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Baltimore County Council Reveals Applicants to Replace Olszewski, Announces Public Comment Meeting

Baltimore County residents are about to have their say in choosing a new county executive. Twelve people have thrown their hats into the ring to fill out the remaining two years of Johnny Olszewski Jr.’s term. Olszewski, who was recently elected to represent Maryland’s 2nd District in Congress, is stepping down next month to take up his new role. As his exit approaches, the council is gearing up for a critical decision, with public input playing a key role in the process.

The applicants range from former politicians to community activists, comedians, and business executives. As Olszewski prepares to leave office, the council has set a date for public comment. On December 10, at 6 p.m., residents will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on the qualifications they’d like to see in the next county executive. However, the rules are clear: no endorsements of specific candidates will be allowed.

A Diverse Group of Applicants

A look at the list of candidates reveals a diverse mix of backgrounds, political experience, and expertise. Some applicants have long-standing political careers, while others bring fresh perspectives from various fields. Here are some of the key names being considered for the role:

  • Jim Brochin – A former state senator who served four terms in Maryland’s Senate, Brochin is no stranger to Baltimore County politics. He ran for county executive in 2018 but lost to Olszewski by a narrow nine votes in the Democratic primary.
  • Jon Cardin – A former delegate who served from 2003 to 2015 and returned to the House in 2018, Cardin has had his own political ups and downs. He is also the nephew of outgoing U.S. Senator Ben Cardin.
  • Yara Cheikh – The current president of the Baltimore County Library Board of Trustees, Cheikh is also a community activist. Her advocacy for reforming the Baltimore County School Board has earned her recognition in local political circles.
  • Gregory Dennis – A pastor at Kingdom Worship Center, Dennis has no elected office experience but brings a strong background in community service.
  • Paul Drutz-Hannahs – A comedian with no political experience, Drutz-Hannahs is one of the more unconventional candidates vying for the role.

While these applicants reflect a broad spectrum of experience and professional backgrounds, each one is vying for the opportunity to lead a county of more than 800,000 people. The next few weeks are critical as the public weighs in on who they believe is best suited to take on the challenges of leading the county.

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The Public’s Role in the Process

The December 10 meeting will be a pivotal moment in the selection process. It provides residents the chance to weigh in on the leadership qualities they believe are essential for the next county executive. While attendees are not allowed to endorse candidates directly, their feedback on what skills and experiences are most important could influence the council’s decision.

The council is expected to consider several factors as they narrow down the list of applicants. Olszewski’s tenure has been marked by significant changes in the county, and the next executive will need to address issues ranging from economic development to public health and education.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time the council has been tasked with choosing an interim county executive. In 2018, the sudden death of County Executive Kevin Kamenetz left the council in a similar position. Don Mohler was appointed as interim county executive to complete the remainder of Kamenetz’s term. The current vacancy will again see the council stepping into a significant decision-making role.

The Lineup: Who’s Who?

Here’s a closer look at some of the other applicants seeking to step into Olszewski’s shoes:

  • Tara Ebersole – A former biology professor, college administrator, and former chair of the Baltimore County Democratic Central Committee, Ebersole is also an illustrator and the wife of Del. Eric Ebersole.
  • William Huhn – An executive at Morgan Stanley Financial, Huhn has no political experience but offers a strong background in finance.
  • Kathy Klausmeier – A state senator since 2003, Klausmeier is the vice-chair of the Senate Finance Committee. She has deep experience in Maryland politics.
  • Aris Melissaratos – A former secretary of the Department of Business and Economic Development, Melissaratos has significant experience in the private sector as well as state government.
  • George Perdikakis Sr. – With decades of experience in both the public and private sectors, Perdikakis has served as the head of several major organizations, including the Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection.
  • Barry Williams – Williams has directed several Baltimore County agencies, including the Department of Recreation and Parks. He is the brother of House Speaker Adrienne Jones.
  • Tom Quirk – A former county council member, Quirk served for 12 years and was council president three times during his tenure.

What’s Next?

As the December 10 public comment meeting approaches, the spotlight is on these 12 applicants. Who will emerge as the frontrunner? It’s hard to say, but the council is sure to take into account both public sentiment and the qualifications of each candidate. With Olszewski’s transition to Congress fast approaching, the council’s decision will have a significant impact on the future of Baltimore County.

The process is expected to move swiftly, with the next county executive potentially taking office in early January. As the public comment meeting draws near, all eyes will be on the council and the candidates vying to lead the county through the next chapter.

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