Politics

Charter prohibits Council Members from being Appointed County Executive

Walker and Grasso cannot be Considered

Anne Arundel County Council
(Source: Scott Bowling)
USPA NEWS - As County Council Chairman Jerry Walker (R-7) and Vice-Chairman John Grasso (R-2) jockey to replace convicted former County Executive John R. Leopold, the County Charter presents a hurdle that even a triple crown winning jockey cannot overcome.
Article II Section 202(b) states “After qualifying as such, no member of the County Council, notwithstanding the fact that he may thereafter resign, shall during the whole period of time for which he was elected be eligible for appointment to any County office, position or employment carrying compensation.“ I am not a member of the Maryland Bar, however, it seems crystal clear from reading the Charter, that upon their election to the County Council, Council Members are prohibited from being appointed to any other County Office, including County Executive.
With this news, the number of people wanting to be Anne Arundel County´s next Executive is dropping precipitously. Monday, former U.S. Senate Candidate Dan Bongino stated he would no longer be seeking the appointment for County Executive. The appointment process to the Anne Arundel County Executive position is being run exclusively by insider politics, which is something I do not wish to take part in, Bongino said.

In regards to this provision in the County Charter, Councilman and Vice-Chair John Grasso stated that Chairman Walker has requested an official opinion on this matter from County Attorney Jonathan Hodgson. That opinion is expected later today.
Hold onto your seats Anne Arundel County, at this moment it appears that your next County Executive will either be State Delegate Steve Schuh (R-31) or former Maryland First Lady Kendel Ehrlich (R-Annapolis).

The deadline for those interested in being the next County Executive to submit their Resume and Financial Disclosure Packet is Friday, December 15, 2013 at 12:00 Noon.

Qualifications and necessary procedures are detailed on the County website or can be obtained by contacting Administrative Officer Beth Jones at 410-222-1402.
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