SALISBURY, MD – Maryland’s Appellate Court has ruled against Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano in her ongoing dispute with the County Council regarding the hiring of the Assistant Director of Administration. The legal conflict began in 2023 when Giordano appointed Matthew Leitzel to the position, despite the council’s decision not to approve his nomination.
While the County Council approved over 30 of Giordano’s appointments, Council President John Cannon stated that the council did not move forward with Leitzel’s appointment. Giordano, however, claimed Leitzel would assume the role starting June 26, 2023, due to the council’s inaction, and announced him as the Assistant Director of Administration. In response, the council removed funding for the position.
Giordano then filed a complaint in circuit court to reverse the council’s action and restore funding, arguing the council violated the county charter. In November 2023, a circuit court judge sided with Giordano, but the council appealed, claiming the decision was based on an incorrect version of the charter. The case ultimately reached the Appellate Court, which ruled on March 5, 2025.
The Appellate Court reversed the circuit court’s decision, ruling that Leitzel was not confirmed for the position, although he had been in the role since June 2023. The court also upheld the council’s decision to eliminate funding for the position. The Wicomico County Council is now considering recovering the salary funds for the position, which totals $132,300 for Fiscal Year 2025.
Photo: Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano
from WicomicoCounty.org