Baltimore County Councilman Julian Jones has publicly backed Khadija Walker for the county's Inspector General position, echoing in an interview on the "C4 and Bryan Nehman Show." According to WBAL, the support comes amidst contention stemming from the non-reappointment of the current Inspector General, Kelly Madigan, and concerns regarding the selection process and Walker’s place of residence.
Walker's qualifications and readiness for the role have been a focal point for Jones. "I’ve taken the time to reserve judgment until I had an opportunity to review her resume, review her body of work, ask her questions and receive satisfactory answers to those questions," Jones stated, as per WBAL. Despite some council members and public voices calling for greater transparency in the selection process, and ongoing debates about Walker’s current home in Virginia, Jones is convinced of her suitability for the role. "Clearly she has no desire to commute three and four hours a day to Baltimore County," he mentioned, acknowledging Walker's intention to relocate should she be confirmed, as reported by FOX Baltimore.
County Executive Kathy Klausmeier appointed Walker earlier, citing her more than 22 years of high-level experience and commendable work during the water crises in Flint, Michigan, and Jackson, Mississippi. Klausmeier's decision has not been without its detractors, as members of the community and some state leaders have flagged potential lapses in transparency and conflicts of interest within the nomination process.
In his declaration of support, Jones points to Walker's extensive federal background. "She’s led investigations," he explained, and referenced her ability to manage significant teams and communicate across various levels of government as pivotal skills for the prospective Inspector General of Baltimore County. Furthermore, Councilman Jones doesn't seem to worry that Walker, originally from Fredericksburg, Virginia, might be less acquainted with the local intricacies of Baltimore County, as detailed by WBAL.
