TOWSON, MD—The Baltimore County Council on Monday rejected the nomination of Khadija Walker as the new inspector general, leaving the position vacant and requiring County Executive Kathy Klausmeier to propose a new candidate.
The council’s vote against Walker’s confirmation followed weeks of public controversy and widespread disapproval over her nomination. The move was widely seen as a rejection of Klausmeier’s decision to replace the current inspector general, Kelly Madigan, an official praised for her work.
Madigan, who had the support of six of the seven council members and a strong community following, is credited with uncovering millions of dollars in government waste and conducting investigations that held public officials accountable.
Rallies in support of Madigan were held in the days leading up to the vote. Speakers, including former Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski and Councilman Izzy Patoka, praised Madigan’s performance and criticized the nomination process.
Patoka told WBAL that replacing Madigan could disrupt ongoing investigations. The council’s rejection of Walker echoed these concerns and signaled a call for greater transparency in the future appointment. Klausmeier’s office is now tasked with submitting another nominee for the position.
