After former Councilmember Craig Rice withdrew his name from consideration for a newly-created position amid criticism, County Executive Marc Elrich denied accusations of cronyism.
Elrich proposed the legislation that would create a Special Projects Manager position in the County Executive’s Office, and appointed Rice for the job. The manager would coordinate efforts related to broadband. Rice co-chaired the National Association of Counties’ Broadband Task Force.
The position comes with a $175,000 salary. This week, Elrich announced the former councilmember had withdrawn his name, ahead of expected county council approval of his appointment.
Rice said he had heard and seen too many comments that he was offered the job because he was a friend.
“If anybody looked at Craig and my relationship on the council, we agreed and disagreed over the years,” Elrich told MyMCM on Friday.
“I thought it was a good fit. But, cronyism? No.”
Elrich said the county will look for others to apply for the position.
