Baltimore councilwoman to lead Maryland local government association

Baltimore City Councilwoman Sharon Green Middleton was elected president of the Maryland Association of Counties during the group’s winter conference this week on the Eastern Shore.

Middleton, a Democrat, will lead the influential organization for a one-year term. The president typically serves as a spokesperson for issues affecting local government during the General Assembly session, which begins next month.

The association’s membership consists of representatives from Maryland’s 23 counties and the city of Baltimore.

“Local government must always be at the table and have a voice, when discussing state funding on many topics,” Middleton said. She added that she looked forward to “educating our counties of the challenges of our city, as well as positive successes.”

Middleton previously served as the association’s vice president. She replaces Harford County Executive Barry Glassman, a Republican, as president.

She in the first African American from Baltimore to hold the position, according to her news release.

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski will serve as treasurer and Howard County Executive Calvin Ball will be the secretary. Both are Democrats.