She also said lawmakers, who had fought hard to maintain funding for city schools in a difficult budget year, were "blind-sided" by the Morris appointment. "If we're fighting for the funding of the school system, we should be given a heads-up with something this controversial."
The reaction came the same day that details of Morris' financial troubles emerged. A Baltimore Sun review of dozens of court records shows a lengthy struggle by Morris to manage his businesses and affairs. Bill collectors garnisheed his wages and bank accounts, and tried to repossess his cars. Creditors won judgments against him for rent payments, medical bills and homeowners association dues. In one case, a potential business partner said Morris walked off with $12,500 intended for a new venture. In another, a couple said he rented them a house he didn't own and collected their monthly payments until the real owner ordered them to leave.
Friday, it appeared that Morris' financial problems were not letting up. Neil Steinhorn, an attorney representing a community association trying to collect $2,500 in back dues, fees and interest from Morris, said he sent Morris a letter when he heard about his new school system job, reminding him that he intended to collect the money. Steinhorn is the third attorney to tell The Baltimore Sun he intended to garnishee Morris' wages from the government.
