Prince George’s County Council Chairman David Harrington’s selectionto fill Sen. Gwendolyn Britt’s seat may mean a stronger advocate in Annapolis for a plan to save the county’s sickly hospital system.
But County Executive Jack Johnson’s plan is yet to be finalized, and a change in council membership could scuttle the deal, rivals say.
Johnson promised his latest hospital plan would be in the hands of lawmakers last week, but it has still not made it to Annapolis.
In a letter to the delegates, Johnson wrote the plan would likely include replacing Dimensions Healthcare Systems with another provider.
Last year, the state and Johnson had a plan worked out, but the County Council scuttled it when council members didn’t approve the funding for the county’s portion. This time around, Johnson says he has the council on board.
“Depending on who replaces [Harrington], there will be an impact,” on the hospital deal, said Rushern L. Baker III, a former state delegate who has faced off against Johnson in two races for county executive and lost to Harrington by one vote to replace Britt Wednesday night. But “the benefit of Harrington’s going is to have someone who’s been working on this in the Senate,” Baker said.
Travis Britt, Sen. Britt’s widower who dropped out the race for her seat at the last minute, said Harrington had been a key player in thehospital system’s future.
For his part, Harrington said, “I’m not worried about someone coming in the wake. They would not have been on the front end of this and they’ll have a lot of catching up to do.”
The county will have to hold a special election to replace Harrington who still needs approval from Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley before he officially takes his Senate seat. That could come any day now, Harrington, said.
Meanwhile, at least one person says he’s considering a run for County Council, Edmonston Mayor Adam Ortiz.
