Politics & Government

Youth Advocate Makes Run For Office

Rousseau pledges more community, youth engagement.

Hoping to increase community engagement, youth outreach and business growth, Laurel native Adrian Rousseau is looking to Nov. 1 as he enters the final stretch of his run for the at-large seat on the Laurel Council.  

Rousseau, 47, athletic director of the Laurel Boys and Girls Club, is eyeing the at-large council seat held by Council President Michael R. Leszcz.

“I have issues with the city and the lack of adhering to the concerns of the community,” he said.  “If you’re not in touch with the community, it’s hard to know their concerns.”

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Rousseau, a married father of three who works as a security contractor, hopes to invest more resources and support into community youth programs. Rousseau said he grew up a member of the Laurel Boys and Girls Club and wants to see the city do more to support the club, particularly in securing grant funding.

“In my opinion, [the club] is in third world form…[the council] should be concerned where their kids are playing and being taken care of,” he said.

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Rousseau also hopes to lead a change in city politics. He said the city council is focused on the needs of Ward 1 and not Ward 2. He previously filed suit against the city in 2009 to have an additional polling station established in Ward 2.

“Everyone recognizes there is a Ward1,” he said. “The residents don’t recognize the city doing a lot for Ward 2.”

Rousseau said he is known in the community for his comments on race and diversity. During a May interview with Laurel Patch, he its ranks, saying that he hoped its members “did the right thing, not the white thing” in selecting a new council member.

Rousseau, who is biracial, said he has always spoken his mind.

“Everyone is saying that I’m a racist, but I am for all people,” he said.  “I regret that I am so blunt about what I believe…. In a perfect world, I’d love to see everyone have representation on the council.”

In addition, Rousseau said he also wants to encourage more police engagement with the youth and community.

“I want them to be more community-friendly,” he said.

Still, Rousseau’s supporters said they have embraced his tell-it-like-it-is approach to politics.

Levet Brown, president of the Laurel Boys and Girls Club, said that Rousseau's commitment to the community makes him an ideal candidate.

“He’s for the kids. We need someone on the council who has [a school-age] family,” he said. “In my opinion, they would know how it is for the family. I believe his passion for the community, his dedication is what he would bring.”


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