Baltimore County executive candidate Joseph Bartenfelder has picked up some support in his chief opponent's backyard with the endorsement of fellow County Councilman Kenneth N. Oliver, who represents the west side.

Before Oliver's District 4 — which extends from the city line west to the borders of Howard and Carroll counties — was established in 2002 to create a minority jurisdiction, part of it was represented by Kevin Kamenetz, the councilman from the west-side District 2, who is also seeking the Democratic nomination for county executive.

In a news release, Oliver praised Bartenfelder for supporting a number of projects in District 4, including Storyville Library in Woodlawn and a drive-in restaurant on Liberty Road that opened this month. Oliver said in the statement that Bartenfelder "recognizes the importance of providing for education and jobs within our community.  He does this by continually supporting the revitalization efforts while recognizing the need for Baltimore County to provide the highest level of services to our citizens."

Oliver, who pleaded guilty last year to two misdemeanor charges of writing checks to himself from his campaign funds, is facing a tough race for re-election. Six Democratic candidates have lined up to challenge him.

Bartenfelder is also supported by Suzanne Mensh, the longtime Circuit Court clerk, who is from Pikesville, which is in Kamenetz's district. Kamenetz has the endorsement of several prominent east-side politicians, including council members John Olszewski Sr. of District 7 and Vincent Gardina of District 5, and former state Sen. Michael Collins of Essex.

arthur.hirsch@baltsun.com