Kelly Madigan Faces Complaint as Howard Co.’s New Inspector General

Kelly Madigan, the newly appointed inspector general for Howard County, now faces an ethics complaint that may impede her new role. The complaint was filed by civil rights attorney Tonya Bana and pertains to alleged violations linked to a board member’s involvement in Madigan’s selection.

Details of the Ethics Complaint

The complaint was formally submitted to Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and the county council. It alleges that David S. Quisenberry, a fellow member of the Inspector General Advisory Board, violated ethics rules during the selection process. The complaint states that Quisenberry had an undue influence on the board’s deliberations, as he had previously served as Madigan’s deputy in Baltimore County.

• Complainants: Tonya Bana on behalf of a Howard County resident and a board member.
• Allegations: Quisenberry affected the board’s decision-making process regarding Madigan’s appointment.
• Relationship: Madigan allegedly used her relationship with County Council member Liz Walsh to orchestrate Quisenberry’s nomination to the board.

Projected Timeline for Madigan’s Appointment

Madigan is scheduled to officially begin her role as inspector general on Monday. During the transition, she appointed Quisenberry as the acting inspector general. Despite the ongoing complaint, Isabel Cummings, Baltimore City’s inspector general, expressed confidence in Madigan’s abilities and integrity.

Public Support for Inspector General Office

Howard County residents overwhelmingly approved the establishment of an inspector general office, with 85.6% voting in favor. This decision led to the formation of a seven-member Inspector General Advisory Board, responsible for selecting the inspector general, reviewing investigations, and overseeing the budget of the office.

Background on Kelly Madigan

Madigan’s journey has not been without challenges. She engaged in a prolonged struggle to retain her position as Baltimore County’s inspector general. Initially, County Executive Kathy Klauseimer refused to automatically reappoint her for a second term. After public uproar and discord within the Baltimore County Council, Madigan’s initial replacement was ultimately rejected. She later resigned from her position in December, ending her tenure under contentious circumstances.

This developing story continues to unfold. For further updates, follow El-Balad or contact relevant news sources with tips.