TPA Celebrates Extension of Kelly Madigan’s Term as Baltimore County Inspector General

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kara Zupkus (224)-456-0257

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier announced her decision to extend the term of current Baltimore County Inspector General (IG) Kelly Madigan until a new county executive or independent board appoints (or reappoints) an IG. The decision follows a vote by the Baltimore County Council to reject Klausmeier’s preferred candidate Khadija Walker, after a turbulent nomination process that raised serious questions regarding conflicts of interest and political interference with the IG’s office.

In response to this development, David Williams, TPA President, offered the following comment:

“TPA is excited to see Kelly Madigan continue in her role as Baltimore County’s top watchdog. The County Council’s rejection of Walker was the right choice. This recent nomination process demonstrates that, without the proper safeguards in place, even the most capable IGs will be sidelined by government executives uncomfortable with accountability. Klausmeier tried sidelining Madigan despite her laudable track record in saving taxpayers money and making Baltimore County a more transparent place. Fortunately, local lawmakers stopped this legally dubious process. Extending Madigan’s term is the best way to protect Baltimore County taxpayers and ensure that a worthy successor to perform the job is eventually picked.”

“TPA wishes the best to the Baltimore County IG for the remainder of her term and knows she will continue to fight for a better, fairer, and more transparent County government. This is a good day for Baltimore County and the continued oversight of taxpayer dollars.”

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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.