Credibility Currency

Ignorance of the law is no excuse, goes the old saw.

It apparently also applies to laws being considered by the Maryland General Assembly. William "Lynnie" Cook got a lesson in that, courtesy of Del. Anthony O'Donnell, a southern Maryland Republican.

Cook, chief executive of the Baltimore County Revenue Authority, appeared Tuesday before the House Environmental Matters Committee to sponsored by Del. John Cluster.

On several occasions Cook told the committee that his office was late in putting together information to oppose the bills, including one that would require the authority to obtain the permission of the Baltimore County Council prior to selling surplus land, because he only recently found out about the legislation.

Cook said he learned of the bill "by accident" on Jan. 17—six days after it was filed.

"Clearly you knew about the issue, not the bill, long before that," O'Donnell said. "I suspect that's true."

Cook said he knew "Cluster would initiate legislation but we had no idea when it happened or if it would happen."

O'Donnell, the House minority leader, wasn't having any of it.

"Be very careful," O'Donnell cautioned Cook. "Boy, once you lose your credibility here in Annapolis, you're done.

"I think you are (done) but...," O'Donnell finished.