At least one Baltimore County lawmaker said he has reservations about a proposed charter amendment that would allow council members to work for state government ? a move that could personally benefit his two colleagues backing it.
Councilman Vince Gardina, D-District 5, and John Olszewski, D-District 7, have proposed removing a charter provision that prevents council members from working for state government. Ifapproved by the council, residents would vote on the charter amendment during the November 2008 election.
But in apparent violation, Gardina already worked for the state in 2005, receiving a $100,000 settlement after suing the state and former Gov. Robert Ehrlich when he was allegedly fired for political reasons. Olszewski is rumored to be in line for a state job under Gov. Martin O?Malley.
That could pose potential conflicts of interest, Councilman Kevin Kamenetz said.
“Why are the seeking a charter change and does it benefit them?” Kamenetz, D-District 2 said. “If they say it?s for the general population, it should take effect next term, not next year.”
Gardina said he was unaware of the restriction until after he was dismissed. He called the provision “antiquated” and said his proposal is an “equity issue.” Former Councilman Wayne Skinner, who worked for the state during his entire four-year term, said he also was unaware.
But Pikesville activist and frequent council critic Alan Zukerberg said the council and county executive knew ? or should have known ? about the regulation and is calling for an independent investigation.
“I consider this conflict and violation to be extremely serious,” he said.
Similar restrictions exist for council members in Anne Arundel, Howard and Harford counties. Josh Cohen, a Democratic Anne Arundel County Councilman who had to leave his job as a state parole and probation agent when he was elected, said the rule unfairly narrows the candidate pool.
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