47° and Partly cloudy
Image
Credit: Shutterstock
HAVRE DE GRACE - Harford County Council member, Jacob Bennett, filed a counterclaim against the county on Wednesday, seeking to refute the county’s claim that he is barred from serving on the council.
Bennett is currently battling County Executive Bob Cassilly over whether or not a public school teacher is permitted to serve as a county council member simultaneously.
In Bennett’s complaint to Harford County circuit court, he asks the court to issue a temporary, then permanent order to stop the county from taking further actions to block him from serving in office.
According to Bennett’s attorney, Joseph Sander, his complaint will be considered part of the same proceeding as the county’s lawsuit, filed on December 9.
As part of the complaint, Bennett also requests that the county place him and his legislative aide on the payroll. According to Bennett, he did not receive his paycheck along with the rest of the members on December 16.
The counterclaim states that the paperwork was submitted to have Bennett and his aide added to the county payroll, but Cassilly instructed the HR department not to do it.
Bennett’s attorney, Joseph Sander, issued a statement on Thursday clarifying their view that this is the councilman’s only choice.
“The reasons that Jacob needs his own determination by the court that he [is] entitled to keep his seat while continuing to pursue his livelihood as a teacher,” Sandler said. “He seeks an order from the court preventing the county from taking other actions to interfere with Jacob’s ability to serve his constituents and perform his duties as a member of the council.”
Bennett’s counterclaim asserts that he is employed by the Harford County Board of Education, a distinct entity from the rest of the Harford County Government.
The board pays Bennett’s salary, he does not receive state benefits, and he is not in the state personnel system, according to the counterclaim.
“The Board has the exclusive authority to hire and fire Mr. Bennett; to supervise and control his work schedule; to determine the rate and method of payment of his compensation, and to maintain his employment records,” the counterclaim says.
Replies
michael graziano
Neighbor
12-27-2022 8:09am
Jacob must resign from County Council or School. i do not support Jacob. he must resign and will never run for county council
1
I disagree with this
This is unverified
Spam
Offensive
Patricia White
Neighbor
12-27-2022 4:38pm
Respectfully, Mr. Graziano, although you do not support Mr. Bennet, the majority of voters in his district legally voted for him and should not be disenfranchised. He has a moral obligation to protect the vote.
As I recall, Mr. David Craig represented Harford County and was employed by the state of Maryland while he was also employed by HCPS.
My goodness. I think that having a teacher on the council would be a valuable asset providing insight and expertise in the area of public education.
Stop the REAL Steal.
Jim Miller
Neighbor
12-28-2022 1:33pm
Bennett knew going in that if he was lucky enough to be elected, he would have to give up his teaching job. Now that he won, he wants his cake and eat it too. The Charter is clear. He receives a state pension, so he is a State employee. Doesn't matter what happened with David Craig, the Charter was charged after Craig served and well before Bennett filed to run. Time to do the right thing and step aside so a replacement can be appointed.
Margaret Graham
Neighbor
12-28-2022 4:26pm
I’m assuming Aaron Penman, a Harford County Employee with the Sheriffs office also has to resign if this is the rule? He was also elected this cycle, but doesn’t seem to be having any trouble. Can someone explain to me why that would be different than Bennett’s position?
Van Fisher
Editor
12-28-2022 5:07pm
Good note! Hopefully, when this issue is resolved, the county will clarify what constitutes a state, county, or municipal employee in regard to the charter.
