Two Baltimore Countylawmakers are trying to remove a charter provision that prevents council members from working for state government ? though one already worked for Maryland and became an example of alleged “political firings” under former Gov. Robert Ehrlich.
Councilman Vince Gardina ? who in 2005 received a $100,000 settlement after suing the state and Ehrlich when he was fired after a five-week stint with Maryland Environmental Services ? proposed the legislation last week.
Gardina?s employment, though in conflict with existing laws, appears to be an innocent oversight, said Councilman John Olszewski, the bill co-sponsor.
“Someone on the council could probably [work for the state], and no one would have said anything,” he said. “I was just made aware of it.”
Gardina, who was on vacation last week, did not return phone calls by press time.
Olszewski questioned whether Gardina?s position with MES, a public corporation, constituted a state position, but a Republican leader called the proposal “ironic.”
Baltimore County Republican Party Chairman Chris Cavey called for Gardina to return the $100,000 settlement from the lawsuit that claimed Gardina was fired for being a Democrat.
“Gardina couldn?t have been illegally fired if he, in essence, illegally accepted the job offer,” Cavey said. “If he was illegally hired, he doesn?t deserve the compensation.”
Gardina now teaches at a private Lutheran school in Baltimore County.
At least one other council member appears to have violated the law ? Wayne Skinner, a Republican who served in 1998 to 2002 while working for the state?s Department of Assessment and Taxation.
Skinner said his employment was publicized in his campaign literature, and he “had no idea” the law existed.
If approved by the Baltimore County Council, the charter amendment would be added to the ballot for referendum in 2008, said Olszewski, who was rumored to be in line for a job with Gov. Martin O?Malley?s administration.
That no longer appears likely, Olszewski said.
Employment restrictions
» Anne Arundel council members: Not permitted to work in county, state or federal government
» Baltimore and Howard council members: Not permitted to work in county or state government
» Harford council members: Not permitted to work in county, state or municipal government
» Baltimore City council members and Carroll commissioners: No restrictions
