Strange Bedfellows

Who’d have thought a ribbon-cutting ceremony for new library could stir up hard feelings?

David Marks and other representatives of the Perry Hall Improvement Association showed up to a ceremony to officially open the new library branch in Perry Hall armed with an oversized $20,o00 check — money raised from community residents and business to support on-going programs at the long-anticipated facility.

Marks, president of the association, said he was disappointed when the group wasn’t mentioned during a 30-minute ceremony featuring County Executive Jim Smith and library officials. (more…)

The 18 months or so before an election, especially one that promises to be particularly exciting or filled with change, generates a lot of chatter.

Last week, several e-mails popped up in my in box containing messages claiming that Councilman John Olszewski Sr. had endorsed fellow Councilman Joseph Bartenfelder’s bid for county executive. Olszewski, the e-mails said, did this at an eastside Democratic club meeting last week. The endorsement would essentially mean Olszewski had removed himself from the race. (more…)

County Executive Jim Smith held a fundraiser at Martin’s West on March 25 and left some in the audience wondering if his remarks telegraphed his intention to run for state comptroller. (more…)

As the House of Delegates begins debate this week on a budget package that could bring deep cuts in local aid to Baltimore County, members of the county’s House delegation focused their attention on legalizing video lottery terminals for use by nonprofit organizations in the county.

Del. Eric Bromwell, chairman of the county delegation, offered an amendment Tuesday morning to add Baltimore County to a bill regarding slot machines, which affects, among other counties, Worcester County. (more…)

Being a lobbyist in Annapolis is not always what it’s cracked up to be. Long hours and adversarial relationships are just a few of the perks.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun on the job.

Carolyn Blanchard Cook, deputy executive vice president of the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors and a lobbyist for the group, baked about four-dozen homemade chocolate chip cookies Wednesday morning and then playfully told people, via her Facebook page, to “come find me.” (more…)

Mike Gimbel, the former longtime substance abuse czar for Baltimore County, appears to be looking at a return to county government — this time as a county councilman.

Gimbel confirmed his interest after being asked about a campaign account he registered last year with the Maryland State Board of Elections. (more…)

General Assembly sessions apparently aren’t exciting enough for Del. Dana Stein.

Stein and his wife, Margaret, celebrated the birth of their second child, Julianna Elisabeth Presley Stein, on March 8. The newest member of the family weighed in at 8-pounds, 2-ounces and was more than 21 inches long. (more…)

Councilman Vince Gardina says he considered applying to be the next chief executive of the county Revenue Authority but is now “no longer interested.”

“It’s a pretty interesting job with a lot of interesting possibilities,” said Gardina, who represents the 5th District, including Towson and Perry Hall. (more…)

If the County Council had a protocol expert or an official historian, either job would no doubt fall to Councilman Bryan McIntire.

McIntire, the council’s lone Republican, has fashioned himself a reputation on the council in both these areas.

Want to know the origin of the flag that looks like a Maryland flag with a Union Jack inset in the upper left-hand corner? McIntire is your man. Want to know the proper placement of the U.S. flag? Again, ask the councilman. (more…)

Mike Davis, a Towson land-use attorney and top aide to former County Executive Dutch Ruppersberger, died March 5 at Johns Hopkins Hospital of complications related to his July 6 emergency liver transplant.

You can read the full story here.