Smith will ‘look to remain in public service' after term expires

A spokesperson for Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith (D) told PolitickerMD.com today that the county executive will "look to remain in public service" when his term expires at the end of 2010, perhaps an indication that he will seek to run against Comptroller Peter Franchot (D) in the 2010 primary.

"He has spent his entire career in public service," spokesperson Don Mohler said of Smith.

The county executive, who was elected to the Baltimore County Council in 1978 and served as Associate Judge of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County from 1985-2001, is currently in his second term as county executive and may not seek a third term.

Mohler would not describe Smith's level of interest in the comptroller's position, saying, "He's focused right now like a laser beam on his initiatives in Baltimore County."

Mohler, who described Smith's relationship with Franchot as "cordial," denied that the county executive was irritated with Franchot's recent tour of overcrowded schools in Towson, despite earlier comments from his office.

At the time of Franchot's visit in late April, Smith spokesperson Ellen Kobler told The Examiner that the comptroller's visit was "about Peter Franchot and Peter Franchot getting his name out in Baltimore County and grandstanding."

"The county executive has a reputation as being someone who is a collaborator," Mohler explained, saying Kobler was "replying to a question." He did not elaborate.

In addition, Mohler declined comment when asked of Smith's view of Franchot's job performance in his first 16 months in office.

"The county executive does not engage in rating other elected officials," Mohler said.

Smith has not set a timeframe to make or declare his intentions for 2010, according to Mohler.

"These things tend to fall into place at the appropriate time," Mohler said.