Watchdog Slams Proposal to Rein in Baltimore County IG

For Immediate Release                            

Contact: Courtney Mattison (202-525-7492)                   

July 2, 2021            

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Today, the Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) urged Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski to reverse course on a draft bill that would curb the power of Baltimore County Inspector General (IG) Kelly Madigan and end the IG’s independence. Olszewski’s efforts to undermine the IG come just 18 months after the County Executive appointed Madigan to the role. According to Baltimore Brew contributor Mark Reutter, “The bill, so far publicly undisclosed, would allow an Oversight Board packed with political appointees – three designated by Olszewski, two designated by County Council Chair Julian E. Jones, and two mutually agreed upon – to restrict and control future investigations by the IG.”

TPA President David Williams slammed the draft legislation, noting, “IGs are the front line of defense for taxpayers at all levels of government. County governments and municipalities play a vital role in ensuring that households and businesses have regular access to public services ranging from trash collection to excellent schools. This process cannot work, though, if county governments insist on wasteful, opaque spending and shield themselves from any form of accountability. Without independent watchdogs such as Baltimore County IG Kelly Madigan to hold County officials accountable, profligate spending and corrupt dealings will replace sound, transparent governance.”

Williams continued: “It’s hard to conclude that this anything other than a brazen move for political retaliation. Madigan recently exposed the misspending of taxpayer funds by William ‘Chris’ McCollum, a public official who is well-connected to Olszewski’s election committee. A combination of meticulous media coverage and sound IG reporting led to McCollum’s resignation as deputy director at the Department of Economic and Workforce Development. Apparently, the saga is not over yet. Olszewski and his political cronies are clearly determined to have the last word and muzzle the IG’s office as a result of these accountability measures.”

Williams concluded: “Baltimore County officials need to step up and demand that the IG’s office remains independent from the rest of the county government. A basic function of county government is to promulgate transparency and make public the draft bill that currently has yet to see the light of day. The failure of the county government to post the proposal on its website is a flagrant violation of government rules and an unwelcome break from democratic norm. Clearly, something has gone awry in Baltimore County. It is up to public servants and citizens to speak up about this mess.  TPA stands behind IG Madigan 100 percent and demands answers from Olszewski.”

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Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to educating the public through the research, analysis and dissemination of information on the government’s effects on the economy