Promenot Video Takes Aim At Quirk, Other Elected Officials

A group opposed to the Catonsville Promenade development proposed for a portion of the Spring Grove Hospital Center is taking aim at local politicians in a new video.

In the video, posted last week, the group outlines campaign contributions made to a number of elected officials including County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, Councilman Tom Quirk and Dels. Steve DeBoy and Jim Malone.

The group alleges that the money from developer Steve Whalen and people and businesses associated with the Catonsville developer are tilting the process unfairly in favor of more development over open space and ball fields.

The video's final clip asks viewers if they believe corruption is alive and well over a shot of Quirk and Whalen attending a game at M&T Bank Stadium. The two can be seen touching the foot of a statue of Johnny Unitas.

In an interview, Quirk said he believes Paul and Rebecca Dongarra are behind the group and the video. Paul Dongarra was seen Wednesday putting up Catonsville Promenot signs after the Catsonville July 4 Parade. The signs were seen along the parade route in the front and back yards of residents whose homes face Frederick Road.

Rebecca Dongarra ran against Quirk in the Democratic council primary in 2010.

"They continue to engage in these petty personal attacks and I resent it," said Quirk, a Catonsville Democrat.

"I think Paul Dongarra spends every day doing everything he can to attack my personal integrity and character and I've had enough of it," Quirk said.

Paul Dongarra was not immediately available for comment.

Quirk acknowledged the video of him and Whalen and said the footage was taken before he was elected to the council. He said he's not ashamed of the money he's raised to run for office or of Whalen.

"Campaigns are expensive and you have to get your message out to thousands of people," Quirk said. "I'm proud of my contributors and proud of my campaign.

"Steve Whalen can be a controversial figure but he's also done a lot of good for the community," Quirk said.

Patch also reached out to Whalen for comment.

Quirk said his position on potential uses for the Spring Grove property has not changed and said he still supports it being used for open space and expansion of facilities for the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. 

on the fate of the 190-acre property divided up the property for continued use as a state hospital as well as for the university and some open space and retail uses.

Should state declare enough of the land surplus, Quirk said he would consider supporting "some kind of mixed-use project."

"That doesn't necessarily mean The Promenade," Quirk said.

Penny Riordan, local editor for Catonsville Patch, contributed to this report.

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