Several opponents filed at the last minute Monday to run for Baltimore County Executive, hoping to replace one-term Democratic incumbent Jim Smith.
State police Lt. Clarence William Bell withdrew his candidacy for county sheriff and instead filed for county executive. Norman Cioka, a Republican county maintenance worker, filed last August.
Smith will face at least three Democratic opponents, including former county Recreation and Parks director John Weber. On Monday, two other Democrats filed to run: county personnel analyst Ronald Harvey and former Judge Alexander Bob Page.
Smith, who officially filed Friday, had $1.5 million in his campaign budget as of January.Harvey, a White Marsh resident, said he wants to educate the public on the county?s “manipulative” practices, and change money-driven campaigns.
“I?m not an insider, but I have inside knowledge,” he said. “I?ve had 25 years of watching it firsthand and I?ve had some battles inside.”
Bell said he decided he could use his talents on a broader scale after exploring the sheriff?s department. He cited public safety, education and development ?and the appropriate infrastructure he said should accompany it ? as his top concerns.
