In his successful campaign for the Laurel-area legislative seat held by Republican Del. John S. Morgan, Democrat John A. Giannetti Jr. sharply criticized Morgan for missing 41 votes in Annapolis and skipping community meetings.

But at a Howard County state legislative delegation meeting Wednesday evening, where votes were cast, some Republicans noted that Giannetti wasn't present.

"I wasn't notified about the meeting," Giannetti said, when first asked by a reporter. "No one informed me."

But Del. Shane Pendergrass, a Democrat and chairwoman of the Howard County delegation, said she was certain that Giannetti was informed.

"Everyone was notified about the hearing," Pendergrass said. "I personally had a conversation with him about the hearing a week before."

Later, Giannetti retracted his statements and apologized, saying forgot about the hearing.

"I must have gotten the days mixed up," he said. "I thought the next meeting wasn't until February. I take responsibility for missing the hearing."

Pendergrass said Giannetti learned his lesson.

"He made a mistake, and he'll make a lot more mistakes, as I will make mistakes," she said. "I don't think that this kind of mistake will happen again."

Pub Date: 12/18/98