In an unusual pairing of political fortunes, Del.-elect Neil Quinter, a Democrat, has hired an unsuccessful County Council candidate as his General Assembly legislative aide.

Calvin Ball, the 27-year old Oakland Mills resident who finished second in the Democratic primary election for the east Columbia County Council seat in September, will start his new job Jan. 8, the day Quinter officially becomes a delegate.

Ball lost in the primary by less than 350 votes to David A. Rakes.

Quinter, who will serve on the House Judiciary Committee, said he was "very impressed with Calvin's energy, enthusiasm and potential during the campaign," and said he emerged from the primary gracefully, without engendering "any hard feelings."

The job is full time during the 90-day General Assembly session that begins Jan. 8, and part-time during the rest of the year.

Ball said he will "gain a wealth of experience" learning how legislation becomes law and "how to get things done."