John D. Psota to continue serving as Acting County Executive

SALISBURY, Md. – In a 5-2 vote, Wicomico County Council approved the continuation of John D. Psota as Acting County Executive. This comes after almost two months of the council reviewing candidates  and a declination of the position by Salisbury cardiologist Rene Desamarias.

Wicomico County Council President Larry Dodd says councilmembers were unable to come to a conclusion as to which candidates would be the best fit for the job. “After Council requested and received applications to fill the vacancy in the Office of County Executive and conducted interviews of certain applicants, the Council is unable to reach a majority consensus to fill the vacancy. So the Council decided that it would be in the best interest of the county for Mr. Psota to continue to fill the vacancy pursuant to the Charter,” said Dodd.

Dodd says that one of the key issues in finding candidates was the salary of the County Executive position. “The Charter needs to be changed and I think the salaries do need to be increased. So we will be moving forward with the salary commission,” said Dodd.

Psota is currently Wicomico County’s Director of Administration, and will continue to serve in that position while he fills the Acting County Executive seat. Dodd says Psota is looking to hire another Director of Administration, as well as a Deputy Director.

The Council President says that he thinks voting to keep Psota as Acting County Executive is the right choice. Dodd adds that he thinks it’s time for Wicomico County to make  a move forward instead of continuing the search for candidates. “I think it’s time to move the county forward. Mr. Psota is going to hire the vacant director and deputy director. So I think it’s time to get the county to move forward and in 2022 we’ll see what happens,” said Dodd.

Psota will carry out the same duties and obligations and has the same rights and powers assigned to an elected County Executive. He will continue to hold the position until the vacant position is filled by election or if it is filled in accordance with the Charter.