Particle.news
Download on the App Store
11 ARTICLES
·
3d ago

Klausmeier’s Inspector General Nominee Faces Rejection as Council Backs Incumbent

Council members have declared they will only support Kelly Madigan, dooming Khadija Walker’s bid for inspector general in the July 29 vote.

Khadija E. Walker, a federal auditor and inspector general, was selected to be Baltimore County's next inspector general. (Courtesy of Baltimore County government)
Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier attends a news conference on Friday after a 30-inch water main break in the 11200 block of York Road shut down the street from Schilling Road to Ashland Road and affected many businesses. Crews are working to shut off the water and begin repairs.
Maryland State Senator Jim Brochin speaks during the Annual Memorial Day Service in Towson, Md. on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
Image

Overview

  • On July 24, County Executive Kathy Klausmeier nominated Khadija E. Walker as inspector general, choosing the former federal auditor over incumbent Kelly Madigan.
  • By July 25, a majority of Baltimore County Council members had declared they would only confirm Madigan, leaving Walker without the four votes needed for appointment.
  • The council will debate Walker’s nomination in a July 29 work session before a confirmation vote, and a rejection would extend Madigan’s tenure until a successor is nominated.
  • Critics argue that Walker’s 22 years of audit-focused federal service lack the investigative and legal expertise that Madigan brought as a state prosecutor and certified inspector general.
  • Hundreds of residents have protested and petitioned for Madigan’s reappointment, while the Association of Inspectors General warned the selection panel changes created conflicts of interest that threaten office independence.