The Baltimore County Council released a list of candidates for the Baltimore County Executive position.
One out of the 12 candidates will replace County Executive John Olszewski, who is expected to represent Maryland’s second congressional district in Capitol Hill starting Jan. 3, 2025.
The council received many applications, but only the following candidates are currently being considered for the position:
- Tara E. Ebersole, past president of the Baltimore County Democratic Party;
- Aris Melissaratos, former state secretary of business and economic development’
- Jim Brochin, former state senator;
- Yara A. Cheikh, president of the Baltimore County Public Library Board of Trustees;
- Barry F. Williams, served as director of both the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks, and Department of Workforce Development;
- George Perdikakis Sr., a longtime county civil servant and environmental engineer;
- State Del. Jon S. Cardin;
- William M. Huhn;
- Paul Drutz-Hannahs;
- Tom Quirk, former county council member;
- State Sen. Katherine A. Klausmeier;
- and Gregory A. Dennis.
“My colleagues and I are very gratified at the response to the County Executive Announcement that was posted on our website. We received quality applications from the candidates, and we sincerely appreciate their interest and willingness to pursue the office of County Executive,” said Council Chairman Izzy Patoka.
“We are currently reviewing all submissions carefully, and look forward to electing the best candidate for the residents of Baltimore County,” he said.
The Council will convene a Public Hearing at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10, in the County Council Chamber, to allow community members to “provide general testimony on the desired qualification for the next County Executive,” the Council wrote in a statement.
However, this is not an opportunity for County residents to solicit public testimony that endorses or supports any specific candidate, members said.
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