Improving Ethics and Transparency in Baltimore County

Since my election to the County Council, I have supported several initiatives to reform county government. Some have passed—such as a tougher ethics package that restricts gifts to officials. Other reforms, like term limits, have not been as successful.

In late January, Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski unveiled a package of reforms that deserve full consideration by the County Council. Among other initiatives, the administration is proposing to create an Office of Ethics and Accountability to investigate claims of fraud and abuse, and to better disclose and clarify lobbying registrations.

The most sweeping legislation would create a public financing option for county campaigns, similar to the state system that candidates—such as Governor Larry Hogan—have used in their races. Under this voluntary system, candidates would receive matching funds for the amounts they raise from small donors.

The County Council could not authorize such a system without a change to the county charter. I support giving the voters the opportunity to decide this matter in the 2020 elections.