Baltimore Mayor and Inspector General Face Court Hearing Over Access to City Records

On Friday, a virtual court hearing will take place involving Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and Inspector General Isabel Mercedes Cumming, centering on access to city records essential for the inspector general's investigations.

The conflict dates back six years when the city’s former solicitor emphasized the necessity for the inspector general's office to have unrestricted access to internal systems and data. Dana Moore, who is now a senior adviser to Mayor Scott, stated that this access is crucial for the independence of the Inspector General's Office (OIG) as mandated by the City Charter.

Despite these earlier assurances, the current administration is contesting Cumming’s access, claiming that her office has overstepped its boundaries. Cumming, who has served as the city’s inspector general for eight years, argues that these restrictions impede her ability to conduct thorough investigations.

The upcoming hearing follows a lawsuit filed by Cumming in February, seeking judicial clarification on her subpoena power after the Scott administration began redacting documents related to the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, which oversees the city’s anti-violence efforts. Cumming has publicly criticized the redactions, sharing images of the heavily blacked-out documents on social media.

In January, the administration further limited Cumming's access to city legal records, citing concerns over attorney-client privilege. Subsequently, access to all city documents was restricted, based on legal advice indicating that the Maryland Public Information Act applies to Cumming's office.

While the administration contends that these limitations will not hinder Cumming's work, she maintains that they significantly obstruct her investigations and could jeopardize whistleblower confidentiality.

During the hearing, Judge Pamela J. White will review several motions, including a request from city attorneys to dismiss the case and disqualify Cumming's legal representatives. The city argues that allowing Cumming to engage private counsel could disrupt municipal governance.

Cumming's legal team argues that the City Charter grants her the authority to pursue legal action independently, highlighting the need for the OIG to operate without interference from other city entities.

As both sides prepare for the hearing, the outcome could have significant implications for the inspector general's ability to fulfill her role and for the transparency of city operations.

Reported by HarborBeat based on thebanner.com (source).