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Israel "Izzy" Patoka | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Patoka in 2024 at the Pikesville Armory Groundbreaking | |
| Member of the Baltimore County Council | |
| Assumed office December 2018 | |
| Preceded by | Vicki Almond |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Israel Chaim Patoka September 26, 1957 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Denise Watkins |
| Children | 1 |
| Alma mater | Towson University |
| Website | www |
Israel "Izzy" Patoka (born September 26, 1957) is an American politician serving as a member of the Baltimore County Council since 2018.[1]
Early Life and Education
[edit]Patoka was born in Baltimore, Maryland on September 26, 1957. He attended Baltimore County Public Schools, including Campfield Elementary, Sudbrook Middle, and Woodlawn High. He graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Arts degree in Geography and Environmental Planning.
Career
[edit]Patoka began his career working as a planner with the Baltimore City Department of Planning, where he served as the Division Chief for Capital Budgeting. He later became the Deputy Director for the Baltimore County Department of Planning. Patoka is nationally certified as a planner by the American Institute of Certified Planners.
In 2002, he was appointed as the founding Director of the Mayor's Office of Neighborhoods in Baltimore, where he led efforts to enhance community engagement.[2]
During Governor Martin O'Malley's administration, Patoka simultaneously served as the Executive Director of the Governor's Office of Community Initiatives and the Director of the Governor's Intergovernmental Affairs Office for the State of Maryland.[3]
Patoka later served as the Director of Community Development for LifeBridge Health, focusing on initiatives related to community development in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Carroll County. While at LifeBridge Health, Patoka worked on initiatives related to economic development, workforce training, and neighborhood improvement, including the creation of a regional 'Aging in Place' program.
County council
[edit]Patoka announced his decision to run for County Council in 2018, after incumbent Vicki Almond decided not to seek re-election to a third term as she decided to run for County Executive.[4] Patoka defeated Rick Yaffe and Harlan Zinnin in the Democratic primary.[5] [6]
Patoka was elected to the Baltimore County Council in 2018 to represent the second district and was re-elected for a second term in 2022. The second district includes communities such as Pikesville, Reisterstown, Brooklandville, and parts of Owings Mills.[7]
In 2024, he was appointed chair of the County Council.[8][9] As chairman, Patoka was involved in the development of the 2030 Master Plan, the 2024 Comprehensive Zoning Map Process, and policy discussions on public facilities capacity, impact fees, and the fiscal year 2025 budget. [10][11] During his tenure, he has worked on constituent services, community engagement, and government-related initiatives.
As of now, Baltimore County Councilmember Izzy Patoka has not officially announced his candidacy for the 2026 Baltimore County Executive election. However, he has indicated that he is seriously considering a run and has substantial campaign funds, with nearly $1.3 million on hand.[12]
Political Stances
[edit]Public Safety
[edit]In 2020, Izzy Patoka supported the introduction of the Strengthening Modernization, Accountability, Reform, and Transparency (SMART) Policing Act, which aimed to improve policing practices and strengthen community relations in Baltimore County. The legislation included measures to ban chokeholds, enhance de-escalation training, increase transparency in use-of-force incidents, and expand public oversight of police misconduct cases. [13]
In 2023, Patoka co-hosted a regional public safety town hall to discuss concerns about crime in Baltimore County, including juvenile offenses and car theft. During the event, attendees and officials debated the impact of the Juvenile Justice Reform Act and potential legislative changes.[14]
Education
[edit]Baltimore County has been grappling with school overcrowding, with 50 schools exceeding 100% capacity.[15] In response, County Council Chair Izzy Patoka introduced Bill 31-24, an update to the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO), which sought to lower the threshold for overcrowding from 115% to 105% over time and eliminate the adjacency rule, which allowed development in overcrowded school zones if nearby schools had space.[16] The bill faced significant controversy, with some arguing it would limit development and negatively impact the county’s economy, while others insisted it was necessary to prevent schools from becoming even more overcrowded.[17] Ultimately, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski vetoed Bill 31-24, citing concerns over its potential economic impact and effectiveness in addressing school overcrowding.[18] Following the veto, a revised version, Bill 51-24, was introduced with modifications aimed at addressing some of the concerns raised during the debate.[19]
Environment
[edit]Patoka has expressed a commitment to responsible development and environmental conservation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of Baltimore County’s Urban-Rural Demarcation Line (URDL) to manage growth and protect rural areas. In 2022, he co-sponsored the "Bring Your Own Bag Act," which banned single-use plastic bags in retail stores across the county as part of efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability.[20]
