Wicomico Co. Council denies new positions in Executive’s office, Dan Cox appointment

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – Tuesday, the Wicomico County Council and County Executive Julie Giordano revisited the issue of personnel. On the table: the creation of legislative aide and public information officer (PIO) positions. Also, appointing former Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Cox as special counsel. Both measures were denied, each vote five to one.

New Positions Denied

Previously, Giordano had filled one vacancy in the county’s roads and finances departments, respectively. The two had been working as a legislative aide and PIO since being hired, and before Council made their decision. Giordano had hoped the two would officially become a legislative aide and PIO, once Council approved the creation of those positions.

Council member James Winn was Giordano’s only vote of support in Tuesday’s denial.

“I don’t see why [Giordano] can’t have the people she needs in her office being the Director, Assistant Director, the public information [officer], and whoever else she needs in her office. It’s not costing her any more money. I just think it would be nice if we could work together,” said Winn during Tuesday’s meeting. “They’re two different branches: executive branch, and legislative branch. We’ve got to work together, or nothing is going to happen.”

A man who stepped up to the podium during public comment echoed Winn’s sentiments. “It seems to me that there is opposition constantly. The reason why we voted [Council members] into office, and the reason why the county voted [Giordano] into her position, is to serve the citizens,” he said.

Council president John Cannon had his own message to share.

“We have approved many of the appointments from the Executive and most of the department heads are now going to be running the county. So, I don’t want the public to get the perception that the Council and Executive are in some battle, and it’s some kind of personal debate,” said Cannon.

Giordano says the two hires both resigned at their own will Tuesday.

“No” to Cox as Special Counsel

Council members say they received hundreds of emails opposing the appointment. 11 people stepped up to the podium Tuesday to urge Council to block the move.

Dr. Samuel Henry of the Wicomico County NAACP says the organization “vehemently opposes” the proposition. He went on to say that Cox “antagonized” Governor Wes Moore on the campaign trail, which could jeopardize the county’s standing with the state.

“Having done some research, you will find his politics and political allies to be troubling at minimum, and offensive and divisive at most,” said Dr. Henry. “We would not want to jeopardize our standing and access to the state. So, ask yourselves, would hiring Dan Cox help or hinder our relationship with the new governor?” said Dr. Henry.

James Yamakawa of Wicomico Truth and Reconciliation also warned against the addition of Cox in Wicomico County.

“Given the candidate endorsements between the two parties in question, we think that this hiring would be a clear conflict of interest. Second, Mr. Cox’s history includes numerous instances of dehumanizing rhetoric directed at marginalized communities,” said Yamakawa.

Luc Angelot of the Wicomico County Democratic Central Committee called the potential appointment a “textbook case of cronyism.”

“Not only does Mr. Cox not share the same experience with local government as [former special counsel Kevin Karpinski]. He has a track record of frivolous lawsuits against the state for mandates, election lies, and other topics,” said Angelot.

Council member Shanie Shields chimed in later, giving her own take on the situation.

“If we choose this man, Mr. Cox, as special counsel, it would definitely be a division to our community. Is that what we want? I don’t think so,” said Shields. “I am against Dan Cox being the special counsel due to his philosophy, due to his campaign. If you want to bring up his campaign and ways of thinking, he is not a good fit for our county.”

Giordano Addresses Citizens, Council

The last public comment was made by Giordano. She clarified points about what led to former special counsel Kevin Karpinski being fired, and reiterated that Cox was the right person for the job, despite his political past.

“I am not, as County Executive, getting into the business of hiring, firing, stiff arming, blackballing, or not hiring or appointing anyone based on their political views, or because they lost an election,” said Giordano. “I think that [Cox] can handle 5% of our legal work that has nothing to do with politics.”

Later in the meeting, Giordano made her own plea to Council members, asking them to take all viewpoints on Cox into consideration.

Council Makes Cox Decision

Cox was invited to join the work session via Zoom. However, he was unable to join. Council member Winn and Giordano both suggested that further discussion be tabled until Cox could contribute. However, Council moved forward with a vote, blocking Cox’s appointment five to one. Again, Winn was Giordano’s only vote of support.

“Of course I am disappointed in the vote,” Giordano told 47 ABC. “I think Dan Cox would have been an excellent addition. I do not agree with the council nor do I feel it is good practice making a decision without having time to interview Dan Cox or ask him questions.”

Giordano remains undeterred by the news that Cox will not be coming on board in Wicomico County. She tells 47 ABC she already has some other options lined up for special counsel.

“I always have a plan B and plan C when it comes to our council,” said Giordano.

Giordano also tells 47 ABC she is disappointed with Tuesday’s results. However, she understands that the process must follow through with checks and balances. Adding, Council has “definitely made my job tougher,” by removing the people she had planned to work through numerous issues with. Giordano says those issues include workforce development, affordable childcare, trauma care funding, letters of support and opposition for the Eastern Shore delegation, among others.

“But, we have a busy and full week ahead,” said Giordano. “So I can’t let these decisions, no matter if I like or dislike them, affect me doing this job.”