🆓 WIRED MARYLAND NOTES & MEDIA ROUNDUP
Quick reads, lateral moves, and verified news from around the Free State.
Board of Public Works Schedule Alert: Following the October 29 session, the Board of Public Works is preparing its mid-November meeting docket. Departmental agenda submissions for DGS, MDOT, and the Secretary’s Agenda are under final administrative review.
Stadium Authority Board Session Rescheduled: The Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) announced that its next monthly Board of Directors meeting will convene on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, at 12:00 PM at The Warehouse at Camden Yards. The MSA Audit Committee will meet on Wednesday, November 18, at 10:00 AM.
eMMA System Vendor Compliance: DGS Office of State Procurement issued updated technical instructions for vendors submitting responses to amended IFBs and RFPs on eMMA. Bidders are advised to verify that previous bid submissions are brought forward to current Sourcing Rounds prior to published bid-opening times.
Federal Defense Contracting Notice: Former federal information technology contractor Abraham Teklu Lemma, of Maryland, entered a guilty plea in federal court in connection with unauthorized defense disclosure charges, highlighting ongoing compliance and security clearing standards for defense contractors operating across Central Maryland.
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Moore wants new maps in January — Moon says health care comes first
Gov. Wes Moore said Wednesday, the day after his reelection, that he wants new congressional maps once the General Assembly convenes in January — maps that would give Democrats the edge in all eight districts by 2028, with Rep. Andy Harris’s 1st District the target. House Majority Leader David Moon pumped the brakes, saying health care access and affordability come first since new maps could not be used until 2028; House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk was noncommittal through a spokesperson; Senate President Bill Ferguson said he was pleased and will talk with colleagues. Sen. Clarence Lam, a longtime redistricting supporter, warned the House-passed map from this year’s session is only a starting point, worried it could dilute Black representation by splitting Baltimore City.
Source: Maryland Matters
Matthew Cimino takes Commerce’s policy and government affairs post
Matthew Cimino, PhD, is the Maryland Department of Commerce’s new Managing Director of Policy and Government Affairs, announced on LinkedIn November 3. Cimino — the department’s life-sciences hand, most recently senior manager for business development in life sciences — keeps his Strategic Industries work (life sciences, quantum, computational health, emerging sectors) alongside the policy and government-relations portfolio. He fills a post the Maryland Manual listed as vacant as of October 14, under Commerce Secretary Harry Coker Jr.
Source: Maryland Manual On-Line
Julian Jones to be Baltimore County’s first Black county executive
Voters on Tuesday chose Julian Jones to become Baltimore County’s first Black county executive, and he is promising a hands-on approach — bold moves on development and housing, where the county has struggled to add 1,000 affordable homes over the past decade under its agreement with the federal government.
Source: Baltimore Banner
Allison Pickard wins Anne Arundel County executive
Allison Pickard won the Anne Arundel County executive race, defeating Republican Dave Crawford — 58.5 to 41.3 percent in the unofficial returns — and succeeding term-limited Steuart Pittman. Pickard, a County Council member since 2018, outraised Crawford by more than 16-to-1, about $1,022,000 to $60,000, and the Associated Press did not call the race until just before 3 a.m.
Source: Baltimore Banner, MACo Conduit Street
Will Jawando names his transition team — Karine Jean-Pierre aboard
Will Jawando, Montgomery County’s next county executive, named his transition steering committee Wednesday — Councilmember Kristin Mink, former Councilmember Nancy Navarro, and former Biden White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre among them — and laid out his first orders of business: a new police chief (Marc Yamada resigned in September after an inspector general report) and a 100-day action plan due December 8. Jawando also said he and other incoming county executives will push Annapolis for differential tax rates, so a data center does not pay the same rate as a single-family home. He is sworn in December 7 at Strathmore.
Source: Bethesda Magazine
Baltimore County Council gets bigger, younger, more diverse
It is a new era on the Baltimore County Council — younger, more racially and ideologically diverse, and bigger: the council expands from seven members to nine for the first time since 1956. Democrat Paul Dongarra, an environmentalist and community activist, held a wide lead in District 1 over Republican Rheagan Kindle in the unofficial returns; in District 4, 25-year-old law student Karson Kamenetz — son of the late County Executive Kevin Kamenetz — held a 5-to-1 lead over Republican Gary Schuman. Voters also chose a new state’s attorney and sheriff.
