There's A Rule For That
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Let's say you're a state legislator angry with your county executive for killing a bill you cared about and you want to call him out for it.
Well, like everything else in the Maryland General Assembly, there's a rule for that.
Ok, not technically but Del. Eric Bromwell, a Perry Hall Democrat, found a way Saturday to spotlight actions taken by County Executive Kevin Kamenetz in killing a bill that would have allowed volunteers to work at the county animal shelter.
Bromwell attempted to introduce a bill Saturday afternoon that he said was "eerily similar to a bill that passed the Baltimore County delegation." (Bromwell's comments begin at the 3:09:14 mark.)
House Speaker Michael Busch asked Bromwell to explain why he was introducing the bill so late in the session and the delegate used his time to criticize Kamenetz's actions (though not by name).
"The Baltimore County administration later came into the standing committee and claimed it was going to cost $750,000—which it does not—and was able to defeat the bill in the standing committee," said Bromwell.
"I'd like to point out that if the administration, ours or any other, comes down here and does that, it might not be the best idea," said Bromwell, who then pointed out some drafting errors in the bill and asked the House to oppose it's formal introduction.
Bromwell's late-day parliamentary legerdemain amused his colleagues, who could be heard laughing in the chamber. They then killed the bill and Bromwell had made his point.
Bromwell's comments came on the same day that members of the county's delegation to the House and Senate began systematically delaying votes on bills Kamenetz favors because the county executive is working against the Baltimore County school board bill.
Monday morning, Sen. Bobby Zirkin asked for a delay on a school consolidation bill that Kamenetz wants. The House delayed a vote on the same bill Saturday at the request of Del. Wade Kach.
Legislators from the county in both houses say they plan more such delays until the school board bill is voted out of the House Ways and Means Committee.
JDStuts
1:24 pm on Monday, April 9, 2012
Just curious if any one wants to guess. The best Kamaenetz can hope to achieve here is a hybrid board. Gamesmanship wise he can't kill the bill and tick off the legislative district leaders if he wants to run again.
So when does he sue for peace? He can't fight it until the end and lose the populist points from legislation that was largely driven by the voters. His school board already screwed him with the mismangement of the sup't. search. He needs a win so how does he get it?
So when does he sue for
Buzz Beeler
2:17 pm on Monday, April 9, 2012
What do they call that crack that appears in something tangible. Is it a facade? Politics is a game of hard ball but I would have to say that Mr. Kamenetz has forgotten his catchers mask.
Terry
11:42 am on Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Nice comment Buzz! Kamenetz couldn't get a job collecting trash. He probably has a vote of no confidence from the citizens of Baltimore County. He's to busy getting his picture taken.
fred
2:37 pm on Monday, April 9, 2012
when everyone is working against you something is just not right. i say that his apparent i'm better,smarter and know what is good for you attitude is really showing now. AA county has one also, look how he's doing now.
Tim
6:12 am on Tuesday, April 10, 2012
I don't know why anyone should be surprised about Kamenetz. It wasn't hard to pick up the "I'm smarter then you, I'm always right" schtick.
He didn't get my vote before, and hopefully he gets thrown out next election.
Donna
5:07 am on Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Kamenetz has created a culture within his administration, of complete disrespect for the very citizens he and the County Council represent. He and the County Council and the Health Department fear even the appearance of lose of control. Any bill that would enable citizens to play a part in bettering their communities (such as allowing volunteers in the county shelter) is defeated. Even those, such as the volunteer bill, which would reduce taxpayer expenses and save lives are defeated in order to retain power, and the County Council rides along never once fighting for their constituency's interests. It is distressing that the County Executive/ administration would spend taxpayer money to travel to Annapolis to lobby against the volunteer bill when all that administration had to do was open its doors to the citizenry. Putting a volunteer program in place allows citizens to save the county money and help animals in the shelter find homes and rescues to go to instead of being euthanized.This is especially necessary at a time when the economy is causing citizens to rely on county resources such as the shelter so much more. What should the citizenry think of a county administration which would rather retain "power" and therefore cause the death of countless adoptable animals, instead of allowing volunteers including rescues to help. Absolutely something is not right and a change is needed at once. Donna
DARRELL HAMMERBACKER
7:43 am on Tuesday, April 10, 2012
What a breath of fresh air or shall I say a SMACKDOWN to the Executive. A Rogue Democrat !!! WOW!!! This is GREAT STUFF
Terry
11:43 am on Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Nice comment Buzz!
Wildcat68
3:18 pm on Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Someone. Please run against Kevin Kamenetz. He is disrespectful to the voters, to our elected legislators, and to anyone who disagrees with him. I hear the county council is fed up with him as well. Bring back Joe Bartenfelder. Or Jim Brochin. Or anyone!
James
8:56 am on Wednesday, April 11, 2012
I agree, Karmenetz , Gardina, Marks...all of them seem to NOT be working for us...the voter, the people that put them into office. What they do listen to is Developers and which way the money flows. It's all about MONEY. Karmenetz and Gardina both are double dipping with their retirement (sometime in the future) and Marks turns his head when the word Zoning inters the picture.
johnny towson
11:58 am on Wednesday, April 11, 2012
James or Ann according to your other posts, you have lumped three people together in an attempt to apply a common label that doesn't fit. All three have different motivations. Marks has not had the opportunity to make zoning decisions yet and has been proactively listening to all concerns relating to all issues, both pro and con. We should reserve judgement until he makes his. To date, nothing he has done has been without community involvement, input or interest. This separates him from most political company.
Bart
12:10 pm on Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Johnny, you are right. Marks doesn't deserve to be included with those two. He has downzoned countless acres of property for the good of, and at the request of his constituents. He is my councilman, and is constantly in touch with the communities to ask about their wishes. James doesn't know what he's talking about.