Ruling expected Wednesday in Harford County's lawsuit against Jacob Bennett

Jason Fontelieu, The Aegis, Bel Air, Md.
·3 min read

Feb. 14—A final decision will be made Wednesday morning in Harford County's lawsuit against County Council member Jacob Bennett on whether he may continue serving in that position while being a teacher in the county's public school system.

The county filed suit Dec. 9 arguing a provision of the county charter prevents Bennett from serving on the council as long as he is a Harford County Public Schools teacher.

Judge Richard Bernhardt heard arguments from Bennett and the county at a hearing Tuesday in the Circuit Court of Harford County. Attorney Joe Sandler, of Washington, is representing Bennett while county attorney Jefferson Blomquist argues for the county.

Bernhardt said he wants to "make a decision as quickly as possible" whether Bennett can do hold both positions because it is a matter of public interest, especially for the voters in District F, which Bennett represents.

"We look forward to the judge's ruling," said Sam Kahl, Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly's public information officer.

Blomquist's arguments largely centered on the fact that a large portion of the council's budget is allocated to the Harford County Board of Education, and that as an employee of the school board, Bennett should not be allowed to have a say in that.

The county charter states that a "council member shall not hold any other office of profit or employment in the government of the State of Maryland, Harford County, or any municipality within Harford County."

Blomquist did not distinguish whether Bennett was an employee of the county or the state, but that he was one of them.

Sandler said that the Harford school board is a governmental entity, but not one of the state or the county.

Lawyers for Maryland State Education Association and Harford County Public Schools have previously said there is no conflict of interest preventing Bennett from serving on the council.

Following the hearing, Bennett continued to express confidence that no matter the ruling, there's no conflict of interest in him serving on the council.

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The Morning Sun

"I'm not acting in any way other than in the best interest of the public at large," Bennett said.

Bennett, 27, a resident of Harve de Grace, has been teaching in Harford County Public Schools for seven years and currently teaches science at Magnolia Middle School in Joppatowne. His wife, Abbie, is a paraeducator.

Despite not receiving a council paycheck, Bennett has continued to serve on the County Council.

"I have yet to be paid, and the county has alluded to that they won't pay me until ordered to by the Maryland Supreme Court," Bennett said Tuesday afternoon.

Sandler said if Bennett loses, he will take the case to the Maryland Supreme Court, and he anticipates the county would do the same if it loses.

The ruling is expected at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.