Members of the Baltimore County Council on Monday evening voted to place a controversial charter amendment on next year?s election ballot that would allow local lawmakers to work for state government.
Residents will vote during the 2008 election to repeal a charter provision that prevents County Council members from holding state jobs — which two lawmakers claim to have inadvertently violated.
If adopted, the law will take effect during the 2010 council term to avoid a “self-interested appearance,” said Councilman John Olszewski Sr., a Dundalk Democrat who sponsored the bill.
“This is a fairness issue,” Olszewski said. “If you were a mechanic or clerk in the private sector and you were elected to the council, you wouldn?t have to give up your job.”
But a handful of opponents said the provision — which also exists in Harford, Howard and Anne Arundel counties — prevents a conflict of interest.
Bryan McIntire, a Republican who represents much of the county?s northern area, and Pikesville Democrat Kevin Kamenetz voted against the bill after questioning if any of their colleagues would benefit.
“It?s intrinsically wrong to change our basic document to accommodate two people,” McIntire said. “It?s very selfish.”
Olszewski and the bill?s other lead sponsor, Perry Hall Democrat Vince Gardina, both have said they are not considering state jobs.
Other opponents questioned if Gardina knew of the provision when he worked for a state environmental agency in 2005, collecting $100,000 after suing then Gov. Robert Ehrlich for wrongful termination. Both he and Wayne Skinner, a former Republican councilman who worked for the state throughout his term, said they were unaware of the restriction.
Alan Zukerberg, a Pikesville activist, called for a county investigation to determine if that?s true. He said he was disappointed the council voted to send the question to referendum.
“It allows for the appearance of impropriety and it is too difficult for the citizens of this county to police,” Zukerberg said.
