Kevin Kamenetz, a key figure in the Baltimore County Council's effort to establish a strong role in relation to the new county executive, will likely be elected the body's new chairman next month, council members say.

The Pikesville Democrat, who was unopposed in his run for a third term this fall, has been chairman twice.

In recent weeks, Kamenetz, 45, has been one of the council's most vocal spokesmen in the effort to get newly elected County Executive James T. Smith Jr. to recognize the experience and authority of the council.

Only one new member was elected to the council this fall, and most members have served two or three four-year terms.

"I'm pleased my colleagues believe I can provide leadership on behalf of the council as we start a new term and begin a brand new administration," Kamenetz said.

The chairmanship of the council rotates every January. The post is largely administrative - the chairman runs council meetings and introduces legislation requested by the executive.

It also provides some opportunity to be the "public face" of the council, said outgoing Chairman John A. Olszewski Sr., a Dundalk Democrat. He said other members agree with Kamenetz's effort to establish the council as an equal partner with Smith.

"I think all my colleagues on the council believe in having that partnership, and if you think about it, we have almost 50 years of experience between the six returning council members, and County Executive Smith has been away from county government for 15 years," Olszewski said. "I think [Smith] understands that we have to work together."

The council and the executive had a squabble Smith's first week in office over a new amendment to the county charter giving the council the right to confirm department heads.

Smith agreed that if he decides to keep any of the sitting department heads permanently, he would send their names to the council for confirmation. But council members contended that once the amendment took effect Thursday, the department heads had no legal authority to do their jobs.

Councilmen suggested that Smith submit the names of the incumbent department heads as interim appointments, which don't need confirmation for 60 days. Smith refused.

Kamenetz said he met with Smith on Friday and that they are "actively working" toward a resolution.