Trio Ousts Howard Co. Appeals Board Chair: Report

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Three county council members voted to remove the chair of the Howard County Board of Appeals this week, a move that lit a fuse in an already contentious situation between the two government entities.

Council members Deb Jung and Liz Walsh have been outspoken in the past regarding some county appeals board members' conduct and their decision-making, according to reports.

Wednesday morning, County Council Member Christiana Rigby called for a closed-door meeting without much notice to discuss the appeals board chair. Afterward, Rigby joined forces with Jung and Walsh and voted to immediately remove appeals board chair Gene Ryan, The Baltimore Banner reported.

Two council members say they were excluded from that meeting, according to The Baltimore Sun.

A letter signed by Rigby, Jung and Walsh notified Ryan that the council majority had removed him, effective immediately.

The letter said an investigation found that Ryan “demonstrated conduct that undermined the effective and orderly functions” of the board, and that his actions compromised the effectiveness, professionalism and public credibility of the body, The Baltimore Sun reported.

Ryan can request a public hearing within 10 days of receiving the letter. Ryan told The Baltimore Sun he was never informed of any charges, investigation or reasoning for his removal.

Ryan said he plans to fight his removal.

Read more at The Baltimore Banner and The Baltimore Sun