Commentary

by David A. PlymyerJan 10, 2025

The process of choosing a county executive was an apparent violation of the Maryland Open Meetings Act and a definite embarrassment. [OP-ED]

Special SeriesDec 20, 2024

Investigation into secret pension payment to firefighter with ties to Olszewski fizzles out

No wonder the settlement was hidden under the false name of “Philip Dough,” an action that Baltimore County IG Kelly Madigan bent over backwards to find was not “malicious.” [OP-ED]

Dec 2, 2024

Why the not-so-public process to name Johnny Olszewski’s successor?

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]

Special SeriesSep 19, 2024

Calling the judge’s Harborplace decision “voter suppression” shows a real ignorance of the law

It takes a lot of nerve for Councilman Costello and the mayor to attack a judge and the many serious people who believe the waterfront apartment tower plan is bad for the Inner Harbor. [OP-ED]

Aug 19, 2024

Appeals Board rejects approval of a controversial housing project by Olszewski-promoted judge

An environmental win for now, the Greenspring Manor case exposes Baltimore County government’s pattern of rebuffing critics and enabling development that is overwhelming its sewer system. [OP-ED]

Special SeriesAug 5, 2024

A look behind the curtain at the Olszewski administration in action

What a confirmation it would be of his professed commitment to accountability if the Baltimore County Executive came clean on the Tirabassi matter. [OP-ED]

Jun 25, 2024

Baltimore County Council continues its grab for power – and for dollars from developers

Jun 3, 2024

Before the Baltimore County Council tonight: A vote to enrich its members’ pensions

May 29, 2024

Requiem for a Baltimore woman that addiction and social services programs failed

May 21, 2024

Maryland lawmakers must stop the powerful from SLAPPing down free speech

Special SeriesMar 22, 2024

Ruling on Mosby defense fund donor redactions: Disappointing and wrong

Special SeriesFeb 15, 2024

It’s time for a pause and reflection, says former BDC head M.J. “Jay” Brodie

Special SeriesFeb 8, 2024

With another encampment clearing looming, a plea to Mayor Scott

Special SeriesJan 15, 2024

Upon taking office, Mayor Scott secretly worked to ensure one developer got rights to Harborplace

Dec 8, 2023

Charm City Lights, appealing to cars and suburbanites, irks a Baltimore parks and youth advocate

Dec 3, 2023

Plans for the redevelopment of Camden Yards began years ago and should stay in the hands of the Stadium Authority

Nov 27, 2023

Once again, Johnny Olszewski avoids giving needed powers to Baltimore County’s inspector general

Nov 24, 2023

Championing a stadium deal and the Harborplace plan: Two rookie mistakes by Wes Moore

Nov 14, 2023

The outsized role of developers in Baltimore is reflected in the new Harborplace plan

Sep 19, 2023

Acting City Solicitor has no authority to appeal a state order to release the Mosby donor names to media

Sep 11, 2023

Fighting the release of Mosby donor names is a bad look for the Scott administration

Sep 5, 2023

IG report on bribes at Baltimore’s housing department helps clarify the importance of a land bank

Jul 20, 2023

Baltimore electeds should own up to their role in this summer’s pool closings

Jul 3, 2023

Yes, those BGE gas meters are ugly, but there are other reasons to be skeptical