–The following article was submitted by Delegate Bob Long about the search for a new Baltimore County Executive-
Election Day might have been a month ago and the holiday season is upon us, but we have one last key political office to decide.
With Baltimore County Executive John Olszweski winning his race for Congress, a new County Executive will be appointed.
While some people might be looking forward to new leadership in our county, there is a catch when finding the new County Executive.
The new County Executive will be selected by the Baltimore County Council, and they must agree not to run for office in two years.
This will undoubtedly limit the pool of qualified candidates. We should not impose any additional restrictions on candidates seeking this role. For the past few years, I have introduced legislation requiring voters to show identification and requiring signature verification on absentee ballots.
I have been told many times by the Democrats that this is voter suppression.
However, the County Council is asking the newly appointed County Executive not to seek office in two years. Currently a County Executive can only run two terms for a total of 8 years.
Why is this newly appointed County Executive being asked to serve just two years?
We need to find the best person for the position. The economy is bad in Maryland and in Baltimore County.
If we get a good County Executive that can fix our issues, that person should be able to run again. If not, we can still vote them out.
If we are going to limit our new “appointed” County Executive, then why not have an open election.
There is a similar situation in Prince George’s County where their County Executive Angela Alsobrooks was elected to the U.S. Senate.
She had to give up her County Executive seat, but Prince George’s County is holding a primary election on March 4 and the general election on May 27 to decide their next leader.
Why do the residents of Prince George’s County get to choose their next County Executive, but the voters of Baltimore County have to watch their Baltimore County Council make the decision for them?
It sounds like voter suppression to me.
