Del. Carmen Amedori, a Republican who represents northeast Carroll County, has been tapped to fill a vacancy on the Maryland Parole Commission, according to the county's Republican Central Committee.
Michelle Jefferson, chairwoman of Carroll's central committee, said yesterday that "we are hearing that it is supposed to be official as of July 1. Until it comes from the governor's office, it's not 100 percent."
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s office declined to comment on personnel issues. But spokesman Henry Fawell said, "The governor and Delegate Amedori go way back. He thinks the world of her. She's an excellent lawmaker."
An announcement to name a replacement for Patricia K. Cushwa, chairwoman of the 10-member parole commission, is forthcoming, said Fawell, who did not give a specific time. Cushwa's term expires this year.
Amedori was elected to the House of Delegates in 1998 and re-elected in 2002. She is the ranking Republican on the House Judiciary Committee.
She did not confirm her possible appointment yesterday, but acknowledged that she was being considered for the position.
"It's certainly an opportunity I would be honored to do and serve the citizens of Maryland in the same regard that I have served the residents of Carroll County with pride, diligence and honor," Amedori said, noting that she would accept an appointment if it were offered.
While the state parole commission uses hearing examiners for certain cases, it has the power to hear serious ones, including those involving inmates who were convicted of murder or manslaughter. The commission can issue warrants for alleged violators and suspend or revoke parole. Members of the panel serve six-year terms.
If Amedori is appointed to the parole commission, it would leave vacant state legislative District 5A, which includes Westminster, Hampstead and Manchester.
If the appointment becomes official, Carroll's GOP central committee will have 30 days to advertise for legislative candidates, interview them, deliberate and make recommendations to the governor, Jefferson said.
