Members of the Baltimore County Council Tuesday night elected Catonsville-area representative Sam Moxley to serve as the council?s chairman this year.
The council voted unanimously on the District 1 Democrat to lead the veteran group for his fourth time. Moxley, who replaces District 7?s Councilman John Olszewski, last served as the council?s chair in 2002.
Councilmen said they typically choose a chair after amicable debate.
“I think all seven of us want to be chairman and there?s only four years in a term,” Moxley said. “You have to work at it and get the votes.”
Moxley said he hopes the position could be a step in his pursuit to replace County Executive Jim Smith when he reaches his two-term limit in 2010. At least three other councilmen have also have expressed interest in the county?s top job.
The councilmen, who typically meet four times a month, will receive $54,000 for their service this year; Moxley will be paid $60,000 for extra responsibilities like running council meetings and working as liaison to county administrators, according to council secretary Tom Peddicord.
Moxley missed 2.87 percent of meetings in his 12-year career, or eight out of 279 meetings ? the highest percentage among sitting council members, according to county records. Peddicord said the county does not take official attendance at work sessions.
District 6 Councilman Joe Bartenfelder, who has served as chair three times, said Moxley has proven himself a capable chair.
“He?s done a good job before and he has the right personality for it,” Bartenfelder said. “He can compromise on tough issues.”
Only District 3 Councilman Bryan McIntire ? the council?s only Republican ? and second-term Ken Oliver (D-District 4) have not served as chair.
