Maryland State Wire

Baltimore, MD – Common Cause Maryland has expressed strong disapproval of Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier’s involvement in the final round of interviews for Inspector General candidates. The organization describes this participation as a conflict of interest that compromises the independence and integrity of the watchdog office.

There has been widespread criticism from constituents, community leaders, and members of the County Council regarding the opaque and closed-door nature of the search process. Common Cause Maryland supports Councilman Izzy Patoka’s proposal to establish an independent advisory board to oversee the appointment process for the Inspector General. The organization urges the County Council to adopt this measure alongside confirming an Inspector General to prevent such processes from becoming standard practice in future appointments.

“It’s alarming that the County Executive has inserted herself into final round interviews — undermining a process that was supposed to be ‘independent.’ Her involvement further stains an already controversial process, leaving many to question whether the Office of the Inspector General is truly free from political influence, no matter who is nominated,” said Joanne Antoine, executive director of Common Cause Maryland. “We’re asking the County Council to adopt Councilman Patoka’s bill to create an independent advisory board at the same time they confirm an Inspector General to ensure this watchdog role has the full independence needed to hold our government accountable.”

Antoine also highlighted her service on Baltimore County's Blue Ribbon Commission on Ethics and Accountability, noting that their 2022 recommendations stressed protecting the hiring process from political influence as essential for maintaining strong guardrails around Inspector General independence.