Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith said Monday that he hopes his relationship with Gov.-elect Martin O?Malley will yield financial perks to boost what he called the No. 1 priority of his second and final term: school construction.
The county will begin systematic renovations of its high schools this year, in part with $72 million approved in bond referendum during November?s election, Smith said. The county had to supplement $35 million in state funds with $107 million in county funds to complete middle school repairs this year.
Next year, Smith said the county?s Annapolis delegation ? and O?Malley, who attended the inaugural ceremony of Baltimore County?s newly elected and re-elected public officials Monday at Towson University ? can do better.
“[Gov. Robert] Ehrlich came from a legislative position ? he wasn?t an executive and didn?t have the responsibility of running a system like Baltimore County or City,” Smith said. “I am optimistic, because of [O?Malley?s] experience and commitment, there will be more money for school renovation than we?ve had in the last year four years, and I think Baltimore County will get its fair share.”
The ceremony?s roster Monday included only two new political newcomers ? Colleen Cavanaugh and William Evans, both elected as judges of the Orphans Court. The rest reflect what county officials said they expect to be largely unchanged brass during the next four years, though some speculated O?Malley could draft a few leaders for state-level appointments.
Despite concern from some residents, Council members said they likely will approve Smith?s nomination of Fred Homan as his budget and finance director. Homan will replace retiring administrative director Tony Marchione and will serve dual roles until Marchione?s term expires in June ? a troubling mix of budget oversight and execution, Steve Whisler, a civic leader in Catonsville, said.
The third year of Smith?s final term will mark the county?s 350th birthday. Council Chairman John Olszewski Sr., D-District 7, remarked on other historic occurrences: In November, District 5 Council member Vince Gardina, a Democrat, became the first Council member to win five consecutive terms, and the Council will surpass 100 years of combined experience after this term.
Smith, 64, is believed to be the first person in state history to serve in all three branches of government. He pledged Monday to continue the “renaissance” of the county?s aging communities along the Beltway.
