Strange Bedfellows

Does Perry Hall have an unreported violence problem? Are its residents armed to the teeth?

Apparently Councilman Vince Gardina thinks so or he would not have warned a Kingsville resident to be careful about removing advertisements from the windows of cars.

Mike Pierce, a community activist from Kingsville, testified today in favor of a bill that would create a do-not-deliver list for companies that place fliers at county residences. The bill, sponsored by Councilman John Olszewski Sr., would also prohibit leaving fliers on car windows. (more…)

Former County Executive Don Hutchinson may or may not be seriously considering a run for his old office, but the mere mention of the possibility has raised an interesting question involving the County Charter.

Baltimore County executives have been restricted to two consecutive term limits since 1978, when Hutchinson was elected. Since then no executive has served more than two terms. Now the question arises as to what one tiny little clause in the County Charter may really mean. (more…)

Don Hutchinson for county executive in 2010?

The Democrat says his eight years running the county were some of the most enjoyable of his life and he believes he could legally run again.

The question is: Will he? (more…)

Al Redmer, the former state insurance commissioner and Republican state delegate from Perry Hall, has everything he needs for a 2010 political campaign save one — an office to run for.

Redmer, who now lives on the Middle River waterfront, acknowledges an interest in the upcoming campaign season. Last week he had brochures printed with a brief biography. He plans to start handing them out door to door within the week. (more…)

While five-term councilman Vince Gardina ponders his future, the first of what could be a handful of candidates interested in the 5th District Baltimore County Council seat is having a campaign event tonight.

Mike Ertel, a West Towson resident and former president of the Greater Towson Committee, is holding a $75 per person campaign event tonight at the Towson University Alumni Club. He will run as a Democrat in the primary election next September. (more…)

If Councilman Kevin Kamenetz runs for Baltimore County Executive in 2010 and ultimately wins, the county could be in for at least four years of heightened fashion sense.

Kamenetz’s wife, Jill, appeared in the “Glimpsed” column in The Baltimore Sun on Sunday talking about her favorite designers and her personal style.

Regarding her fashion sense,  Jill Kamenentz, 40, told Sloane Brown, “I don’t think it’s classic, and it’s not too trendy.”

The mother of two boys and wife of the four-term councilman said she likes “to look sexy. I don’t like to look like a mom. I never want to look like a worn-out mom. I want my boys to look at me and say, ‘THAT’S my mom.’ ” (more…)

Del. Emmett Burns has long been a proponent of speed cameras because of issues of speeding and pedestrian injuries in his district along Liberty Road.

Each year from 2003 to 2006, Burns sponsored legislation to place the cameras in the county on Liberty Road. The legislator, who represents the 10th District including Randallstown, Woodlawn and part of Catonsville, said he’s satisfied with a law that will go into effect Oct. 1  allowing Baltimore County to place the devices in school and work zones only. (You can read more about that here.) (more…)

Long-time community activist Donna Spicer doesn’t see the withdrawal of a bill that would have changed the county’s Planned Unit Development law as a win for communities.

County Executive Jim Smith had hoped to add language to the law that would allow the county hearing officer to remand a failed PUD back to the 15-member county Planning Board. County officials said the change was needed because of two recent Board of Appeals decisions that effectively struck down two such developments in the Bowleys Quarters and Millers Island areas. (more…)

Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger is recovering after surgery earlier this week to correct a hernia.

“Everything’s good, he’s pleased and looking forward to coming back to work,” said Heather Molino, a spokeswoman for the congressman. Molino said she did not know where Ruppersberger had his operation.

Congress is back in session this week after a week off. It’s not clear how much time Ruppersberger, a Democrat, will need to recover, Molino said. (more…)

There are lots of ways one can spend his retirement. Charles “Buzz” Beeler, a former  Baltimore County Police officer who retired in 2005, is looking to spend his time as the next county councilman from the 7th District.

Beeler, 60, is planning to run against Democratic incumbent John Olszewski Sr. in the Democratic primary next election.

“I look around and see the changes down here, and I don’t think they are good,” Beeler said. (more…)