Government Accountability and Transparency
[edit]Patoka has opposed efforts to limit the authority of Baltimore County’s Inspector General, Kelly Madigan. He has emphasized the importance of maintaining the office’s independence, arguing that government accountability should not be restricted by political considerations. In December 2023, Patoka stated that his office received nearly 1,000 messages from constituents opposing Council Chairman Julian Jones’ proposed amendments, which aimed to increase oversight of the Inspector General’s office. Patoka clarified that he was not involved in drafting the amendments and expressed his intention to vote against them.[21] He also opposed a proposal requiring the Inspector General to obtain a court order before requesting records, arguing that such a measure would impede investigations into waste and misconduct.[22]
Patoka has previously voiced support for the Inspector General’s work, particularly in response to concerns from other council members about the office’s investigative approach. In 2021, during discussions about potential restructuring of the office, he defended its role in providing independent oversight. His position aligns with advocacy groups such as the League of Women Voters of Baltimore County and Common Cause Maryland, which have raised concerns that increased oversight of the Inspector General could limit the office’s ability to investigate government misconduct. Patoka has framed his stance as a commitment to government transparency and accountability.[23]
Infrastructure
[edit]Baltimore County Councilman Izzy Patoka has been involved in several infrastructure projects within his district and across the county. His office has voiced strong support for the redevelopment of the historic Pikesville Armory, a project aimed at transforming the site into a multi-use community hub with athletic fields, playgrounds, meeting spaces, and arts facilities.[24] Patoka also played a key role in the redevelopment of Lutherville Station, co-sponsoring Bill 9-24 after the withdrawal of Bill 3-24. The updated legislation introduced a mixed-use overlay district framework, which aims to balance economic development with infrastructure capacity and community input.[25]
Personal life
[edit]Patoka is the son of Holocaust survivors from Ukraine.[26] He lives in the Pikesville neighborhood of Sudbrook Park with his wife, Denise, an architect and 23-year old son Rory, who is a student athlete at Concordia University. His family are members of the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation.
Election results
[edit]| Candidate | Party | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Izzy Patoka | Democratic Party | 33,219 | 81.32% |
| James Amos | Republican Party | 7,595 | 18.59% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Izzy Patoka | Democratic Party | 14,034 | 73.62% |
| Tony Fugett | Democratic Party | 5,028 | 26.38% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Izzy Patoka | Democratic Party | 34,551 | 71.8% |
| Michael Lee | Republican Party | 13,528 | 28.1% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Izzy Patoka | Democratic Party | 8,863 | 56.5% |
| Rick Yaffe | Democratic Party | 6,113 | 39.0% |
| Harlan K. Zinn | Democratic Party | 707 | 4.5% |
References
[edit]- ^ "Izzy Patoka, Baltimore County, Maryland". Maryland State Archives. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ Stiehm, Judith (February 5, 2002). "Linking the Mayor to Neighborhoods: The Recently Created Office of Neighborhoods Serves as Mayor Martin O'Malley's Eyes and Ears on the Streets of Baltimore". The Sun. ProQuest 406506442. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ "2022 Voter Guide: Izzy Patoka, Candidate for Baltimore County Council District 2". Capital Gazette. May 17, 2022. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ "Vicki Almond announces bid to become Baltimore County's first female executive". The Baltimore Sun. November 1, 2017. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
- ^ The Baltimore Sun Editorial Board (June 20, 2018). "Baltimore County Council endorsements". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
- ^ Knezevich, Alison; Campbell, Colin (June 27, 2018). "5 Balto. Co. Council Members Win; 2 Dems, 3 Republicans Victorious in Primaries, Face Challenges in November". The Baltimore Sun. ProQuest 2059470463. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ Wood, Pamela (April 29, 2018). "Election 2018: Three Democrats compete to run for open seat in Baltimore County". The Baltimore Sun. ProQuest 2031973595. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
- ^ "Izzy Patoka named Baltimore County Council chairman". The Baltimore Banner. January 2, 2024. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ "New Baltimore County Council chairman warns tough budget year ahead". WYPR. 3 January 2024. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
- ^ "New Baltimore County Council chairman outlines priorities for 2024". The Baltimore Sun. January 2, 2024. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
- ^ Russell, Lia (February 20, 2024). "Baltimore County finally approves 2030 Master Plan after contention with administration". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
- ^ Lee, John (January 29, 2025). "Million-dollar race already underway for Baltimore County Executive". WYPR. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
- ^ Watson, Tiffany (September 8, 2020). "County Executive, Councilmembers Announce New Legislation to Improve Policing". WBFF.
