Concerns Rise Over Mayor's Advisor's Attendance at City Hall

Baltimore City officials are facing scrutiny after a recent investigation by FOX45 News highlighted that Marvin James, a senior advisor to Mayor Brandon Scott, seldom reported to City Hall over a three-week span.

During this period, James was documented visiting various locations, including a salon and restaurants, as well as a campaign office for a mayoral candidate in Washington, D.C., all while on city time and using a city-issued vehicle.

James, who previously served as the mayor's chief of staff, is currently earning approximately $198,000 annually in his advisory role. His previous salary exceeded $231,000 per year.

When confronted with the findings, Mayor Scott indicated that the administration would look into the allegations. He stated, "We will investigate anything and we’ll take appropriate action when necessary." However, follow-up inquiries from FOX45 regarding the status of any investigation and James' employment have gone unanswered.

The lack of response extends to the Baltimore City Council, which was also contacted for comments regarding the appropriateness of James' activities and the potential need for an investigation.

David Williams, president of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, expressed concerns about accountability within City Hall, asserting that the situation raises questions about the necessity of James' position and the transparency of the Scott administration.

This scrutiny comes amid ongoing legal disputes between City Hall and Baltimore Inspector General Isabel Mercedes Cumming over access to city records, further complicating the issue of transparency in government operations.

As of now, it remains uncertain whether any formal investigation will be initiated regarding James' activities or if his role within the city will be reevaluated.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WBFF (source).