The four candidates for Howard County executive all have compliments about the new acting Police Chief William McMahon, but none of them would pledge to make him permanent if elect-
ed.
“It is to early to be talking about political appointments,” said Council Member Christopher Merdon, R-District 1. “I hold Chief McMahon in high regard, and this gives him the opportunity to test out the position and go through a five- or six-month interview process to see how he does on the job. I?ve found him to be extremely responsive and extremely capable.”
Council Member Kenneth Ulman, D-District 4, also applauded McMahon, who began his work as the department?s new acting chief Thursday.
“In my dealings with Bill McMahon, he has been extremely professional and served with the utmost integrity,” he said. “I look forward to working with him in the future.”
However, Ulman declined to comment on whether he would make McMahon a permanent chief.
Newcomer Harry Dunbar, a Democrat, said he had not met McMahon but would consider him the “No. 1 guy” for the job.
“I would want to speak with him at great length,” he said.
Harper?s Choice Middle School Principal and newcomer Stephen Wallis, an independent, said he would look at McMahon?s performance before deciding.
“I think he?s a good man,” he said. “It?s always nice to have someone who is homegrown and respected by the department.”
McMahon was appointed by current Howard County Executive James Robey to replace outgoing chief Wayne Livesay, who is running for the County Council District 5 seat.
Previously, McMahon was deputy chief of operations in the department.
