Former Md. First Lady Kendel Ehrlich Wants To Be Next Anne Arundel Co. Executive

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)—A former Maryland First Lady wants to be Anne Arundel County's next executive, but she faces some tough competition.

Mike Hellgren has Kendel Ehrlich one-on-one, talking about the job and her future.

She says she wants to restore integrity and confidence in Anne Arundel County.

Maryland's former first lady Kendel Ehrlich tells WJZ she wants to be the next Anne Arundel County executive, replacing John Leopold, who resigned in disgrace after being convicted of misconduct for mistreating his employees.

"It really is something taylor made.  It's a unique circumstance for which I'm uniquely qualified.  I think it's significant that I'm a woman after all that we've heard," Ehrlich said.

Ehrlich says she only wants to fill out what's left of Leopold's term, which expires late next year, and then leave office.

"I think that is a real benefit.  It's so unique to have a circumstance that you can just do the job and you're not worried about raising money, voting on this, voting on that, which supporters aren't you satisfying," she said.

"If the voters could vote on this, I think I'd be very strongly the favorite, so I'm hoping that the council will hear that message," she said.

The job will be given to the person who gets the vote of a majority of council members. Several of them are vying for it too.

Under the county charter, it must be filled by a Republican. Those interested to replace Leopold must submit resumes, financial disclosure forms and complete a questionnaire by this Friday.

"It's not that I'm totally altruistic. Obviously, I'm getting out there and putting my name forward. I just think let's get the job done. Let's put the county back in.  I've loved this place. Wrap it up and send it back to the next person after there's an election," Ehrlich said.

Ehrlich says she plans to get her paperwork filed by the end of the week.

The Council plans to make a decision at a meeting on Feb. 21.

Others reportedly considering the job include Council Chairman Jerry Walker, Vice Chairman John Grasso and Delegate Steve Schuh.