Former Prince George’s County Council member Mel Franklin is talking about his new job for the first time since his release from jail earlier this year.
Franklin was in his fourth term on the council when he abruptly resigned shortly before he was charged with campaign finance violations last year. He later pleaded guilty and served time in an Anne Arundel County jail.
Shortly after his release, he was hired by his close friend and one-time colleague, At-Large Council member Calvin Hawkins, to serve as Hawkins’ chief of staff. It’s a hiring that has ignited controversy in the county, where even residents who believe in second chances question the hiring of someone who triggered an expensive special election following his resignation…