(1998)

Dear Ms. Beck:

You have requested our opinion concerning implementation of a provision in the Baltimore City Charter for filling vacancies on the Baltimore City Council by election. Our opinion is that without enactment of a constitutional amendment or a State statute that addresses the issue, the charter provision cannot be given effect.

I

Charter Provision and Its Potential Application

The matter of filling vacancies in the Baltimore City Council is addressed in the new Baltimore City Charter, which was approved by the City's voters at the 1994 general election and went into effect on July 1,…