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Politicsby Fern Shen5:08 pmMay 4, 20180

Jill Carter may remain at Civil Rights office while serving as state senator

Appointed to fill a senate vacancy, Carter announced that she will resign as director of Baltimore’s Civil Rights office. But she may return as deputy director.

Above: Jill Carter, at her 41st District Democratic Central Committee interview for a vacancy in the Maryland Senate. (Fern Shen)

Sen. Jill P. Carter, appointed to fill the seat of disgraced ex-senator Nathaniel T. Oaks, may continue working in Baltimore’s Civil Rights and Wage Enforcement office as a deputy director.

UPDATE: Carter said tonight that she does not intend to return to the Civil Rights office “until after the primary when I will make more permanent decisions.”

Carter has been serving as the office’s director since January 2017, appointed by incoming Mayor Catherine Pugh, herself a former state senator.

Carter earned $121,400 annually at her city job, according to FY 2018 online records – or $19,400 more than that of her predecessor, Kisha A. Brown.

UPDATE: Carter said, “I did not earn more than my predecessor. I was hired at less and then raised up to what she earned.”

Last month, Carter was tapped by Gov. Larry Hogan to fill the 41st District Senate vacancy through December 2018, a position that pays an annual salary of $50,330.

At the same time, she is running for the senate seat, whose Democratic primary is June 26.

Double Dipping?

Asked whether drawing salaries from two jobs would be a distraction – or amount to “double dipping” – Carter answered this way:

“Moving forward, I am excited about the opportunities in front of me to represent the residents and communities of the 41st District. I finally have an opportunity in my legislative career to lead with my vision for equity, equality and prosperity for all.”

UPDATE: Carter said, “I was a very enthusiastic director and am concerned about the [Civil Rights] office. I will now focus on being a great senator for the people of my district.”

Asked how much she will be paid in a deputy position, a spokesman for Mayor Catherine Pugh has not yet responded.

The Civil Rights office was in the news earlier this week because of another personnel change.

Charles G. Byrd Jr. Tuesday resigned his position as deputy director after the Baltimore Sun raised questions about his disbarment last year.

According to court records, Byrd was disbarred “for criminal conduct (misappropriation of funds belonging to his law firm for his personal use and benefit) and engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation.”

UPDATE: Carter said tonight, “The deputy you are so concerned about is no longer there. He was incredibly knowledgeable and an asset to the office.”

– Mark Reutter contributed to this story.

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