The outgoing City Council President tapped a grants program that allows lawmakers to earmark funds to organizations of their choice, free of competitive bidding or a merit-based allocation process. UPDATED.

Still unresolved: issues of employee health, safety and “arbitrary” management practices that spurred the establishment of the AFSCME-affiliated union in 2022.

Two bills would generate funds to pay for Mayor Brandon Scott’s plan to rehab vacants and build affordable housing and another would rezone the Harford Road corridor.

Under Chairman Izzy Patoka, the council appears unwilling to give the public any real voice in the selection of the next Baltimore County Executive. [OP-ED]