Cluster Files Revenue Authority Legislation

Del. John Cluster says he's optimistic about the chances of passing three bills that would change how the Baltimore County Revenue Authority operates.

The Parkville Republican's comments come as William "Lynnie" Cook, chief executive of the quasi-public agency, is scheduled to appear before members of the county House of Delegates delegation.

Cluster said the trio of bills is aimed at shortening the leash on the agency that manages county golf courses and parking facilities.

"They've had too much autonomy," Cluster said. "I think we need to give them a little less independence."

The authority was created in the 1950s by the General Assembly. Under state law, any changes to how the authority operates must be done by state legislators.

Cluster has already introduced one bill that would require the authority to obtain the approval of the County Council before it could sell off any land. The change to the law would bring the authority into alignment with other county agencies that  already need council approval for such sales.

Cluster said he hopes the passage of the bill will prevent the sale of the Lavender Avenue parking lot in Parkville. The lot is slated to be sold and developed, despite opposition from business and community leaders.

The bill was filed as emergency legislation and if passed could become law before the end of the 90-day session.

A second bill would apply county ethics laws to employees and board members of the authority. Cluster said he drafted the bill after reading reports in Patch that highlighted a loophole in which to the agency.

Cluster said he has 11 co-sponsors on the bill including four Democrats—enough to ensure the proposal moves out of the county delegation and to a possible full vote of the House.

It is not clear if County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, who appoints the five-member board, .

A third bill would change how the authority handles procurement issues. Cluster said he drafted that bill after Patch reported that the agency side-stepped bidding rules typically followed by other government entities and entered into .

Cluster said current law gives the agency the power to set its own procurement rules and then avoid them if they so choose.

"They're a Baltimore County agency whether they think they are or not," said Cluster, referencing earlier statements by as it is.