Gimbel eyes council seat
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.
“I have been giving serious consideration to running for public office,” Gimbel wrote in an e-mail response. “While I have not decided 100 percent to run, if I do, it would most likely be for the Baltimore County Council, 2nd district.”
Gimbel lives in Mays Chapel. His decision to run for the seat current held by Kevin Kamenetz will likely hinge on whether Kamenetz runs for county executive in 2010. Kamenetz, a four-term councilman, appears to be gearing up for a run for the executive spot and has raised nearly $800,000 — far more than he would reasonably need to run for re-election to his current position.
Kamenetz represents the 2nd District, which includes Owings Mills, Pikesville and Ruxton.
Gimbel reported having $550 in cash on hand in January — the only money he raised in 2008, according to state records. The word “raised” is used loosely here since Gimbel donated $200 to himself, calling it a “place holder.”
Gimbel said he needed to put some money into the account just to get it started but has not “seriously started to solicit donations.”
Gimbel, who currently runs an anti-drug and steroids program for St. Joseph Medical Center, served as the head of the county Bureau of Substance Abuse before being fired in 2003 shortly after County Executive Jim Smith took office.
Gimbel said his previous work in county government makes him “uniquely qualified to understand the workings of county government and the impact that county government can have on the lives of our children & families. I have dedicated my entire career to helping people and being in public office would allow me to continue with that commitment”
Gimbel said he has no timeline for making a formal announcement to run for office.