Posted on 12/11/24
| News Source: FOX45
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 11, 2024 - The Baltimore County Council held a hearing Tuesday where more than 70 residents, former Baltimore County officials and state lawmakers provided feedback on what they want to see in the next County Executive.
With the County Council chambers packed with people, the hearing lasted for hours.
As current Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski heads to Congress, his resignation will take effect on January 3, 2025. Now, the Baltimore County Council is tasked with appointing his replacement. Currently, the 10 candidates who have applied for the job include Tara E. Ebersole, Jim Brochin, Barry F. Williams, Paul Drutz-Hannahs, Katherine A. Klausmeier, Aris Melissaratos, Gregory A. Dennis, Yara A. Cheikh, George Perdikakis, Sr., William M. Huhn. Tom Quirk and Jon Cardin have already withdrawn their names from consideration.
Baltimore County Council Chair Izzy Patoka said they hope to have a candidate selected by January 6, 2025, which is a Monday. While it is a few days after Olszewski's resignation, Patoka said the County Administrative Officer would fill in for the weekend.
Many residents said they wanted a County Executive who has the necessary experience to help move the County forward, as well as tackling important issues in the County, including infrastructure, education and crime. They said they also want someone who has budget experience.
"If you don't get crime under control, you will have a vigilante society," one resident said.
Some residents said they wanted a County Executive who would follow through on Olszewski's vision, as well as a candidate who can represent diverse voices. Other qualities sought include transparency, honesty, and someone who is already trusted in the community.
However, there were some differing opinions. For instance, many residents and officials spoke in favor of the County Council selecting a candidate with legislative experience and has already been elected by voters. Others said they want an outsider.
"Actually, someone who has not served in elected office will not be held to donors or not be part of County culture," another resident added.
Another area where some community members and council members differ is whether or not the candidate selected should run for the position in 2026.
In November, Patoka said, "there is sentiment among the Council that we want someone who is committed to not running in 2026. The sentiment is to not give any potential candidate in 2026 an unfair advantage."
"Some of my colleagues, that's their desire, but there's no rule that someone can't run in 2026," County Councilmember Julian Jones previously said.