BALTIMORE, MD—Two Maryland delegates are urging the Baltimore County Council to reject the appointment of Khadija Walker as the next Inspector General and to instead reappoint the current officeholder, Kelly Madigan, as the debate over the position intensifies ahead of a scheduled vote.
Delegates Ryan Nawrocki and Kathy Szeliga issued a joint statement voicing their “strong support” for Madigan, who they say has served with “integrity, independence, and courage.”
“Baltimore County residents deserve an independent watchdog who will follow the facts, not one picked under a cloud of controversy,” Delegate Nawrocki said in the statement.
Delegate Szeliga echoed his sentiment, praising Madigan’s performance since 2020. “Since 2020, she’s done an outstanding job as our IG; thorough, accessible, and professional,” Szeliga said, noting Madigan was also named “Fraud Fighter of the Year” by a professional organization.
The delegates’ statement questions Walker’s qualifications, suggesting they are better suited for an accounting firm, and raises concerns about her residency, noting she lives more than two hours away from the county.
The delegates’ push comes as County Executive Kathy Klausmeier has defended her nomination of Walker. Klausmeier has praised Walker’s more than 22 years of federal experience, highlighting her work on audits and investigations related to the Flint, Michigan, and Jackson, Mississippi, water crises. Walker, who has a background in auditing, has also defended her qualifications and stated that she would move to Baltimore County if confirmed.
The council is expected to vote on the matter Monday, and if Walker’s nomination is rejected, Madigan will remain in the role. Media reports indicate that a majority of the seven-member council has already voiced opposition to the nomination.
The controversy has prompted a proposal from Councilman Izzy Patoka to establish an independent board to appoint future inspectors general, a move intended to remove politics from the selection process.
