Councilman Marks Invites Public Input on Interim County Executive

The death of Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz was a stunning and tragic event. The County Executive was a strong, smarter leader who contributed much to the region over the past 24 years.

It was inappropriate to speculate on the choosing of a successor until the conclusion of religious ceremonies. Now, the County Council should turn its attention to filling the vacancy.

According to the county charter, the replacement must be of the same political party, a Democrat. The successor must meet the requirements spelled out in the charter, such as age and residency.

In my discussions with my colleagues, I have also discussed two other criteria. First, the candidate must have unquestioned integrity. Second, the interim County Executive must have the ability to work with all stakeholders to get things done.

A Baltimore County Executive has never died in office. The last time Baltimore County had to replace a County Executive was in 1974, when the County Administrative Officer was selected to take over from Dale Anderson, who was criminally charged. In 2013, the Anne Arundel County Council filled a vacancy in the office of County Executive after an exhaustive interview process.

Unlike Anne Arundel County, there is only about six months remaining in this term. The Council should move efficiently, but want residents of the Fifth County Council district to know they can always contact me to pass along their thoughts. What qualities and qualifications do you want in the interim County Executive?

I look forward to hearing input at dmarks@baltimorecountymd.gov, or you may write to me at 400 Washington Avenue, Towson, MD 21204.