Executive's Job on the Line in Emergency Vote by Council

The Anne Arundel County Council will meet in an emergency session Wednesday afternoon to introduce legislation that would declare a vacancy in the county executive's office.

The emergency session notice came Tuesday, shortly after the verdict was read in the trial for County Executive John R. Leopold. Based on recent charter amendments, the county council can declare a vacancy if an executive is found guilty and convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude, misfeasance or malfeasance in office.

Chief Administrative Officer John Hammond is now serving as acting Anne Arundel county executive as a result of the suspension of Leopold from his duties. The Maryland Constitution provides for suspension of an elected official upon a guilty finding in a criminal case. Leopold signed an executive order (attached to this article) declaring Hammond acting county executive.

The County Council will meet at 3 p.m. Wednesday in their chambers, located at 44 Calvert St. in Annapolis.

See more:

• Voters Set to Approve All Anne Arundel County Charter Amendments
• Ballot Homework: 15 County Charter Changes You Will Help Decide
• Slew of County Charter Changes Clog November Ballots
• Weakness in County's Charter Led to Succession Stalemate

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