Archive for February, 2009
Let’s be clear
Monday, February 23rd, 2009Sometimes a reporter writes a story and gets the facts right but unintentionally opens the possibility for a misunderstanding.
Such is the case in a Feb. 19 article about several councilmen who are raising money for a possible run for county executive. Councilman Kevin Kamenetz left me a voice mail to say that the language in the story could lead the casual reader to believe he raised money this year during the comprehensive rezoning process. (more…)
Cluster announcement coming
Friday, February 13th, 2009
Republican John Cluster will be a candidate in 2010. He’s just not spilling the beans on his plans - yet.
Cluster, a Parkville resident and former state delegate, recently sent letters to some key supporters informing them of a Feb. 28 announcement about his political future.
Though he is being coy about the specifics, the smart money is on Cluster making a bid to return to the House of Delegates, according to a source close to Cluster.
Cluster, a retired Baltimore County police officer who served on the department’s tactical unit, was appointed to the 8th District seat in July 2003. He filled the vacancy created when Del. Al Redmer was appointed state insurance commissioner by then-Gov. Robert Ehrlich.
Cluster lost his 2006 re-election bid to Democratic Del. Todd Schuler.
Miller: Why subsidize counties?
Wednesday, February 11th, 2009
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller’s desire to share the state’s budget pain with local jurisdictions isn’t sitting well with County Executive Jim Smith.
“Everybody is dealing with some fiscal strain,” Smith said. “To pass it along to someone else because you have the votes isn’t sound fiscal management and isn’t good government.” (more…)
Smith continues to accumulate cash, future political path still unclear
Thursday, February 5th, 2009
Jim Smith continues to rake in the bucks as the final half of his last term as county executive ticks down.
Smith raised nearly $634,000 last year and has nearly $1 million in cash on hand, according to his 2009 annual campaign finance report filed last month with the Maryland State Board of Elections.
Still, there is no word on why he needs so much cash. Neither Smith, nor his people, are being specific about what lies ahead. (more…)
What’s the rush?
Monday, February 2nd, 2009
A 9.8-acre parcel of county-owned land in Dundalk isn’t going to pass into private hands until March, but that’s not stopping developer John Vontran from seeking County Council approval for a proposed Planned Unit Development plan for the property.
Councilman John Olszewski Sr. will introduce a resolution seeking preliminary approval for the plan at tonight’s council meeting. The resolution is a necessary step before such a plan could be considered by the county Planning Board. (more…)