Pikesville Democrat Kevin Kamenetz will chair the Baltimore County Council in 2008 ? a year, he said, that could prove difficult for local governments facing cuts in state funding.
Council members unanimously chose Kamenetz as chairman at a meeting Monday night, he said. The four-term lawyer chaired the council four times previously but said this year presents new challenges in budget constraints as state lawmakers address a $1.3 billion structural deficit.
“We anticipate cutbacks from the state, and county residents are paying higher taxes imposed at the state level,” Kamenetz said Tuesday. “We want to ensure we maintain our same tax rate, which we?ve done since 1994.”
Kamenetz replaces Catonsville Democrat Sam Moxley. Largely a ceremonial position, the chairman sets agendas for council meetings and introduces legislation on behalf of the county executive. The chair earns an annual salary of $60,000, compared with $54,000 earned by the council?s six other members.
State cuts to local governments have already cost Baltimore County $38 million, County Executive Jim Smith said this week while announcing a request for $81 million in state funds for school renovations. Smith called the request modest ? and made his smallest request for local projects in five years ? in light of $260 million in state cuts not yet identified.
Only north county Councilman Bryan McIntire, the council?s only Republican, and Randallstown Democrat Ken Oliver have not served as chairs.
Oliver said he has not solicited votes during the annual election after losing a bid during his fourth year on the council.
Kamenetz said the chair works largely behind the scenes to build consensus.
“The county council serves as the public servant, and I shall serve as the servant?s servant.”
