A Letter from County Executive Klausmeier about the Office of the Inspector General
I believe the people of Baltimore County deserve effective, efficient, honest and open government. In my short time in this job, I hope – if nothing else – that will be an important part of how people remember me.
And that is why finding the right person for the job of Baltimore County’s Inspector General is so important to me. The Office of the Inspector General is charged with rooting out waste, fraud and abuse, and recommending best practices and efficiencies that can improve government services – a mission to which I am personally committed.
A lot has been written about the process we are following to find and nominate that person for consideration by the County Council. I am exercising my authority as County Executive – appointed by the County Council – to conduct an open and thorough process to identify the best candidate, and have encouraged the current Inspector General to reapply for the position.
We have assembled some of the best qualified people to lead that process, including one member named by the County Council. The Inspector General Selection Panel has extensive experience in federal, state and local governance – including two who served on the Baltimore County Blue Ribbon Commission on Ethics and Accountability, and two former Inspectors General. This panel will fully comply with state open government rules and respect the privacy of all applicants in order to select the best person for the position.
I appreciate that Baltimore County residents are engaged with our government and supportive of the Office of the Inspector General. The purpose and role of the Office, much like the role of the County Executive, members of the County Council, or even department heads, should transcend whomever may hold the position. As part of a thorough process, I am confident that the most qualified candidate will emerge and act as a watchdog to help ensure accountability, transparency and integrity within our government.
Baltimore County is my home and always will be, and I’m invested in making it the strongest it can be during my time as County Executive.
Sincerely,
Katherine A. Klausmeier
Baltimore County Executive