Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith cinched a victory and second term even his staunchest critics expected Tuesday night over Republican challenger and political newcomer Clarence Bell.
Smith directed his comments to fellow Democrat nominees at a victory party at a Timonium hotel, including state?s attorney nominee Scott Shellenberger, before leaving to join Baltimore Mayor Martin O?Malley ? who was neck-and-neck with incumbent Robert Ehrlich in the governor?s race ? at a downtown rally.
“We will now have a partner, someone who will return Baltimore County?s phone calls in Annapolis,” Smith said. “We will have a United States senator who will not be paid for by George Bush but a voice for us all.”
Smith and his supporters largely assumed the victories ? official poll results were not available by press time. Smith captured twice as many votes as Bell as of 11 p.m.
Smith said he plans to change little in his second administration despite persistent critics who claim mismanaged development is to blame for crowded schools and roads.
Smith said charettes and “urban development assistance teams” implemented under his direction have opened local government to citizens more than ever.
“It now comes to them,” Smith said. “I want input from lots of people. It dilutes the activism approach, but I hope they adjust to it and we can work together.”
County Republicans convinced Bell, commander of the state police?s Waterloo barracks in
Howard County, to abandon his efforts to oust county Sheriff Jay Fisher and oppose Smith. Bell said Tuesday night he will return to county politics in the 2010 race, but has not decided in what capacity.
“It was exciting, it was interesting and it was great to meet all the wonderful people along the way,” Bell said. “I don?t regret anything.”
Results of the county?s state?s attorney contest, which included Republican Steve Bailey were not available by press time.
Baltimore County voters reported long lines at the polls, particularly at the Augsburg Lutheran Home precinct, where Lochearn resident Lisa Donham said she waited 2.5 hours to cast a mostly Democratic ticket.
That included a vote for Smith, she said.
“We need change,” she said. “But he?s a Democrat and I think he did a great job, so there?s no need to change him.”
Part of the Baltimore Examiner’s 2006 election coverage
