Dernoga says Johnson's planning nominee will get up or down vote

Prince George's County Council Chairman Thomas E. Dernoga (D-Laurel) said unequivocally Thursday that David Byrd, the recent controversial nominee by County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D) to head the county planning board, will get an up or down vote by the County Council this month.

That's important because, procedurally, Byrd would automatically attain the post if the Council chose simply to not vote at all. That's what happened with three of Johnson's nominees in November.

The Council has until March 19 to cast its vote on Byrd, whose nomination has drawn criticism because if he's confirmed, it would prevent the next county executive from appointing their own planning chairman for years.

"A lot of people have asked me, 'Is this something the council will walk away from?'" Dernoga said. "The answer to that is...the council will act on or before the 19th, but it will act. There will be a vote."

Asked how he would vote personally, Dernoga declined to comment, saying he wished to first discuss the matter with Johnson.