Next Stop For Johnson: He Won't Say

Will County Executive Jack B. Johnson run for governor?

He's still not saying.

Johnson (D) said recently that he will make a decision about his plans in September.

Johnson, who can't run for reelection because of term limits, has been coy about what he intends to do after his term ends next year, although fellow Democrat Martin O'Malley is expected to run for reelection as governor.

Johnson hasn't had fundraisers, he said, but he doesn't anticipate money being a problem if he decides to jump into a statewide race.

"I could retire," Johnson said. "I just don't know right now. . . . I really have a lot of options."

Council Studies Budget To Fill $23.6 Million Gap

The Prince George's County Council is combing through the fiscal 2010 budget this week, looking for ways to close a $23.6 million gap that was left in the spending plan when the State Board of Education denied the county's request for a waiver of its state-mandated financing formula.

County Executive Jack B. Johnson recommended last week that the county start charging the Board of Education for some services. For example, the county pays for crossing guards at all schools and security at high schools. In total, Johnson is recommending that the Board of Education pay a $23.6 million tab.

"Our position is that the board has a $1.6 billion budget, and they can handle this $23 million," said Jonathan Seeman, the county's budget director.

But several council members said Tuesday that they do not want the Board of Education to take such a big hit.

Ingrid Turner (D-Bowie) and Eric Olson (D-College Park) suggested that the county consider reducing the amount it has budgeted for fueling its fleet of vehicles. Officials said the county budget estimates the cost of gasoline at $3.88 per gallon for unleaded, nowhere near the current price of $2.40.

Seeman said he would not recommend lowering the estimate.