The Baltimore County chapter of Americans for Prosperity and one of the group’s leaders has filed an ethics complaint against County Executive Jim Smith — and in return has received sharp criticism from a county spokesman.

Steve Bailey, co-chairman of the group, which opposes speed cameras in Baltimore County, filed the complaint today with the Baltimore County Ethics Commission alleging Smith acted improperly by attempting to negotiate a contract to lease speed cameras even before the County Council had voted on a bill allowing the cameras to be used.

That vote is scheduled for tonight at the council’s 7 p.m. meeting.

Americans for Prosperity describes itself as a group supporting free market ideals and smaller government. The group organized tax protest tea parties in the state and has come out against speed cameras, calling them a “tax grab.”

“Clearly Steve is extremely bitter,” said Don Mohler, referring to Bailey’s loss to Democrat Scott Shellenberger in the 2006 state’s attorney race. “It’s sad to see folks that are unable to move on.”

In that election, Bailey, a Republican, complained that Smith improperly channeled nearly $450,000 to Shellenberger’s campaign. The donations, which were made through a slate to which Smith and Shellenberger both belonged, were determined to be legal.

Mohler said he had not seen the complaint but called the issue “old news.”

“The fact that Mr. Bailey and his group are focusing on this old issue just goes to show you how bereft of ideas they are,” Mohler said. “They probably don’t think President Obama should speak to school children either. That’s the kind of rhetoric we’re getting these days from these fringe groups.”

Bailey said he would not respond to Mohler’s comments.

“I don’t think I’m going to even dignify that with a response,” he said.

Bailey said he filed the complaint on behalf of the group because of “unanswered questions” posed by talks between the county and the proposed camera vendor, ACS State and Local Solutions.

“Whose idea was this in the first place?” Bailey asked. “We would like there to be a fuller explanation.”

“Regardless of your position on speed cameras, everyone should be concerned with the way the county tried to award this contract,” Bailey said.

On Tuesday, Mohler said county officials were in preliminary talks with the Dallas-based company.

At the time, the county was looking to piggy-back a contract for six to 12 speed cameras onto an existing contract with ACS for red-light cameras.

That red-light camera contract was bid out in December and finalized last month. As part of the final negotiations, a provision was added to the contract to purchase speed cameras.

Mohler said last week the piggy-backing option with ACS is no longer in play because the county wants to lease the speed camera equipment, rather than buying it as it will with the red light cameras.

But Bailey said the county is changing how it will award the contract for another reason.

“In essence, they are admitting they had second thoughts about the process they were engaged in,” Bailey said.

Bailey said he hopes the County Ethics Commission will investigate the issue and make any report available to the public.

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user comments (3)

user brucerobinson says...

Mr. Mohler changed the subject and cast aspersions on those who think differently from him, but doesn't answer the question. Statements like those from Mr. Mohler preceded the departure of another spokesman, Damien O'Dougherty, from the early months of this administration. Let's hope these behaviors do not impair the ability of Mr. Smith to govern. Public Ethics Law is designed to protect the citizens from corrupt people, people who deal in back channels for their own enrichment, people who evade the regulations designed to keep the public well informed about the actions of their elected and appointed officials.

Posted 8:45 AM, 09.09.09

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user onewhocares says...

I agree with you Bruce. Clearly, Mr. Mohler dodged the matter about the actions of the county being unethical. I would think that many Balt Co citizens would think this was inproper behavior and not people who have something against the Co Ex (which Mr. Mohler thinks is the case with Mr. Bailey).

Posted 12:54 PM, 09.09.09

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user countycitizen says...

Don Mohler's comments are outrageous and unprofessional. He is the spokesman for County Executive Jim Smith. Is this how Jim Smith wants us to view him - as a politician who will personally attack citizens who raise questions about his policies or practices?!? Mohler and Smith should both be fired. Americans For Prosperity raises valid questions and we all deserve an answer.

Posted 10:12 PM, 09.27.09

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