From The Banner · Lillian Reed · · 2m
Howard County removes appeals board chair in heated dispute
A surprise vote to oust the Board of Appeals chair has reignited conflict between council members and the board over independence and conduct.
In brief
A surprise vote to oust the Board of Appeals chair has reignited conflict between council members and the board over independence and conduct. Three Howard County Council members voted to remove the appeals board chair on short notice, sparking protests from board members who say their independence is under attack…
Council votes to remove appeals chair
Three Howard County Council members voted Wednesday to immediately remove Gene Ryan, chair of the Board of Appeals, in a surprise closed-door meeting called on short notice.
A year of tension boils over
Council members Deb Jung and Liz Walsh have long criticized how appeals board members conduct themselves and their decisions in high-profile cases. They finally had the votes to act.
Disputes over zoning and development
The conflict stems from cases including a go-kart track built without permission and W.R. Grace's plan for a plastics recycling plant in Columbia. These zoning decisions affect property owners across the county.
Board members threatened to quit before
In fall 2025, Ryan and two other board members announced resignations, saying council criticism interfered with the board's independence. They later rescinded those resignations and stayed on.
The meeting lacked proper notice
County Council Chair Opel Jones said he did not receive proper notice of the Wednesday meeting and neither did council member David Yungmann, who was attending a funeral.
“I'm chair of the County Council, for Christ's sake, and I did not receive proper notice.”
Rigby cites conduct concerns
Council member Christiana Rigby said an internal investigation found unfounded complaints but revealed other conduct issues. Ryan denies allegations of sexism and racism raised by county staff.
Board members walk out in protest
Two appeals board members walked out of a Thursday hearing, saying they could not participate in good conscience and suggesting Ryan's removal was illegal. Without a quorum, the hearing could not proceed.
Council passed independence protection law
In February, the council passed a bill barring itself from hindering or disrupting the board's deliberations. Rigby and others sponsored it, yet she voted to remove Ryan months later.
Ryan can request a public hearing
Ryan said he intends to fight the removal. He has 10 days to request a public hearing before the County Council to challenge the decision.
What to remember
Three Howard County Council members voted to remove the appeals board chair on short notice, sparking protests from board members who say their independence is under attack.
