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The Baltimore County Council narrowly approved a proposed charter amendment that would allow voters to decide whether to increase the council’s size from seven to nine members. The measure, sponsored by Council Chairman Izzy Patoka, aims to create a more diverse representation on the council, which is currently all male with six white members and one African American.
Councilman Pat Young, who voted against the proposal, argued that the council should be expanded to 11 members for greater diversity. However, Councilman Todd Crandell dismissed this as a Democratic power grab, emphasizing that the focus should be on serving the county’s needs.
In addition to the council expansion, a voter-backed initiative called Vote4More seeks to add four members to the council. County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. praised the council’s decision to empower voters and address the need for a more responsive government.
The proposed charter amendment also includes reclassifying council member positions from part-time to full-time. The Personnel and Salary Board Commission will review council salaries next year, with the council having the ability to approve or reduce the recommended salary increase.
In a separate move, the council overrode Olszewski’s veto of a bill limiting residential development in overcrowded school areas. Supporters believe this is necessary to control large development projects that strain schools. The council also agreed to create a committee to review such projects closely.
Olszewski criticized the council’s actions, calling the veto override “deeply flawed” and encouraging them to work with school leaders and housing advocates to address overcrowding and increase access to affordable housing.
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Photo credit marylandmatters.org
