In an effort to secure more votes, a Baltimore County lawmaker said he wants to defer the effects of a proposed charter amendment that would allow council members to take state jobs until 2010.
On Monday, the council is slated to vote on removing a provision that prevents them from working for state government. If approved, residents will vote on the measure during the November 2008 election.
But Councilman Vince Gardina, a Perry Hall Democrat who co-sponsored the bill, said he is revising the bill to take effect 2010 ? when sitting members? terms expire ? instead of next year. He said the bill did not have the five votes needed to pass without the amendment.
“With this we will have at least five,” Gardina said. “Certainly under our provision there are certain jobs where there would be a conflict of interest. If a certain issue comes up that presents a conflict of interest, you recuse yourself from a vote.”
Both Gardina and Councilman John Olszewski, a Dundalk Democrat, said they have no plans to accept state jobs. Gardina and former Republican Councilman Wayne Skinner worked for the state during their terms in apparent violation of the county charter but said they were unaware of the provision.
Councilmen Kevin Kamenetz and Joe Bartenfelder, both Democrats, said they would not support a measure that would take effect during the current term. Bartenfelder said Thursday that he thinks low-level state workers should be allowed to run for the council but the original bill gave the perception “someone is looking to feather their own nest.”
“I think anyone who works for the state, whether it be a mechanic or bus driver or whoever, should be allowed to serve on the council and keep their job,” Bartenfelder said.
A handful of civic activists said they were not satisfied with the amendment. Steve Whisler, president of The Coalition for the Preservation of Southwest Baltimore County and a vocal opponent to the amendment, said delaying its effect would not alleviate a conflict of interest between a council member?s state boss and the needs of county residents.
