Dozens speak out in support of OIG access bill in Baltimore City

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — How much power do the people have? Some in Baltimore City may be gearing up to put that to the test amid an ongoing records access fight.

During a Baltimore City Council committee hearing Wednesday, dozens of members of the public showed up to make their voices heard and support a charter amendment proposal from Councilman Mark Conway.

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Conway’s plan would restore access to the Office of Inspector General for records; records Inspector General Isabel Cumming and her team argue are necessary for investigations. Access was cut by Mayor Brandon Scott’s administration earlier this year amid an ongoing probe into a youth diversion program, now not operational, that was run through the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, MONSE.

“You will be voted out. We are tired of being disregarded by our elected representatives and any one of you can be replaced,” a resident warned during the committee.

“The OIG must have access to records and staff to complete investigations,” one attendee said.

“Let’s give them the tools they need to do their job,” another said.

Political analyst John Dedie noted the potential political ramifications, suggesting councilmembers might be more concerned about losing support from influential figures like the mayor.

“I think it comes down to the political pressure of what the mayor could do,” Dedie said, referencing Mayor Brandon Scott‘s influence and fundraising capabilities.

Mayor Scott has argued that his Law Department is adhering to state law regarding public records, including a newly applied interpretation of the Maryland Public Information Act, or MPIA. However, Cumming contended that her team historically had access to the records in question.

“We’ve always had this access. We’ve always done that. But it was just taken away,” Cumming said after the hearing.

Dedie criticized the Law Department, suggesting it is not acting in the voters’ interest.

“People realize one thing, the city attorneys on the city payroll doing what Brandon Scott wants done,” Dedie said.

If this plan does clear the council, it would go to the voters for final approval.