EASTERN SHORE UNDERCOVER EDITORIAL: THE DRAMA CONTINUES WITH THE BATTLE BETWEEN THE WICOMICO COUNTY COUNCIL AND WICOMICO COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICE

Wicomico County, MD - Earlier this week, we posted about the Circuit Court decision in reference to the legal battles between the Wicomico County Council and the Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano. In the decision, which was published and made public, Circuit Court Judge Brett Wilson ruled in favor of Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano.

I personally thought this was the end and all parties could move forward with a working relationship however many people commented on our Facebook page that they didn't feel that the council would allow this to be done with, and in some way, shape or form, would find a way to manipulate and continue the proceedings.  

Unfortunately, as many people saw at the November 21, 2023 Council Meeting, those who felt the Council wouldn't accept defeat, were correct. Council Attorney Robert A. Benson brought up that he felt the judge used an incorrect version of the charter, which we truly don't know if he did or did not, and furthermore, would that have changed the judge's decision? 

This lawsuit has cost taxpayers in the words of Councilman James Winn between $50,000 and $60,000, and now, we are going to go further with more preposterous actions in more attempts to spend more taxpayer dollars, and for what, to get the same result?

Furthermore, in regards to Mr. Benson, I think some of his words were completely out of line.  I feel that as an attorney, he should give respect to the honorable judge who heard this matter, and not belittle or defame his reputation with slanderous comments such as "I've never seen this type of mistake" and "For the life of me I don't know how the court managed to get the language in 315 incorrect".  To further insult the judge, the comment was made "Until a court tells us what the words at a legislation mean as it regards a submission, the court has not acted in a manner consistent with Maryland Law and has not adjudicated this" but isn't that what was done? 

On Thursday of last week, the decision was published and that decision sided with Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano and now, the council is desperate because they feel the shift of power. 

What is important to remember is that the council acknowledged and accepted the Matt Leitzel package, which included his resume, references and interview, as a submission through their own words, agenda, and email to the executive.  It was also understood that the council recognized the submission per the email sent to the council for reconsideration.  

Matt Leitzel was submitted the same way as several other appointments.  If the submissions were done incorrectly for the past 7 years, why was the error never addressed at that time, and why is it now, only becoming an issue? 

The County Executive submitted Mr Leitzel.  The submission was recognized by the council as a valid submission.  They did not vote to confirm or reject him within 45 days.

Councilman Winn brought up a very valid point during council comments when he said that the council is paying a lot of money, to get an opinion, estimated between $50,000 and $60,000, to which Mr. Benson is partly the recipient of a portion of that expense. Ironically, Council President Cannon informed Councilman Winn that he was out of line because Mr. Benson has a law degree. 

If we use that same analogy and same consideration for Judge Brett W. Wilson, who ruled on this case, and whom I can assure you not only has a law degree but has been appointed as a judge in the state of Maryland, then is Mr. Benson out of line? You be the judge.....