Olszewski, McDonough spar over public safety at Essex Baltimore County executive forum

If Republican Pat McDonough unseats Democratic Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. in November, McDonough says has a plan for everything from affordable housing to potable water to school violence: “Litigation, litigation, litigation.” Speaking to roughly 50 constituents during the first — and perhaps the only — county executive candidate forum, organized by the Essex-Middle River Civic Council, Tuesday evening, the former state delegate blamed Olszewski’s administration for the police department’s persistent struggle to hire and retain officers and the rise of violence within county schools. But McDonough doesn’t point out a problem without offering a solution, he told voters gathered at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School. He pledged to fire Police Chief Melissa Hyatt, an Olszewski appointee facing calls for her removal by rank-and-file members, immediately upon taking office if elected.