News

Israel “Izzy” Patoka will serve as chair of the Baltimore County Council for the 2024 calendar year, after six members voted unanimously for the Pikesville Democrat to succeed the outgoing chair, Julian Jones.

 

Republican Todd Crandell of Dundalk was not present and did not vote.

 

It is Patoka’s first time serving as chair, which lasts for one year, and is typically rotated among members of the majority party. He has served since 2018 as the representative of the 2nd District, which borders northwest Baltimore City and includes the communities of Pikesville, Owings Mills and Reisterstown.

 

A former community planner, Patoka said his priorities for the new year were the 2030 Master Plan, the 2024 Comprehensive Zoning Map Process, addressing legislation to improve public facilities capacity, revisiting impact fees legislation and the fiscal year 2025 budget.