Press Release: Radical Transparency

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

September 5, 2025 

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Dwaine Thomas 

media@nickforbaltimorecounty.com 

[Nick Stewart is available for interviews with media (print, radio, and television) on this topic.]  

“Baltimore County Deserves Sunlight, Not Sealed Files” —  

Calls for Radical Transparency 

Baltimore County, MD — Today, Nick Stewart, Democratic candidate for Baltimore County Executive,  issued the following statement: 

Baltimore County deserves sunlight, not sealed files. 

We need to break from the past. As the only candidate who’s not on the County Council, I mean what I  say: I will usher Baltimore County into a new chapter of radical transparency. Because transparency means better results. 

Just look at this last year alone: 

  • The appointment of the interim County Executive — the public wasn’t allowed to say which candidate they liked, and the Council deliberated behind closed doors. 
  • The expansion of the County Council — the Council drew a map behind closed doors, and introduced and voted on it the same day, without taking testimony. And they’re about to do it again. 
  • The inspector general debacle — we were told an open search was required, the process would be ndependent and the nominee had years of IG experience. None of it was true. And none of it was transparent. 
  • The $100,000 settlement — the Council approved use of outside counsel under a vague litigation  contract, approved the settlement without asking questions, and allowed the County Attorney to  request shielding details from the public.

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If we don’t like what Baltimore County has become, then we need to change how we do business.  Government shouldn’t hide things from the people it serves. Councilmembers shouldn’t act surprised when they never asked questions in the first place.  

That stops when I’m County Executive.  

Here’s my promise:  

  • No more secret settlements. The County will not petition judges to seal records. 
  • Full transparency on spending. I’ll require quarterly public reports on all settlements and legal fees.  
  • Protect the Inspector General. The IG must be truly independent, with the budget, staff and authority to do the job—and with findings published in the open.  
  • Open government, period. Even if the Council won’t, my administration will use technology to deliver data and requested information rapidly—and explain decisions in plain language.  

No more secrets. No more excuses. It’s time for radical transparency and honesty.  ###  

Learn more: www.nickforbaltimorecounty.com 

Follow Nick on social media: www.nickforbaltimorecounty.com/socials  

By Authority: Citizens for Nick Stewart, Jaeah Fortune, Treasurer