Almond Takes Reins as Council Chairwoman

The election of Vicki Almond as chairwoman of the Baltimore County Council was a mere formality.

More than 50 people, including state senators, delegates and community leaders from the 2nd District, attended the council's first meeting of the year Tuesday night to see Almond be elected the first woman to lead the council since 1983.

was in doubt. Her name plate had already been moved to the center of the seven seats before the meeting started.

"I am truly honored and humbled to be named the the next chair of the Baltimore County Council—an honor that hasn't been held by a woman in almost 25 year so I am extremely gratified," said Almond, a Reisterstown resident.

Almond is one of two women on the council—the first time that has happened since the council was created in the mid-1950s.

Barbara Bachur, a Towson Democrat, was the last woman to be elected council chairwoman.

Sen. Delores Kelley attended the meeting saying she wanted to be present for such "a momentous occasion."

Kelley noted that few women, in fact only five, have served on the council during its nearly 60 years.

"I think this is something unique to Baltimore County for some reason because so many talented women serve in local government in other areas of the state," Kelley said. "I think that once some of these ceilings are broken everyone becomes aware of what's possible."

Del. Kathy Szeliga, a Perry Hall Republican, was also in attendance. Both Almond and Szlega worked in Annapolis as legislative staff to legislators from Baltimore County. Szeliga said it was important to be at the meeting Tuesday night.

"Us girls have got to stick together," said Szeliga before congratulating Almond with a hug.