Diversity should not be a factor in electing a leader. Qualities like integrity, honesty, leadership, communication ability, common sense, and someone that can listen to the people and be a good role model. Not if someones skin is Black or White.

In my opinion, picking a replacement is what is being done should be either done by special election or the replacement on the council should be picked as a Delegate is done if he/she steps down or passes on; The County Central Committee of the Party of that person who has stepped down or passes on should pick the replacement. The best person for the job should be picked is my opinion on this subject. As far as Smith or Wagner, I have no opinion as I am in District 4 as to who would better serve my family and have done little to no research on this subject. In the event of a tie there must be some type of rule to break this tie. None the less it’s a big mess and wouldn’t be if there was a special election or if the AA Democrat Central Committee was left to pick the replacement. I don’t blame none of the 6 members for holding their vote as they are sent to pick who will help the county balance the budget if they believe their choice will indeed help do just that otherwise the county will keep spinning its wheels in the mud. The residents can not afford a higher tax rate as the Maryland government is looking to tax us more and more each session. That’s a whole different subject for a different day but the question must be brought up to the council candidate, will he or will not he vote to raise tax on the residents during a time when people are losing their homes and their jobs.

If you where to tie me down and force my pick, as a resident of Severn I would say Smith as he lives in Severn however that opinion would be different if I lived in Linthicum, Glen Burnie, Hanover or whatever else town falls in District 1. As a person who wants to see the budget balance a business owner who has made such tough choices as an elected official before, Wagner would be my choice however I have no idea what Smith has done for a living and if it requires helping with a budget or not. Best to luck to both men, best of luck to the residents of Distrcit 1 and best of luck to us the residents of the county that the council will help to balance the budget!

What I've read is that Wagner was asked to put his name in the hat by the county executive which makes me immediately suspicious of what the motive is. Smith has a great resume and a vested interested since he has a young family. The other point to make is that the other two Dems on the Council want Smith so it seems to me their desires should be given a heavier weight. Just sayin….

diversity shouldn't matter, period

Diversity is relevant to all of us and should be considered in this vote. It shouldt be the deciding factor but clearly other races should be visible in our county's council.

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
Martin Luther King, Jr.

I would hope the County Council uses this wise advice in choosing Jones' successor.

Qualifications, motivation and desire should weigh much more heavily than skin color. In my opinon, I believe that Mr. Smith is the best choice to fill the vacancy. While Mr. Wagner has an impressive history with the county and community, I think Mr. Smith can provide a "new" vision rather than more of the "old boys club" that we've become so used to in local politics. The color of his skin has nothing to do with my opinion. Best of luck to both gentlemen!

Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't we have diversity on the counsel until a certain somebody got SENT TO JAIL???????????????
Sheese.

1 million jobs taken from American citizens ( given to aliens here on work visas) by President and Congress. This needs to be changed ---- hire citizens first.