Baltimore County is about to make a significant decision: who will replace Johnny Olszewski Jr. as County Executive? With Olszewski stepping down to take a seat in Congress, the county council has a chance to appoint an interim replacement, and eight potential candidates are already vying for the role.
If you live in Baltimore County, now’s the time to get informed about who’s running for the position and what they stand for. After all, the county executive plays a pivotal role in shaping policies, managing resources, and steering the county towards growth and success.
In this article, I’ll break down the top eight candidates who have shown interest in the role, their backgrounds, and what they plan to focus on if they get appointed. If you’re curious about the process, I’ll explain how the Baltimore County Council will select the next leader and what they’re looking for in the ideal candidate.
The Appointment Process: How Will Baltimore County Choose a New Executive?
The Baltimore County Council is tasked with appointing a new executive to fill the void left by Johnny Olszewski. The process will begin with a public hearing in early December, where residents can voice their opinions on what qualities they expect in the next executive.
Applications for the position will be accepted until the end of November. After the hearing, the council will review the applicants and vote. A minimum of four votes out of seven will be required to approve the new county executive. The goal is to have a new executive in place by January, just after Olszewski is sworn into Congress.
If the council can’t reach a consensus by then, D’Andrea Walker, the Baltimore County Administrative Officer, will serve as the acting executive until a decision is made.
The Top 8 Candidates for Baltimore County Executive
So, who are these eight people vying for the position? Let’s take a look at their backgrounds, qualifications, and priorities:
1. Jim Brochin
Background: Former State Senator (2003-2019)
Key Accomplishments: Known for his stand on protecting the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.
Top Priorities:
- Focus on public safety and juvenile crime in Baltimore County.
- Advocates for policies that are “party-blind”—fiscally conservative and socially liberal.
- Interested in working with the state’s attorney to reform juvenile crime laws.
2. Jon Cardin
Background: Maryland State Delegate
Key Accomplishments: Has extensive experience in state legislation and advocacy.
Top Priorities:
- Focus on economic development and job creation.
- Aims to improve public safety and education systems.
3. Yara Cheikh
Background: President of the Baltimore County Public Library Board
Key Accomplishments: Advocated for education reform and increased family support.
Top Priorities:
- Enhance government transparency by improving public access to information.
- Strengthen the role of data-driven policies in local governance.
4. Tara Ebersole
Background: Former President of the Baltimore County Democratic Party
Key Accomplishments: Created the Baltimore County STEM Alliance to boost minority and women participation in STEM.
Top Priorities:
- Improve workforce development by ensuring high school students are prepared for well-paying jobs.
- Expand affordable housing options for young people entering the workforce.
5. Kathy Klausmeier
Background: Former State Senator
Key Accomplishments: Instrumental in tackling the opioid crisis through increased use of naloxone.
Top Priorities:
- Address aggressive driving and improve road safety.
- Push for expanded sidewalks in underserved areas to improve pedestrian access.
6. Aris Melissaratos
Background: Former State Secretary of Business and Economic Development
Key Accomplishments: Oversaw a major turnaround at Westinghouse Electric, growing revenues from $180 million to $3.2 billion.
Top Priorities:
- Focus on long-term planning for traffic solutions and economic growth.
- Advocate for public safety and health initiatives, alongside a focus on quality of life issues.
7. Dennis Rasmussen
Background: Former Baltimore County Executive (1986-1990)
Key Accomplishments: Led the county during a time of growth and expansion.
Top Priorities:
- Focus on fiscal responsibility and economic development.
- Interested in revitalising the county’s infrastructure and promoting new job growth.
8. Barry Williams
Background: Former Director of Baltimore County Recreation and Parks and Workforce Development.
Key Accomplishments: Strong experience in public service and resource management.
Top Priorities:
- Work on improving community engagement and access to county services.
- Focus on enhancing job training programs and improving the quality of life for residents.
What Are the Key Issues for the Next Baltimore County Executive?
As you can see, each of these candidates brings a unique set of skills and priorities. But some common themes emerge that will be important for Baltimore County’s future:
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Public Safety: Many of the candidates, like Jim Brochin and Kathy Klausmeier, are focused on improving public safety, whether through reforms in the juvenile justice system or tackling issues like aggressive driving and traffic safety.
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Economic Development: Candidates like Aris Melissaratos and Jon Cardin are keen on strengthening the local economy through job creation and supporting small businesses.
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Transparency and Governance: Yara Cheikh advocates for better transparency in government, emphasising the importance of data-driven policies to ensure the public has access to information about how decisions are made.
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Education and Workforce Development: Tara Ebersole is focused on improving education and preparing students for the workforce, while Dennis Rasmussen is interested in expanding job training and infrastructure.
Why the Interim Appointment Matters for Baltimore County
The next county executive will shape Baltimore County’s direction for the next few years. This interim appointment is crucial because it will set the stage for the 2026 election. The interim executive is expected to serve until the next county election cycle, with the possibility of a special election if the council fails to reach a decision by the second week of January.
Council Chairman Izzy Patoka emphasised the importance of fiscal stewardship, crisis management, and a leader who can navigate the challenges of a growing, diverse community.
Conclusion: Baltimore County’s Future in Safe Hands?
With so many strong candidates vying for the position, Baltimore County residents are in a strong position to choose a leader who aligns with their priorities. Whether you’re focused on public safety, economic development, or education, the incoming county executive will have a lasting impact on the community.
So, as Johnny Olszewski Jr. transitions to Congress, keep an eye on how the council navigates this crucial decision. Whoever steps into the role will play a critical part in shaping the county’s future.
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