The rhetoric in the race for Anne Arundel county executive took a negative turn Thursday night when the candidates squared off in their last major debate before Election Day.
Republican state Del. John Leopold accused Sheriff George Johnson, a Democrat, of cronyism and mismanagement. Johnson defended his record and acknowledged some mistakes, but offered little in retaliation except to criticize Leopold?s inexperience in managing local government.
“We were displeased that Mr. Leopold chose to take a turn for the negative,” said Mike Rendina, spokesman for the Johnson campaign. “We really wanted to focus on the issues and have an honest discussion about what was best for Anne Arundel County because on those discussions we feel that George wins on those issues.”
Rendina said Johnson had taken the day off from campaigning Friday and was unavailable for comment.
Leopold did not return calls for comment Friday.
During Thursday night?s televised debate held at Anne Arundel Community College, Johnson and Leopold were quizzed by a panel of community leaders about their policy priorities on issues including growth, the environment, taxes and education. Both men hold similar views on most of those subjects.
But when asked to respond to the endorsements given to Johnson last week by five former Anne Arundel County executives, including all four Republicans, Leopold accused Johnson of being one of the “good old boys” who were “too cozy” with developers.
Leopold also cited problems with Johnson?s administration of the county sheriff?s department including the sheriff?s salary increase, usage of public funds to purchase and send holiday cards to county residents, and an independent auditor?s report that uncovered inconsistent record keeping.
“I take great exception to being labeled a good old boy,” Johnson said. “I?ve returned $1 million a year to the county?s general fund. Is that bad management? When has my opponent managed anything?”
Polling
The Center for the Study of Local Issues at Anne Arundel Community College is scheduled to release one of the first public polls gauging Anne Arundel County residents? interest in the county executive race early next week, according to Dan Nataf, the center?s director.
stracy@baltimoreexaminer.com
