By Gillaila Thomas
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
The Baltimore County Council voted 4-3 Monday night in support of a bill to limit the term for council members but failed to get the necessary five votes to put it on the upcoming election ballot.
The term limit bill, the second legislation discussed, proposed to modify the County Charter to allow a person to serve a maximum of three full four-year terms on the County Council. In 2012, there was a 60% turnover for County Council seats, officials said.
Councilwoman Cathy Bevins opposed the idea because she said there should not be a limit on local government.
“We serve because we want to serve” said Bevins.
Without the required five votes, county residents cannot vote to approve or reject the change in a referendum during the gubernatorial election next year. The charter amendment would have taken effect in 2026.
The legislation sparked some concerns and questions as council members cast their final vote.
“Why should there be a limit on local government?” asked Bevins.
In other action, council members said human trafficking is a rising crime in Maryland mainly because of the state’s geographic location. Maryland has a “hot spot” status for domestic human trafficking in the nation, they said.
A resolution by Councilmembers Tom Quirk, Izzy Patoka and Wade Kach calls for an end to human trafficking in Baltimore County with a review of relevant county laws, regulations, and policies. Officials said efforts would be made to make human trafficking more difficult in the county.
However, the council rejected the idea of some members who wanted to make recommendations on possible legislative action.