Author: Elizabeth Brown

County Government

More Time Needed for Police Accountability Bill

By Elizabeth Brown. The Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021 mandates, as part of a new disciplinary framework, the establishment of a Police Accountability Board in every County to review complaints and disciplinary outcomes and recommend ways to improve police accountability in the County. Providing for civilian oversight of the police through such a Board has the tremendous potential to bring transparency and trust so … Continue reading More Time Needed for Police Accountability Bill

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County Government

League of Women Voters Calls for New Redistricting Map

By Ericka McDonald and Tana R. Hamilton. The League of Women Voters of Baltimore County calls for the creation of a new map that fully considers the rights of people of color and the requirements of the Voting Rights Act. We believe that the current plan unlawfully dilutes the votes of minority residents. Because of the long history of racial inequality in representation in Baltimore … Continue reading League of Women Voters Calls for New Redistricting Map

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County Government

Crabs Don’t Vote: Proposed District 5 “Pinched” in the Middle

By Fergal Mullaly. If you look at the map submitted by the commission, you should immediately notice something… The inlets, bays, and peninsulae that make our county shoreline such a beautiful place have all disappeared, replaced by a smooth border. The maps extend beyond the coastline and into the bay. And while perhaps the official boundaries of the county extend into the water, crabs don’t … Continue reading Crabs Don’t Vote: Proposed District 5 “Pinched” in the Middle

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County Government, General Interest

County must reject pro-incumbent, anti-voter map

By Sonia Shah. Over the past decades, Baltimore county has steadily diversified. In 1980, we were 10 percent black; in 2000, we were 20 percent black. Today we are 30 percent black. Forty-seven percent–nearly half of us–are non-white.  Our diversity is a strength that benefits all of us in the county. And thanks to the Voting Rights Act, by law it must be reflected in … Continue reading County must reject pro-incumbent, anti-voter map

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County Government

Baltimore County deserves fair maps

By Danny Golombek. Whether we’re digging a neighbor out of the snow, coaching in a Rec Council sports league, or baking for a PTA fundraiser, nobody knows our communities better than the people who live in them. Whatever our color, background or zip code, in America we value our freedom. The freedom to have a say in decisions that impact our lives—from increasing green spaces … Continue reading Baltimore County deserves fair maps

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County Government

Fair maps a must for better representation in Baltimore County

By Peta Richkus. Ignoring the will of the people is not responsive nor accountable government. The map proposed by the Council’s Redistricting Commission flies in the face of the Constitutional right of every individual to representative government. It intentionally dilutes representation of the approximately 47% of Baltimore County’s BIPOC population. The Council should not so easily dismiss the threat (and the cost!) of legal action … Continue reading Fair maps a must for better representation in Baltimore County

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County Government

IG Oversight Needs Transparent and Citizen-involved Approach

Indivisible Towson, a progressive grassroots, non-partisan organization with members from throughout Baltimore County, has urged County Executive John Olszewski, Jr. to expand his list of OIG work group members to include new, thoughtful voices. Their message to the County Executive follows. Thank you, County Executive Olszewski, for withdrawing the proposed bill intended to, among other things, establish an Office of the Inspector General Oversight Board … Continue reading IG Oversight Needs Transparent and Citizen-involved Approach

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County Government

Developer Stranglehold Grows in Baltimore County

By David Plymyer. The Baltimore County Council seems gripped by a wave of nostalgia for the days of Spiro Agnew and Dale Anderson, former Baltimore County executives convicted of corruption. The council is stretching the limits of state law in an effort to install its seven members as de facto zoning czars in their respective districts. It is turning land use planning, zoning, and development review into … Continue reading Developer Stranglehold Grows in Baltimore County

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County Government

Let Baltimore County voters decide on term limits for members of the County Council

By David Plymyer Baltimore County Councilman Tom Quirk wants to amend the Baltimore County Charter to impose a three-term limit for members of the County Council. The council should place the proposed amendment on the ballot for approval by the voters in 2022. Contrary to what his colleague Julian Jones may believe, the voters of the county are intelligent enough to decide for themselves whether or not … Continue reading Let Baltimore County voters decide on term limits for members of the County Council

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County Government

Why Not Vote What You Mean?

By Peta Richkus. (In response to the Nov 20, 2020 Baltimore Sun article “Baltimore County Council rejects bill that affordable housing developer said would kill Towson project.”) The continuation of the Red Maple Place Development Hearing is next Wednesday, 12/16/2020, before a Baltimore County Administrative Law Judge. The virtual meeting is open to the public: anyone interested in testifying or presenting evidence at the hearing … Continue reading Why Not Vote What You Mean?

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