Kevin Kamenetz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kevin Kamenetz
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| 12th Executive of Baltimore County | |
| In office December 6, 2010 – May 10, 2018 |
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| Preceded by | James T. Smith, Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Fred Homan (Acting) |
| Member of the Baltimore County Council from the 2nd district |
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| In office 1994–2010 |
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| Preceded by | Mel Mintz |
| Succeeded by | Vicki Almond |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 26, 1957 Lochearn, Maryland, U.S. |
| Died | (aged 60) Towson, Maryland, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Jill Kamenetz |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Johns Hopkins University (BA) University of Baltimore (JD) |
Kevin B. Kamenetz (born November 26, 1957 – died May 10, 2018) was an American politician. He was the 12th County Executive of Baltimore County, Maryland. He served in this important role from 2010 until his sudden death in 2018. Kevin Kamenetz was a member of the Democratic Party. Before becoming County Executive, he was a County Councilman for 16 years. In 2017, he announced he would run for Governor of Maryland.
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Early Life and Education
Kevin Kamenetz was born on November 26, 1957, in Lochearn, Maryland. His parents were Miriam and Irvin Kamenetz. His father owned a pharmacy in Overlea.
Kevin went to the Gilman School, which is a private school for boys. After high school, he studied at the Johns Hopkins University. He earned his bachelor's degree in 1979. He then went to the University of Baltimore School of Law. He graduated with a law degree in 1982 and became a lawyer that same year.
Kevin Kamenetz worked as a prosecutor in Baltimore City from 1982 to 1987. A prosecutor is a lawyer who works for the government. They try to prove that someone accused of a crime is guilty. He practiced law for more than 30 years.
Political Career
Kevin Kamenetz was active in politics for many years. He was part of the Democratic State Central Committee several times. This committee helps guide the Democratic Party in Maryland.
Serving on the Baltimore County Council
In 1994, Kevin Kamenetz was elected to the Baltimore County Council. The County Council helps make laws and decisions for the county. He was re-elected three more times, serving a total of 16 years. His fellow council members chose him as their Chairman four times. He also led the Council's Spending and Affordability Committee. This committee looked at how the county spent its money.
Leading Baltimore County as Executive
On November 2, 2010, Kevin Kamenetz was elected as the 12th Baltimore County Executive. This is like being the mayor of the entire county. He took over from James T. Smith, Jr.
One of his biggest projects was the "Schools for Our Future" program. This was a huge plan to build and update schools in Baltimore County. It was a $1.3 billion plan over ten years. The goal was to stop schools from being too crowded. It also aimed to make learning spaces more modern and safer. Through this program, 16 new schools were built. Also, 19 major additions and renovations were done. The number of schools without air conditioning dropped a lot.
In 2012, there was a plan to build a new fire station in Towson Manor Park. This park was the only green space in that neighborhood. The county found another place for the fire station. They used land they already owned in downtown Towson. This meant Towson Manor Park could stay as a green space.
In 2016, Kamenetz was chosen as President of the Maryland Association of Counties. This group helps Maryland's counties work together. It also shares the needs of local governments with the state government. He also served on other important boards. These included the Baltimore Metropolitan Council and the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center.
Running for Governor
On September 18, 2017, Kevin Kamenetz announced he wanted to become Governor of Maryland. He ran in the 2018 Maryland gubernatorial election.
Personal Life and Death
Kevin Kamenetz lived in Owings Mills, Maryland with his wife, Jill Kamenetz. They had two sons.
Kevin Kamenetz passed away suddenly on May 10, 2018. He was at home in the early morning. He felt unwell and was taken to the hospital. He died after having a heart attack. He was still serving as County Executive when he died.
After his death, the Governor of Maryland ordered flags to be flown at half-staff. This was a sign of respect. Two weeks later, the County Council chose Donald I. Mohler III to finish Kevin Kamenetz's term.
Honors
- In 2010, Kevin Kamenetz received the Valleys Planning Council’s McHarg award. He earned this for his work to protect the environment and rural areas in Baltimore County.
- In 2013, he received an award from the Baltimore County Branch of the NAACP. This award recognized his leadership and how he increased diversity among county employees.
