All but one member of the Baltimore County Council said they?ll halt campaign fundraising during a comprehensive rezoning process, with the exception calling the pact “grandstanding.”
“I don?t think you should raise any money from anyone who has a zoning issue before the council, or someone who represents a person that does,” Council Member Vince Gardina said. “With this, you couldn?t even have a fundraiser with community residents, and I just think it?s grandstanding.”
Gardina said he hasn?t decided how he will vote tonight on a non-binding resolution to delay political fundraising during the one-year process.
Calling the bill “very general,” Gardina, the senior-most council member, is the only one of seven who has not attached his name as a resolution sponsor.
Council members said they?ve informally agreed not to solicit funds during the last three rezoning cycles, which occur every four years. The process will begin Sept. 1 and will last through September 2008.
After some hesitation, Council Member John Olszewski Sr. said he decided to support the resolution, because he supported the “gentlemen?s agreement” in the past.
But he said he doesn?t believe the resolution will stop contributions from residents affected by zoning decisions.
“What?s the difference if they give it to you during, before or after?” Olszewski said. “They still give you money.”
Olszewski said campaign donation limits ? $4,000 for an individual during a 4-year campaign season ? aren?t enough to buy influence. Olszewski is one of five council members considering runs to replace County Executive Jim Smith, who will reach his two-term limit in 2010.
Several of the five have hosted fundraising events this year.
COUNCILMEMBERS CAMPAIGN CASH
» Sam Moxley, Democrat, District 1: $32,700
» Kevin Kamenetz: Democrat, District 2: $363,545
» Vince Gardina: Democrat, District 5: 15,304
» Joe Bartenfelder, Democrat, District 6: $9,189
» John Olszewski Sr., Democrat, District 7: $1,311
Source: Maryland campaign finance database. These are the five sitting councilmen who have confirmed their interest in running for county executive. Totals are as of Jan. 17, 2007
