The Legend of Ron Burgundy

Don Mohler wants you to know he is not —even if you think he is.

For more than two weeks, speculation has been that Mohler, chief of staff to County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, is the Patch commenter who takes his name from the Will Ferrell movie Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.

“I am absolutely not Ron Burgundy,” Mohler responded with a laugh when asked by a reporter.

Mohler said he is certainly aware that some people believe he and “Burgundy” are one in the same.

“Burgundy” appears, at least most of the time, to be pro-Kamenetz and comments on stories about Baltimore County government.

“I hope he's at least clever,” Mohler joked.

A number of other readers, some anonymous, some not, have speculated publicly on Patch that Mohler has been trolling stories under the assumed moniker.

Meg O'Hare, a former school board member and blogger for Parkville Patch, also that Burgundy was Mohler—though she never actually names Mohler.

Over the last two weeks I've personally received no fewer than 18 emails or calls from people who held similar beliefs. I pointed out to Mohler that "Burgundy" had even made comments that sounded similar to unpublished statements he had made to me—a comment that made Mohler chuckle.

“I am fascinated by this culture of people who sit around and make up fake names so they can comment on stories,” Mohler said.

There is one thing about all the speculation that irritates Mohler.

“It's the people who defend me, the ones who say I can't be Ron Burgundy because I don't know who Ron Burgundy is,” Mohler said. “That's what offends me. I am not culturally illiterate.”

Mohler goes on to say he's seen the movie "at least 100 times" and is a Will Ferrell fan.

“I even know the meaning of ‘Ma! The meatloaf!’” said Mohler, quoting Ferrell's character Chazz Reinhold in Wedding Crashers.

So, at least for now, the legend of Ron Burgundy continues.

Stay classy, Baltimore County.