Baltimore, MD – Today, Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier announced she won’t nominate Kelly Madigan to continue on as Inspector General  – despite her proven record and broad support from residents, community leaders, and council members.

Common Cause Maryland says the secretive, politicized selection process has shattered public trust in the office.

“It’s incredibly disappointing that County Executive Klausmeier refused to reappoint Madigan, a respected leader in our community. This entire process was politicized and lacked transparency, and it has destroyed public trust in the Inspector General’s office” said Joanne Antoine, executive director of Common Cause Maryland. “Baltimore County residents deserve a truly independent watchdog, and this chaotic nomination process cannot be the norm. We need structural reform now to reaffirm the independence of the Inspector General, and we need the County Council to uphold constituents’ desire to keep Madigan in the role.”

Antoine is urging the Baltimore County Council to pass legislation introduced by Councilman Izzy Patoka to create an independent advisory board to oversee future Inspector General appointments. The County Council should adopt the measure concurrently with any Inspector General confirmation to ensure this chaotic, clandestine process is not the standard for future appointments.