- ^ Kamau, Wambui (September 22, 2023). "Residents voice concern over juvenile crime at Baltimore regional public safety townhall". WYPR.
- ^ Papst, C. (April 3, 2024). "50 Baltimore County Public Schools exceed 100% student capacity - Now what?" WBFF. [1](https://foxbaltimore.com/news/project-baltimore/50-baltimore-county-public-schools-exceed-100-student-capacity-now-what)
- ^ Babb, J. (May 21, 2024). "Baltimore County Council set to vote on bill to ease overcrowding in schools." WBFF. [2](https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/baltimore-county-council-set-to-vote-on-bill-to-ease-overcrowding-in-schools)
- ^ Babb, J. (May 23, 2024). "Vote on Baltimore County school overcrowding bill pushed back." WBFF. [3](https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/vote-on-baltimore-county-school-overcrowding-bill-pushed-back)
- ^ Dikos, A., & Johnson, C. (July 1, 2024). "School overcrowding bill vetoed by Johnny Olszewski overridden by the County Council." WBFF. [4](https://foxbaltimore.com/newsletter-daily/school-overcrowding-bill-vetoed-by-johnny-o-overridden-by-baltimore-county-council)
- ^ Babb, J. (June 2024). "Baltimore County introduces new school overcrowding bill." WBFF. [5](https://foxbaltimore.com)
- ^ "Baltimore County Council passes plastic bag ban". CBS News. October 18, 2022.
- ^ Mark Reutter, “Chairman Jones calls his inspector general amendments ‘the right thing for good government,’” The Baltimore Brew, December 14, 2023. https://www.baltimorebrew.com/2023/12/14/chairman-jones-calls-his-inspector-general-amendments-the-right-thing-for-good-government/
- ^ Pamela Wood, “Baltimore County inspector general’s power faces potential limits. Here’s what’s happening,” The Baltimore Banner, December 12, 2023. https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/baltimore-county-inspector-general-ZA5BTSEXWJDOTHOHTRANFORU7Y/
- ^ Amy Simpson, “Baltimore County Council chair grills Inspector General, calls her reports ‘fluff,’” WBFF Fox45, May 20, 2021. https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/baltimore-county-council-chair-grills-inspector-general-calls-her-reports-fluff
- ^ Bader, Richard. "Support growing for Pikesville Armory project." *Baltimore Fishbowl*, December 18, 2024. [6](https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/support-growing-for-pikesville-armory-project/)
- ^ Bader, Richard. "Neighbors question housing as part of Lutherville Station rebuild." Baltimore Fishbowl, March 13, 2024. baltimorefishbowl.com. Accessed February 13, 2025.
- ^ Arnold, Peter (January 22, 2018). "Veteran Policymaker Izzy Patoka Running for County Council". JMORE. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
- ^ "Official 2022 Gubernatorial General Election Results for Baltimore County". Maryland State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ "Official 2022 Gubernatorial Primary Election Results for Baltimore County". Maryland State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ "Official 2018 Gubernatorial General Election Results for Baltimore County". Maryland State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ "Official 2018 Gubernatorial Primary Election Results for Baltimore County". Maryland State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.