Antoinette Martsoukos

The first meeting of the Baltimore County Blue Ribbon Commission on Ethics and Accountability focused on obtaining background information about the functions of the Baltimore County Auditor, Inspector General, and Ethics Commission. The meeting also reviewed the commission's charge and discussed the proposed work plan. The meeting included introductions of commissioners and staff, along with an overview of the statutory authority and responsibilities of the county auditor, inspector general, and ethics commission, highlighting areas of overlap.

The meeting included a review of the minutes from the previous meeting. The Baltimore County Office of Inspector General presented on their scope, roles, and relationship with the ethics commission, as well as current investigation practices. Reports from subcommittee chairs were also discussed, along with a review of the executive order establishing the commission and the status of an ethical climate survey. The commission's procedures going forward were also discussed.

The meeting included presentations from the Montgomery County and Baltimore City Inspectors General on their office operations. Discussion topics included the role of independent legal counsel, interviewee rights, and subpoena wait times. The commission also reviewed minutes from a previous meeting and heard updates on subcommittee work and research from the Shaffer Center for Public Policy.

The meeting included a presentation of preliminary findings from an ethical climate survey, which showed a good response rate despite some respondents declining to participate. Key findings included familiarity levels with various oversight entities, reporting rates of suspected misconduct, and common sources of ethical advice. The commission discussed the survey's limitations and plans for more detailed analysis, including a breakdown of response rates and a communication to county employees about reporting mechanisms.

The meeting included a review of the minutes from the previous meeting. Dr. Robin Kempf, assistant professor at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, presented on her research regarding the structures of Offices of Inspector General (OIGs), focusing on concerns examined by best practices research conducted by the Schaefer Center. Key discussion points included the design and implementation of an OIG, the importance of an OIG's independence, and oversight of an OIG, including the question of who should examine an IG's behavior and determine if there is cause for being fired.