Join the campaign for a better Charles County!
I need your help today to build for a better tomorrow for all residents of Charles County!
At a Glance
Welcome / Willkommen / Bienvenue / Bienvenidos / 환영 / 欢迎
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to find out more about the campaign. So, take your time, look around, and learn all there is to know about our campaign to improve Charles County.
I hope you enjoy our site and take a moment to drop us a line.
Why Run?
Charles County is Home
I am running for Charles County Democratic Central Committee because I love Charles County and I want this to be the best place to live in Maryland. I have grown up in Charles County and seen some great improvements, like Regency Stadium, St Charles Town Center, and a myriad of local businesses flourish here.
I want to be a part of continuing that forward progress for Charles County and see her reach even greater heights. Prosperity for all county residents is at our fingertips. Charles County stands at an important crossroad: retreat to the past or embrace the future. I choose to embrace the future and maximize the unique resources and opportunities this county has.
Charles County is a diamond in the rough and has come a long way since I was a kid. Greatness is before her and with your help we can make our community an even greater place to live, work, and raise our families.
Our communities are struggling in the wake of COVID-19. The rippling effects will be felt for years to come in all segments of society. We need to support our communities every step of the way, in every part of the County, from Nanjemoy to Benedict and Waldorf to Cobb Island. The County needs leadership that fosters innovation and supports businesses in experimenting with new ideas and models, during and after the pandemic.
Access & Opportunity
Community Service
Charles County Democratic Central Committee Member (2021 - Present)
Charles County Government - Ethics Commission Member (2019 - Present)
Prince George’s County Education Association - Government
Relations Committee Member (2019 - Present)
Special Education Transition Coordinator: Surrattsville High School (2020 - Present)
National Education Association member (2006 – present)
The National Academies Division Awards Chairman (2005)
Education
Masters of Arts: History
THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA, BIRMINGHAM
Bachelor of Arts: History
THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
Advanced Professional Certificate
TRINITY UNIVERSITY
Professional Career
Former Charles County and current Prince George's County Public School Educator
National Academy of Sciences - Committee on Law and Justice
Memberships
Former Education Association of Charles County Member
Current Prince George's County Education Association member
Current National Education Association 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 Believe
Access & Opportunity
My name is Ralph Patterson and I am running for a seat on the Charles County Democratic Central Committee. I am a life-long Charles County resident and a product of Charles County Public Schools (go 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 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.”
I have volunteered in various capacities in Charles County and currently I am in my 3rd year of service on the Charles County Ethics Commission. I chose to serve on the Ethics Commission because it provides Ethics Code education to county officials and employees and provides advisory opinions regarding the applicability of the code. In addition, the Ethics Commission investigates alleged violations of the Ethics Code. In short, the Ethics Commission provides a level playing field for all Charles County residents to operate under and provides redress for citizens if they feel that violations of the ethics code have occurred.
What I Value
Service & Ethics
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.
Four Pillars of Leadership
My Motivation
Inspiration
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.
My Vision for Charles County
Equity for All
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.
Equity for all Charles County Citizens
The Platform
Serving The Community
United By A Common Goal
United By A Common Goal
I grew up in Charles County and I have worked to improve the community almost my entire life. I believe working tirelessly to make Charles County a better place is a daily endeavor and with your help we can reach our goal of providing a government for the people by the people.
United By A Common Goal
United By A Common Goal
United By A Common Goal
I know the value of being connected and working for the good of the community. That's why I am running to represent all residents of Charles County and give each citizen a voice in county government. Help us to give everyone a chance to be heard.
Get Involved
United By A Common Goal
Get Involved
I can't win this race without your help. Volunteering, word-of-mouth, and donating are all important ways of helping achieve our goals of making Charles County the best it can be.