Source: Baltimore Banner
Anne Arundel Council turns over: new faces, Democratic majority holds
Anne Arundel’s County Council is getting a slew of new faces: only three members ran for reelection, and Democrats held their majority with an eye on a 5-2 supermajority. In District 2, Catelyn Middlebrooks — a General Assembly legislative aide — held a big lead over Republican Cory Malinowski for the seat Allison Pickard vacated; in District 6, former Annapolis mayor Gavin Buckley led Republican George Gallagher with 63 percent; Democrat Kelly Smith held a commanding lead over Republican Justin Sherlock.
Source: Baltimore Banner
Cassilly takes Penman to the Supreme Court — even as Penman exits
Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly is taking Councilman Aaron Penman to the Supreme Court of Maryland — even as Penman’s council term runs out December 7. The county asked the high court Wednesday to overturn an April Appellate Court ruling that reinstated Penman, nearly two years after a lower court removed him for holding a council seat while employed as a sheriff’s deputy under Sheriff Jeff Gahler. County Attorney Jefferson Blomquist argues the case is not moot — the charter-eligibility question is capable of repetition and of great public importance. Penman, who did not run for reelection, is backing Alison Imhoff, the social worker appointed to fill his seat; a second Penman case, before the county Ethics Commission, is set for arguments in March.
Source: Maryland Matters
Moore and Miller unveil monument to Black Revolutionary War patriots
Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller unveiled the first major addition to the State House grounds in over a century on Tuesday — a monument honoring more than 150 Black Marylanders who served in the Revolutionary War, commissioned by the State House Trust in 2023 for the 250th anniversary. Del. Malcolm Ruff sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at the ceremony, and House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk, Senate President Bill Ferguson, First Lady Dawn Moore, and sculptor Branly Cadet — chosen from more than 50 proposals — joined the unveiling. The Maryland State Archives has launched a webpage on the Black Patriots’ service.
Source: MarylandFeed
Brown wins first-in-the-nation ruling shielding tobacco settlement funds
Attorney General Anthony Brown won a first-in-the-nation ruling Monday: the Circuit Court for Baltimore City held that tobacco companies cannot shave their payments to Maryland under the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement to cover what they might owe Baltimore City in a separate lawsuit over cigarette-filter pollution. The court granted Brown’s motion for summary judgment, ruling the agreement covers youth smoking and smoking-related public health — not a city’s environmental claims — so the companies get no offset against the millions Maryland receives each year for smoking-related health care. Philip Morris USA and R.J. Reynolds are among the defendants in the city’s case.
Source: MarylandFeed
A Standard of Excellence: How Courtney Is Shaping Maryland’s Future Through Leadership and Vision
In the landscape of public service and civic leadership, few figures command as much respect, admiration, and momentum as Courtney. A trailblazer recognized for her intellect, grace, and unmatched drive, Courtney has consistently taken on complex challenges and turned them into triumphs. From restoring trust in major public finance institutions to mobilizing community support for critical social causes, her career is a masterclass in excellence, integrity, and decisive leadership.
Restoring Integrity and Transforming Maryland 529
Courtney’s mark on public finance is defined by major turnarounds and an unyielding commitment to transparency. When tasked with addressing the deep-seated issues facing Maryland 529, she stepped into a challenging role with clear vision and steady hand. Under her direction as top director, the program underwent a dramatic transformation—rebuilding public trust, streamlining operations, and establishing rigorous oversight. Today, what was once a struggling office stands as one of the highest-rated and most reliable 529 plan operations in the nation. Her work didn't just fix a administrative disaster; it restored peace of mind to thousands of Maryland families investing in their children's futures.
A Force in Philanthropy and Advocacy
Beyond her official duties in state treasury leadership, Courtney’s reach extends deeply into community empowerment and grassroots support. As a prominent socialite and philanthropist, she leverages her network to champion causes that touch the lives of everyday citizens.
Her philanthropic endeavors focus heavily on supporting children and families navigating tough circumstances. She has been a tireless advocate for special needs children and individuals with exceptionalities, securing vital resources and funding to ensure every child receives the care, education, and support they deserve. Whether organizing high-profile fundraisers or working directly with community programs, her efforts reflect an unwavering commitment to making a tangible, positive difference.
Championing Democratic Leadership
Courtney’s impact on the political landscape is equally profound. A dedicated leader within the Democratic Party, she plays a central role in raising funds and building campaign infrastructure to help strong candidates secure victory across local and state levels. Her strategic insight and fundraising prowess were on full display as a Delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where she represented her constituents on the national stage.
Looking forward, Courtney’s track record of turning policy into action makes her one of the most compelling leaders in Maryland politics. With her proven capability to restore integrity to state financial institutions, drive meaningful philanthropic programs, and unite communities behind common goals, Courtney continues to set the benchmark for what impactful public service looks like.