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Johnny O: Is this really a better Baltimore County???

Posted by Buzz Beeler on 26th February 2019

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Both Johnny O and Jim Smith have held lucrative positions in Baltimore City. (Photo credit/Facebook)

The Baltimore Post will consistently look closely at Johnny O’s promise to make this a better Baltimore County.

In this column, we review two recent developments regarding appointments to the Olszewski administration.

First, we want to bring your attention to recent pick for Baltimore County’s Administrative Officer.

We strongly believe that the appointment of Stacy L. Rodgers is nothing more than political payback to the west side of Baltimore County. The following quote sheds some light on the search to fill that position:

“I’m deeply honored and humbled and I am so grateful to the county executive and the executive leadership team …When the county executive extended this invitation for me to join the team, I accepted with the full commitment to excellence and passion for service that has driven me throughout my life and my career,” she said.

Mrs. Rodgers made it clear that she was invited to join the administration. So much for a so-called search.

Next, we offer a statement issued by the administration concerning the national search for a new police chief:

Sent: Mon, Feb 25, 2019 3:54 pm
Subject: National search for a new chief to lead the Baltimore County Police Department

FYI… Please pass this along to friends and community members. Your input is important part of the process.

As part of the ongoing national search for a new chief to lead the Baltimore County Police Department, the County is hosting Public Safety Community Forums to offer residents to provide input into the selection process.

Community Public Safety Community Forum Details

East County Policing Town Hall: Tuesday, February 26, Sollers Point Multi-Purpose Center Auditorium, 323 Sollers Point Road Dundalk, Maryland 21222; 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

West County Policing Town Hall: Thursday, February 28, Milford Mill Academy, 3800 Washington Ave, Baltimore, MD 21244; 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

In addition, residents can also send written comments to policechiefsearch@baltimorecountymd.gov. A number of comments have already been received.

The confidentiality of all applicants will be maintained throughout the search process. A new police chief will be in place by June 2019. More information about the police chief search process is available here: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/police/police-chief-search.html

Translation services in sign language and other accommodations can be arranged upon request.

Best Wishes,

Pete Kriscumas

Sr. Outreach Coordinator
Office of Baltimore County Executive’s

Community Engagement
Historic Courthouse
400 Washington Avenue,

Towson, Maryland 21204
Office: (410) 887-2450

In our opinion , this is akin to the proverbial “blind leading the blind.” Let’s look at what this propaganda means in terms of Johnny O’s promise to make our county “better.” It appears that Johnny O will search nationally for our next “top cop,” despite the rumblings we have heard about this already being a “cooked deal.”

If you connect the dots of this political chicanery, they lead right back to the “good old boy” political machine. Former County Executive Jim Smith is still a major player in the county’s Democratic party. His fingerprints are all over every aspect of our county government.

Pete Kriscumas, the Senior Outreach Coordinator for Johnny O’s administration, wants community input to find the next police chief of Baltimore County. There are several issues regarding the premise of seeking community input.

Mr. Kriscumas’ announcement states, “The confidentiality of all applicants will be maintained throughout the search process.”

How can community groups provide input on something that is completely out of their purview? There is absolutely no transparency regarding the potential candidates, their backgrounds, or their style of policing.

One might ask how this might impact Johnny O’s choice for the next chief. Just think back to the riots in Baltimore City, during which the police were ill-equipped, outnumbered, and ill-advised while given the orders to stand down. Is this the kind of leadership we want in the Baltimore County Police Department?

The Baltimore Post doesn’t believe so.

Remember, Johnny O promised transparency. Instead, it appears that we’re getting an updated version of “Let’s make a deal!”

For those wishing to comment, please use The Baltimore Post Facebook Page. CLICK HERE