Election Board Allows Kirby To Remain On Ballot

John Frenaye | August 17, 2013, 09:28 AM | 4 Comments

kirby In a nearly two hour meeting last night, the Annapolis Board of Elections decided to dismiss the challenges levied against sitting Alderman Kenny Kirby’s candidacy clearing the way for the Alderman to seek a second term in office.

Several challenges were presented to the Board of Elections including his residency and his failure to abide by rules surrounding the filing of campaign finance reports.

The Board convened in public session last night at 7:00pm and then went into an private session to discuss the matter with the City Attorney. They re-convened a public session where the public was allowed to testify on the matter. Kirby was represented by local attorney Eric Lipsetts who also represented the Alderman when he was found to be living illegally in a HACA property last year.

Kirby will run unopposed in the primary next month and will face Independent Steven Conn in the general election in November.

Capital Reporter, Jack Lambert attended the meeting covered the meeting on Twitter as it evolved.

Kirby: "I don't think anything is going to happen but the corect thing. My canidacy will be certified." Meeting still yet to start.

— Jack Lambert (@JPLambert) August 16, 2013

Here's what the Ward 6 candidacy meeting looks like: pic.twitter.com/15PWpYINhL

— Jack Lambert (@JPLambert) August 16, 2013

Lipsetts: There were no communications to Kirby that there were deficiencies in his financial disclosure. Says they are required by law.

— Jack Lambert (@JPLambert) August 16, 2013

Lipsetts: Kirby moved to 1236 Crows Nest Ct in Ward 6 by Mmay 1. We are now looking at pictures of Kirby at the residence.

— Jack Lambert (@JPLambert) August 16, 2013

Kirby has prepared statement. Says "I am … and will always be a resident of Ward 6."

— Jack Lambert (@JPLambert) August 16, 2013

Kirby "someone involved in running for the Alderman position of Ward 6" is responsible for challenge to candidacy.

— Jack Lambert (@JPLambert) August 16, 2013

Carter on Kirby being homeless for a time: "don't be so ready to kick a man when he is down and out."

— Jack Lambert (@JPLambert) August 16, 2013

Now Carl Snowden speaks. Snowdon: "I don't think we have an issue of law here. I think this is an issue of politics."

— Jack Lambert (@JPLambert) August 16, 2013

Snowden: "Leave it to the voters or the ward of a city to make a decision."

— Jack Lambert (@JPLambert) August 17, 2013

Scott Bowling now speaking. Says he never signed petition against Kirby. Says "if we throw out the (city) code we have nothing left."

— Jack Lambert (@JPLambert) August 17, 2013

Luke McCabe, Ward 6 resident, criticizes selective enforcement of city code. Says he signed challenge to Kirby's residency.

— Jack Lambert (@JPLambert) August 17, 2013

Kurt Reigel, city council candidate, says board should leave decision to voters.

— Jack Lambert (@JPLambert) August 17, 2013

Kirby challenges denied. He has 30 days to file amended financial reports. Kirby certified as Ward 6 Democratic candidate.

— Jack Lambert (@JPLambert) August 17, 2013

Category: Local News, NEWS, POLITICAL NEWS

About the Author - John Frenaye

John is the publisher and editor of Eye On Annapolis. As a resident and business owner in Anne Arundel County for nearly 25 years, he realized that there was something missing in terms of community news–and Eye On Annapolis was born in late spring 2009.

John’s background is in the travel industry as a business owner, industry speaker, and travel writer. In terms of blogging and social media, he cut his teeth with MSNBC.com.

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Comments (4)

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Charles Weikel says:

August 17, 2013 at 10:40 am

Please stop the smears John. Kenny was never ‘illegally’ in anyones property. You know this very well.
John Frenaye says:

August 18, 2013 at 10:27 pm

What is the term you prefer Chuck? He was residing in a federally subsidized housing unit and was not on the lease, nor was he listed as a guest. If it was all on the up and up, why did he leave the HACA property and rent a place on Bricin?
Charles Weikel says:

August 18, 2013 at 10:49 pm

There is the problem. You have decided to become judge and jury. You declare it to be illegal, no judge or even an accusation by the police. Just John. Judge and jury.

There is NO requirement that relatives and guests of HACA residents declare themselves. Oh, but in your world they do? We are a nation of laws. That you want to throw out the window.

You are a bigoted echo chamber for The Capital. Why on earth should anyone listen?
John Frenaye says:

August 19, 2013 at 7:53 am

Not at all Chuck. I am sorry that you cannot comment without resorting to name calling.

You are aware that the word “illegal” does not necessarily mean in a criminal sense? Perhaps that is your own predilection, but please do not try to pass it off as mine. Illegal forward pass in football? Illegal catch in fishing? Illegal move in chess or backgammon?

HACA does have a requirement for tenants to report and get authorization for guests to remain in the unit for longer than 14 days a year. (20.1 L)

http://www.hacamd.org/images/pdfs/HACA_ACOP.pdf

I do think that Kirby has done a good job for his constituents and I am sure most will agree with that.

Can you please let me know which laws I suggested be ignored? The BOE received a few complaints. They looked into it–as they should have. And as they should have for any other candidate. They met, discussed, considered, and came forward with a decision. Seems like it worked out well for everyone and the process works exactly as it should have.