Second candidate expresses interest in Md. House seat

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A longtime community activist in Towson has announced her intention to seek a soon-to-be vacant seat in the House of Delegates.

Cathi Forbes, a 20-year resident of Baltimore County, is the second Democratic candidate to express an interest in the seat currently held by Democratic Del. Steve Lafferty.

“Over two decades, I’ve earned a reputation for being both passionate and pragmatic, able to find solutions to problems by doing my homework, presenting facts and never giving up,” said Forbes.

Forbes cut her teeth in community activism and politics in 2000 with a group opposed to the expansion of the Baltimore County Detention Center. She’s been a staunch education advocate and was a founding member of Towson Families United, an organization that championed school additions and construction in an effort to alleviate overcrowded schools.

The mother of two said she has been encouraged before to run for office but declined each time to focus on her children and to volunteer in their schools. Lafferty’s departure comes at a time when her youngest son is a rising senior in high school.

“The timing seems right,” she said.

Forbes said she plans to make school construction a top priority.

“Upon taking office, my No. 1 priority will be to aggressively push for passage of House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1 — legislation that would help fund vital school construction projects around the Beltway, including Towson High School,” said Forbes. “This is also County Executive Johnny Olszewski‘s top priority for the next legislative session, and I’m excited to help him make this funding a reality.”

She becomes the second candidate to express an interest in Lafferty’s seat.

Last week, Henry Callegary, an attorney and president of the Baltimore County Young Democrats, announced he would seek an appointment to the seat.

Callegary was quickly endorsed by Comptroller Peter Franchot.

Lafferty, 70, is in his fourth term. He is expected to resign his seat next month for a position as chief sustainability officer for Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr.

Olszewski tapped Lafferty and Baltimore County Democratic Del. Eric Bromwell, currently the vice chairman of the House Economic Matters Committee and in his fifth term, to take jobs in his freshman administration.

If Lafferty resigns, the local Democratic Party organization would consider candidates for the seat and make a recommendation for appointment by Gov. Larry Hogan.