From The Banner · Ginny Bixby · · 1m 10s
Council overrides Elrich again
Montgomery County’s council kept James Hedrick on the planning board after Marc Elrich’s second veto failed unanimously.
In brief
Montgomery County’s council kept James Hedrick on the planning board after Marc Elrich’s second veto failed unanimously. The council’s unanimous override keeps James Hedrick on the planning board and extends a long-running clash with Elrich over housing and planning. Originally reported by The Banner.
The veto failed
Montgomery County Council unanimously overturned County Executive Marc Elrich’s veto of James Hedrick’s reappointment to the planning board.
“Nobody should be surprised that I’m vetoing him again.”
Hedrick stays on
The council had voted 10-0 in August to give Hedrick a second four-year term. Elrich vetoed the appointment days later.
A repeat fight
Elrich also vetoed Hedrick’s first appointment in 2023, after criticizing social media posts about Elrich’s housing views. The council overrode that veto too.
Council cites expertise
Council President Natali Fani-González said Hedrick’s housing knowledge is needed as the county plans for growth.
“his housing expertise and insights are needed”
Elrich objects again
Elrich said Hedrick is too focused on housing production and does not give enough weight to equity, affordability, transportation, and the environment.
“Mr. Hedrick is singularly focused on housing production”
A closing window
Elrich has seen the council override every veto he has issued as executive. With his term nearing its end, this may be one of his last chances to veto council action.
The main idea
The council’s unanimous override keeps James Hedrick on the planning board and extends a long-running clash with Elrich over housing and planning.
