The Baltimore County Council narrowly passed a proposed charter amendment to increase the council size from seven to nine members, allowing voters to decide on the change. The amendment, sponsored by Council Chairman Izzy Patoka, aims to improve demographic representation on the all-male council. Councilman Pat Young suggested expanding to 11 members for greater diversity, but Councilman Todd Crandell dismissed it as a Democratic power grab. Councilman Mike Ertel supported the increase, citing the need for better service to constituents.
Meanwhile, a voter-backed initiative, Vote4More, is pushing for a proposal to add four members to the council. County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. praised the council’s decision and called for empowering voters. The council’s proposal also includes reclassifying council positions from part-time to full-time, with considerations for salary changes.
In other news, the council overrode Olszewski’s veto of a bill limiting residential development in overcrowded school areas, with a companion bill creating a committee to review large projects. Olszewski criticized the move, calling the “Band-Aid” bill deeply flawed. He urged the council to work with Baltimore County Public Schools and housing advocates to address overcrowding and expand access to affordable housing responsibly.
The decisions made by the Baltimore County Council have sparked debates on issues of representation, diversity, and responsible development in the community. Voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on these matters in the upcoming elections.
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Photo credit marylandmatters.org
