The race for outgoing Prince George's County Council member Tom Dernoga's seat now includes two people after union activist and Laurel resident Samuel Epps confirmed that he is raising money for the campaign.

Epps said in a phone interview that while he has not yet filed the requisite paperwork, he has already raised $20,000 toward a run at the District 1 seat on the county council.

"Our county is at a crossroads for leadership," he said. "We need people who will bring the vision of a leader who represents the working family."

Epps, who is a political organizer for the local branch of the Service Employees International Union, said the focus of his campaign will be stronger rights for the middle class.

"This county is fighting difficult times," he said. "Transparency and openness are key. We must bring everyone into the process."

Epps is the second person to openly announce candidacy for the seat currently occupied by Dernoga, who cannot run because of term limits.

In June, former Dernoga aide and West Laurel Civic Association president Mary Lehman announced her candidacy on the promise of "A strong voice for strong communities."

Epps said he has not had much interaction with Lehman, but that he has heard much about her civic activism.

Epps also said he planned on centering his campaign on the issues of health care, schools and transportation infrastructures.

"I've been focused on working-family issues all my life," he said. "These are the issues that are invaluable for the men and women who get up and go to work every day."

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