WASHINGTON — An ethics storm is brewing in Frederick County after the relationship between an official and employee recently came to light.

Now, the County Council is reexamining its law regarding office connections.

In front of the council last week, former Board of Commissioners president Blaine Young took the podium during public comment. He criticized County Executive Jan Gardner for her lack of transparency in the demotion of a budget employee, whom he admitted to having a relationship with during his time in office.

“She  was specifically targeted. Targeted. Why? Because she had a relationship with me,” Young said.

Referencing his 18-month relationship with budget officer Regina Howell, Young wanted to know why her position was reduced without explanation.

“Her pay was cut 40 thousand dollars with the stroke of a pen right before Christmas,” Young told the council.

The Frederick News Post reports Gardner and Council President Bud Otis are reexamining the county’s ethics ordinance, which does not discourage relationships between officials and staff.

Below is a video that addresses the incident.

http://youtu.be/cx9Bi1wdXHg

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