDC’s mission and projects: PGCCDC About Us