Baltimore County has had 14 county executives since the post was established in 1956. They’ve included Republicans and Democrats, the notorious former Vice President Spiro Agnew and the lesser-known Fred Homan, a longtime county administrator who held the post for just 19 days following the death of Kevin Kamenetz in 2018. But the position has never been held by a person of color.
Given Baltimore County’s history of racial segregation — the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights infamously described the county as a “white noose” around Baltimore in the 1970s — this continues to be something of a burden. Is the county a welcoming place for all, or is it stuck in the past? How can people assume equality in a county where 314,216 residents identify as Black or Latino, but are so underrepresented in elected leadership? The all-male county council includes six white members and one Black councilman.
There may soon be an opportunity to change that. In the U.S. House race to succeed Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, County Executive John “Johnny O” Olszewski Jr. is considered a lock despite recent criticism of secrecy and special treatment in a firefighter pension case. If he wins, the Baltimore County Council must approve a temporary replacement to fill the remainder of his term.
Here’s a thought: Why not consider a qualified non-white candidate to show the world that the Baltimore County of 2024 is not Baltimore County of 1956? One possibility might be Barry Williams. He’s a former county recreation and parks director and school principal, who has most recently been helping lead efforts to redevelop the Pikesville Armory into “a multi-use venue for recreation, arts and other community programming.” Williams is also the brother of Adrienne A. Jones, speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates and a fellow county resident.
Given how the county council has not exactly been a bastion of inclusivity itself — and voters will face a plan to expand its number of council seats to nine on the November ballot — the timing would seem fortuitous. Why not make a little overdue history?
Baltimore Sun editorial writers offer opinions and analysis on news and issues relevant to readers. They operate separately from the newsroom.