Voters to Settle Heated County Executive Primary

As polls open today, Kevin Kamenetz and Joseph Bartenfelder—Baltimore County Council colleagues for years—are locked in a close Democratic primary race for county executive that has been anything but collegial.

Kamenetz and Bartenfelder are vying to win the Democratic nomination in hopes of replacing County Executive James T. Smith, who is barred by term limits from seeking a third term.

Ronald E. Harvey is also running for the nomination against the two candidates, who joined the Council in 1994. Whoever wins will challenge investment executive Kenneth C. Holt, a former state delegate, who is unopposed in the Republican primary.

For Bartenfelder, 53, a victory would be the next chapter of a political career that dates back 30 years and includes 12 years as a state delegate. The longtime farmer believes his legislative experience makes him the right candidate for the job.

Bartenfelder has also received support from the unions that represent county firefighters and police along with veteran legislators such as state Sen. Norman R. Stone Jr. and County Councilman Kenneth N. Oliver.

"The next couple of years are going to be tough economic times for Baltimore County," Bartenfelder said. "We're going to have to make some tough financial decisions. … The state is going to be making some budget cuts. So we're going to have to run our government here efficiently and effectively and still deliver all the services that these folks pay for through their taxes."

Kamenetz, 52, is an attorney who has served as County Council chairman a record four times. The Owings Mills resident has had an aggressive campaign, raising more than $1 million compared to more than $800,000 for Bartenfelder.

Kamenetz, who already voted during the early voting period, spent yesterday waving to supporters in Pikesville. He plans on criss-crossing the county today before gathering with supporters at the Pikesville Hilton to watch the results.

The Baltimore County teacher's union, the Sierra Club and veteran lawmakers such as current Council Chairman John Olszewski Sr. and Del. Dan Morhaim are among those that have endorsed Kamenetz.

"It's been a long journey," Kamenetz said. "I've traveled this journey with a lot of old friends and met several more along the way. We're done counting down the days, now we're just looking at the clock and counting down the hours."

While Bartenfelder and Kamenetz had a cordial relationship during their time on the council, the campaign has taken on a less friendly tone. Both candidates have used campaign ads and literature to attack the other's record.

Kamenetz used his financial advantage to run several more television ads, often attacking Bartenfelder's environmental record and his list of accomplishments during his time in office.

"Joe has been a colleague of mine for 16 years and we both have strong bases of support," Kamenetz said. "We are both motivated to do the right things for Baltimore County and we will be putting all of our efforts into that goal until the polls close."

Bartenfelder believes he made up much of the difference in cash on hand by pounding the pavement and meeting with as many residents as possible. After more campaigning today, Bartenfelder will join his supporters at Tall Cedars Hall on Putty Hill Road to watch election results.

"We've focused a lot of our efforts on grassroots campaigning—traditional handshakes, shoe leather campaigning, getting out and meeting people," Bartenfelder said. "It's really brought us in to direct contact with people from all neighborhoods and all communities all across the county. You get to learn more about Baltimore County. You get to learn more about what the needs are."

Kamenetz said he has also worked hard to meet as many voters as possible and has learned a lot in the process.

"This campaign has been a valuable educational experience," Kamenetz said. "I've really learned just how diverse this county is and how fortunate we are to have such a broad spectrum of cultures here.

"In the process, I've developed great friendships with people from everywhere from Catonsville to Bowleys Quarters and Dundalk," he added. "This is what made this campaign great."