Maryland lawmakers have their eye on a different approach, said Del. Curtis S. Anderson, a Baltimore Democrat. He said he and at least two other members of the House Judiciary Committee are considering a bill that would draw 11 board members from geographic areas across the state.
"Right now, two or three people are making decisions that affect the entire state," said Anderson, who is an attorney. "Right now, the Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland, and many other areas, have no say when it comes to the public defender. I don't think that's healthy."
It appears that at least some in the Senate also support adding trustees.
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, a Calvert County Democrat and an attorney, said, "It would not hurt to broaden the board by three or four members."
O'Malley has no position on any potential expansion, said spokesman Shaun Adamec. "The governor is focused on reducing violent crime and will continue to be focused on that goal - one that we're making progress toward - regardless of the internal systems at the OPD."
Meanwhile, applications for the top position of public defender are due Oct. 14. Mead said the board will seek input from public defender division chiefs after releasing a list of qualified applicants.
She met with them privately last week to assuage fears, telling them that the new public defender would not face the same restructuring demands they made of Forster but would still have to cut the budget.
