The race for Howard County sheriff could turn into a three-way battle among Democrats, with two noted county officials potentially vying to unseat current Sheriff Charles Cave.
James Fitzgerald, president of Howard County Police Officers? Association, the county police union, filed Friday to run for sheriff with the county Board of Elections. He could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Herman Charity, assistant to Howard County Executive James Robey, said Tuesday that he too is considering a run. Robey is running for state Senate this year.
“It?s a position I?m interested in,” said Charity, a 30-year veteran of the Howard County police.
“I?ll be making a decision sometime in the next few weeks.”
Charity said the only roadblock to his decision to run is the candidacy of the current sheriff, with whom Charity said he has a strong working relationship.
“That?s my dilemma,” Charity said of his relationship with Cave.
“It?s something we?re going to have to talk about.”
For his part, Cave, a two-term sheriff in Howard County, said he looks forward to serving county residents for another four years.
Cave, a 28-year veteran of the Maryland State Police, said increased courthouse security and handling the growing workload brought on by an expanding county are the most pressing issues for the sheriff?s office, which delivers court summons and warrants and handles domestic violence orders, among other duties.
“We are getting busier and busier,” he said.
Election dates
Primary election: Sept. 12
General election: Nov. 7
