NOTTINGHAM, MD—The following is an update from Fifth District Councilman David Marks on the search for a new Baltimore County Executive:

A new Baltimore County Executive will be inaugurated in early January to complete the term of John Olszewski, Jr., elected to Congress. I would like to thank those who have submitted their names to replace County Executive Olszewski, and all who testified or written letters of support.

We have made much progress in recent years in areas such as school overcrowding and open space preservation. With the construction of Nottingham Middle and Pine Grove Middle, for example, school overcrowding has been largely eliminated throughout large parts of eastern Baltimore County. Baltimore County has purchased places like the C.P. Crane plant for open space and made progress toward its goal of preserving 80,000 acres of land.

Still, there are urgent issues the new County Executive must confront.

First, tackle the budget crisis. Maryland faces a projected $2.7 billion deficit in Fiscal Year 2026 that grows to almost $6 billion over a five-year period. Decisions made by the state government will impact nearly every aspect of spending in Baltimore County. The new County Executive must spend conservatively. We should honor our existing contracts with labor unions, and largely focus on completing already-planned capital projects. We absolutely must avoid property and income tax increases.

Second, finish existing public works and parks projects. Baltimore County simply spends too long approving capital projects. In the next two years, the new County Executive must prioritize the completion of Eastside projects such as the Mohrs Lane Bridge connection, the and the traffic circle at Honeygo Boulevard and Cross Road.

Third, promote a culture that values public safety, beginning with first responders. In December, there were numerous crashes across the Eastside, as well as a series of break-ins. My constituents value our police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. We need to do whatever is possible to replenish the ranks of retirees, retain current employees, and advance projects such as the Essex police station and new fire stations in Bowleys Quarters and Middle River.

Fourth, fix Baltimore County’s permitting system. One of the biggest complaints I hear from residents and businesses alike is the amount of time it takes to get a permit approved.

Finally, there are some important initiatives that can be implemented that require very little new money. As an example, County Executive Olszewski created an Agricultural Advisory Board; we should examine their recommendations about ways to strengthen the county’s farmers. I also want to strengthen the county’s Urban-Rural Demarcation Line, which protects our farmland from overdevelopment. We should also work with our state legislators to modify the onerous reserve requirements for condominiums, and locally, complete the transfer of the historic Perry Hall Mansion to a nonprofit organization.

I look forward to working with the new County Executive on these and other priorities between now and 2026.