From Baltimore Sun reporter Arthur Hirsch:

Baltimore County Councilman S.G. Samuel Moxley is the last of the Democrats on the council to choose sides in the primary race for county executive between councilmen Kevin Kamenetz and Joseph Bartenfelder. His endorsement of Kamenetz could provide a lift in the southwest end of the county, where Bartenfelder is expected to run strong.

"It was a very difficult decision for me," said Moxley, who joined the council in 1994 along with Kamenetz, Bartenfelder and T. Bryan McIntire. "I think they're both good people."

He joins councilmen John Olszewski Sr. and Vincent Gardina of the east side in backing Kamenetz, who represents the area including Reisterstown, Pikesville, Ruxton and parts of Owings Mills. Councilman Kenneth N. Oliver of the west side, next to Kamenetz's district, is supporting Bartenfelder, a farmer from Fullerton. McIntire, the lone Republican on the council, has said he'll be supporting his party's candidate, Kenneth C. Holt, who is running unopposed in the primary on Sept. 14.

In describing why he chose to back Kamenetz, Moxley echoed many people who have announced their support for the 52-year-old lawyer from Owings Mills: he's smart, analyzes situations well and understands the details of policy.

Moxley, who chose not to run for a fifth term, mentioned specifically Kamenetz's role over the years as the county's negotiator with cable companies Comcast and Verizon, and his work on legislation, particularly land use law that has had impact not just in Kamenetz's 2nd District, but countywide.

"Kevin is an appropriate and good leader," said Moxley, of Catonsville. "A very intense person when it comes to issues. He does delve into the small details as well as the big picture."

Moxley said he'd be getting out to spread the word about Kamenetz, even as he acknowledged that less than two weeks before the election he still runs into many people who are unaware that Moxley himself won't be on the ballot.

"I'll do whatever I can to assist in the campaign," he said.