𧨠The Goon Platoon vs. the Good Old Girl
Baltimore Countyâs strangest alliance takes aim at a placeholder who wasnât supposed to be a threat.
In Baltimore County, the political math isnât adding up. Three council membersâDavid Marks (R), Izzy Patoka (D), and Michael Ertel (D)âhave formed a strange-bedfellows alliance to attack County Executive Kathy Klausmeier, a woman who wasnât even supposed to be part of the equation.
She was the compromise candidate. The placeholder. The respected elder who would serve out the final two years of Johnny Olszewski Jr.âs term after he went to Congress, then retire quietly. But instead of focusing on the real raceâJulian Jones Jr. vs. Izzy Patokaâthe goon platoon has turned their fire on Klausmeier. And the question is: why?
𧊠The Deal That Was Supposed to Hold
When Johnny O. left for Washington, three council members had their eyes on the County Executive seat: Julian Jones Jr., Izzy Patoka, and Pat Young. To avoid giving any one of them an unfair advantage, the council brokered a deal: appoint Kathy Klausmeier, a highly respected former state senator with no further political ambitions, to serve out the term.
Klausmeier was the perfect compromise. She had seniority, goodwill, and no interest in building a machine. She was the âgood old girlââa loyal public servant who answered emails, not texts, and didnât play palace games. She wasnât going to launch a rocket to the moon, but she was going to keep the lights on and the budget balanced.
đĽ Enter the Goon Platoon
But then came the library fight. David Marks wanted a new library in his district. Klausmeier, balancing countywide priorities, said no. Marks responded with public attacks, accusing her of favoritism and neglect. Izzy Patoka quickly joined in, dragging Michael Ertel into the fray. The trio began coordinated criticisms, using council hearings and media leaks to paint Klausmeier as out-of-touch.
This wasnât about policy. It was about optics and ego. Marks felt slighted. Patoka saw an opening. Ertel tagged along. And suddenly, the placeholder became the punching bag.
đ§ Why Attack Kathy Klausmeier?
Strategically, it makes no sense. Klausmeier isnât running. Sheâs not building a coalition. Sheâs not even trying to consolidate power. Attacking her doesnât weaken Julian Jones Jr.âit just makes Patoka look petty and unfocused.
So whatâs the upside?
- Patoka may be trying to create chaos, hoping to emerge as the âfixerâ candidate.
- Marks may be scoring points with his base, especially if he feels Klausmeier favors Democratic districts.
- Ertel may be hedging his bets, aligning with whoever seems most aggressive. A senior source close to Johnny O told me that Mike Ertel is weak and intimided by Izzy Patoka
But the optics are bad. Klausmeier is widely seen as a dignified transitional figure, doing her best in a role she didnât seek. Attacking her feels like kicking the referee in a game youâre losing.
đ The Real Race Is Still Ahead
Julian Jones Jr. remains the frontrunner. Patoka has money but keeps going backwards. Ertel is still finding his lane. And Kathy Klausmeier? Sheâs doing her job, taking the hits, and preparing to exit with grace.
The goon platoon may think theyâre winning the moment. But in Baltimore County, voters remember who threw the first punchâand who kept their dignity.
đ Footnotes & Sources
1. Baltimore Brew on Klausmeierâs appointment and council dysfunction
2. WYPR on council redistricting fights and Patoka/Ertel maneuvering
3. Baltimore County Council homepage (for direct statements)
4. The Avenue article on Marksâ library grievance