Taylor-Mitchell Eyes County Council Seat

An education advocate from Towson is considering challenging Baltimore County Councilman Todd Huff in the 2014 election.

Laurie Taylor-Mitchell said Wednesday that she has formed an exploratory group to look at a run for the 3rd District seat currently held by Huff.

Taylor-Mitchell said she believes zoning made last August by Huff make the first-term Republican vulnerable to a challenge. She said she would likely make land preservation—an important issue in a district that is mostly rural—and school construction her primary focus if she decides to run.

That decision is not expected to come before late spring or early summer, she said.

During that time, Taylor-Mitchell will test the waters. She already had a campaign website and has created a state campaign committee, which will allow her to begin to raise money.

The campaign committee is chaired by Julie Sugar. Taylor-Mitchell and Sugar have been involved in advocating for renovations to schools including air conditioning. They are both vocal supporters of an elected Baltimore County Board of Education.

Taylor-Mitchell holds a doctorate in art history from the University of Michigan. She currently teaches Renaissance Art in Italy at Hood College.

Taylor-Mitchell's party affiliation could prove challenging in a district that has been considered a Republican-leaning council district.

That district is the largest of all seven districts stretching from the Pennsylvania line south to a portion of Reisterstown and including Hunt Valley, Timonium, Hampton, Cub Hill and Carney and Kingsville.

Huff has been the subject of criticism for zoning decisions made in portions of Northern Baltimore County that some feel will increase development in historically rural communities.

Additionally, Huff's Feb. 23 arrest on drunken driving charges has other candidates looking at the seat. Huff pleaded guilty last week to one count of drunken driving. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 30.

State Del. Wade Kach, a Republican, is also considering a possible County Council run against Huff in the 2014 Republican primary.