Wicomico Co. Executive Julie Giordano taps Dan Cox for special counsel appointment

Han Cechini,

 

MARYLAND – Former Republican Gubernatorial candidate Dan Cox has been tapped by Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano for a special counsel appointment.

Giordano and Cox’s Relationship

Giordano says she first met Cox when he announced his run for Governor.

“I respect him as a candidate. I respect anybody, actually, who runs for office. It’s very tough, and it’s not for the faint of heart,” said Giordano. “I respect him even more as an attorney. That’s what he did beforehand. He was a great delegate, and stood up for a lot of different views and values.”

On the campaign trail, Cox and Giordano teamed up. Maryland State Board of Elections records show that Giordano once donated $3,552 to a Cox event at former president Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort.

Cox is a former delegate in Maryland’s House, and has been licensed to practice law in Maryland since 2006.

“Dan is going to bring a unique set of skills to the table. Most importantly, it’s an outsider’s perspective. He doesn’t live in Wicomico County, but he’s very familiar with the Eastern Shore, and I need that outside look,” said Giordano. “Dan is an amazing attorney, and is always going to do the moral and ethical thing. And, I think, out of an attorney, that’s what we need.”

Appointing New Special Counsel

Giordano’s recommendation for Cox to fill the role of special counsel comes after Kevin Karpinkski was let go from the position. This follows the county’s lawsuit involving two former Wicomico County Sheriff’s Deputies. “There were some ethics issues and some violations that we felt were just not in the county’s best interest,” said Giordano.

As special counsel, Cox would assist both Wicomico County Council and Giordano’s office in specialized litigation. Giordano says that would probably account for 5% to 10% of the work that county attorney Paul Wilber does. She says Wilber is “entrenched.” Adding, Cox could prove crucial in upcoming personnel matters, a potential lawsuit, and Fraternal Order of Police negotiations.

“There are times when you do need that specialized counsel to come in and take over specific cases,” said Giordano. “This is not something that we’ll be using every day. It’s going to be very sporadic, in certain instances.”

In 2020, Karpinski charged the county up to $250 per hour for his services. By comparison, Cox could charge up to $350 an hour under the appointment. It’s a fee increase that those opposed to Cox’s appointment have called into question.

“When it comes to law, this is not something that I necessarily want to skimp on. I think that, if anybody needs an attorney, I would assume they’d want a good attorney,” said Giordano.

Concerns About Cox

On the gubernatorial campaign trail, Cox pushed conspiracy theories about the 2020 election being rigged. He also tweeted about organizing busses to bring protestors to the capitol on January 6th, 2021, and that former Vice President Mike Pence was “a traitor.” Those tweets have since been deleted.

Wicomico County Council members would not comment on the matter, but tell 47 ABC they have received dozens of emails opposing the appointment. The LSPC says they have gathered hundreds more echoing those concerns.

Given Cox’s political history, members of the Lower Shore Progressive Caucus (LSPC) worry that he will bring a political agenda into the offices of Wicomico County government.

“When thinking about Dan Cox, it’s kind of the Trump MAGA extremism definitely coming full circle to Wicomico County. We want this to be a place for everyone to live, and everyone to have an opinion. I don’t think that’s a safe bet with Dan Cox coming in,” said Tyler Jones Sr. of the LSPC.

Jones is also concerned that with the addition of Cox in Wicomico County, could come misinformation.

“We’re counting on our elected officials to give the right information. You’re not going to receive that through Dan Cox,” said Jones. “For [Giordano] to immediately go an extremist, I think her response is painting the wrong narrative.”

Before Wicomico County citizens make up their mind on whether they think Cox will be a good fit, Jones urges them to do their research on his background.

“I suggest that people actually get the background information and all the facts, and see the background that Dan Cox has had, and question why [Giordano] would want somebody with those specific ideals to be special counsel to her,” said Jones. “I think that [Cox and Giordano] probably share similar ideas and goals for the transformation of the county. She just wants to have his counsel to bring these things to fruition,” said Jones. 

“In campaign mode”

Giordano says she does not align herself with Cox’s more extreme viewpoints. She went on to say that those might not even be his true beliefs, as politicians are “in campaign mode” while trying to earn voters’ trust.

“Do we love every decision that he made in running for governor? Maybe not. I don’t think we could say that about any candidate, that we love every single thing that they do,” said Giordano. “I’m hoping that people see the campaign is over. Whether they liked him or didn’t like him, the campaign is over, and [we should] look at him as the attorney he is.”

Political talking points need to be set aside once election season is over, says Giordano.

“Whether you like him personally, that has to be set aside. You have to put your best people in place. And, I think, from that standpoint, that moral, ethical position, I don’t think there’s anybody better than Dan,” said Giordano.

Looking Ahead

Tuesday, Wicomico County Council will meet in an open work session. During that time, Cox’s proposed appointment will be discussed. There will also be an opportunity or public comment. If you’d like to make your opinion known, make sure you’re in council chambers at 10 a.m. sharp.

Cox’s appointment as special counsel would have to be approved by Wicomico County Council members.

“It’s a five to two Republican council. I’m going to assume that five out of the seven voted for him, I would think,” said Giordano. “So, if they trusted him enough as governor, I would think he’d be okay with 5% to 10% of the legal work.”
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