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Politics

Maryland Senate president expresses concerns over framework of Orioles’ lease

The president of Maryland’s state Senate expressed concerns Friday about tying the Baltimore Orioles’ new lease at Camden Yards to an agreement on development near the ballpark. A spokesman for Gov. Wes Moore said the administration will work to address those concerns, with less than a month remaining before the team’s current lease expires.

Political Notes: A candidate exits 3rd District race, updates in the U.S. Senate campaign

An early entry into Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District race has announced she will withdraw and focus on issues before the General Assembly. Maryland House Ways and Means Chair Vanessa Atterbeary (D-Howard) announced her intention last month to run to succeed Rep. John Sarbanes (D), who is not seeking a 10th term.

Correctional facility staff want resources to make job better

Maryland and its 24 major local jurisdictions employ thousands of correctional officers to oversee, manage and try to maintain order in jails, prisons and other facilities. Notably missing in some county jails: windows. That’s because they aren’t required to install them in areas where employees work, said Amanda Tondin, a Talbot County correctional officer and a programs coordinator at the county jail.

Embattled Howard County auditor removed from watchdog post, replaced by deputy, councilmember says

Howard County’s longtime auditor, who faced opposition earlier this year for a report that critics said exceeded his authority and unfairly probed a historically Black sorority, is no longer in office. The county’s council, which appoints the local government’s auditor, had “decided to move in a different direction” from Craig Glendenning, who has held the locality’s watchdog post for 11 years, District 2 Councilmember Opel Jones said Sunday.

Read More: Baltimore Sun
Md. health officers: Climate change could create the ‘next pandemic,’ urge local officials to prep now

The COVID-19 pandemic brought the challenges of public health and the transmission of infectious diseases to the forefront of Maryland policy over the last few years. Now, local health officials say that rising temperatures and other symptoms of climate change may usher in the “next pandemic.” At the Maryland Association of Counties winter conference, being held in Cambridge, local health officers urged county officials to proactively prepare for future major outbreaks by mitigating the effects of climate change.

Counties reel from transportation gut punch

A day after a public announcement to cut more than $3 billion in transportation projects, county officials are pushing for answers and a way to avert the gutting of local road and transit priorities. Leaders from the state’s 24 major political subdivisions arrived in Cambridge for the annual Maryland Association of Counties winter conference with more questions than answers and a growing sense of frustration.

Lawmakers, county officials discuss recent juvenile justice reforms and potential changes at annual meeting

The Maryland Association of Counties began its winter conference Wednesday assessing policies on climate change, transportation and parks and recreation. The organization also known as “MACo” needed two parts to discuss juvenile justice reform at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel in Cambridge. A one-hour discussion focused on how new laws, specifically Juvenile Justice Reform and Child Interrogation Protection Act bills passed last year, are working so far.

Call for Israel-Palestine ceasefire fails as Middle East conflict roils Baltimore Council

City Council members rejected a last-minute resolution Thursday calling for a long-term ceasefire in Israel and Gaza, just days after a separate last-minute measure asking the body to condemn the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas similarly came up short. The ceasefire measure — introduced by the four council members who abstained from Monday’s vote to condemn Hamas — comes as division over the conflict in Israel and Palestine has roiled City Hall in recent days.

Anne Arundel Dels. Mike Rogers, Mark Chang run for Rep. John Sarbanes congressional seat

Maryland state Dels. Mark Chang and Mike Rogers, both Anne Arundel Democrats, are a part of the growing pool of lawmakers hoping to succeed Democrat John Sarbanes once he leaves his seat representing the 3rd Congressional District. The delegates joined the race after state Sen. Sarah Elfreth launched her candidacy early last month. Elfreth, a Democrat, represents the Annapolis area.

Read More: Baltimore Sun
Political Notes: District 2 allegation; county officials’ roles at MACo conference

A former member of the Frederick County Council appeared at a meeting on Tuesday to weigh in on a water and sewer reclassification request related to Calumet, a 923-unit planned development in New Market. Tony Chmelik, a Republican, represented council District 2 from 2014 until 2018, when he was unseated by Councilman Steve McKay, also a Republican.

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