23-04-2025
Harford County Council appoints Allison Imhoff to represent District B
The Harford County Council appointed Allison Imhoff to represent District B Tuesday night, filling the vacancy left by former Councilman Aaron Penman after a judge ruled earlier this year that Penman could not serve as a councilmember and also be employed by the Harford County Sheriff's Office.
Imhoff, 38, is a social worker and a sixth-generation Harford County resident. She said the main reason she applied for the position is because she wants to see her community flourish as a safe space for young families to grow.
Serving District B is Imhoff's first time in a political office and she said she is very much looking forward to the work.
'I am looking forward to learning about the budget that we are starting to work on tomorrow,' Imhoff said, referencing the council's first budget work session at 9 a.m. Thursday. 'Considering this is my first political office, it is going to be a learning experience but I am very much looking forward to the challenge.'
After she was appointed and sworn into office Tuesday night, Imhoff said outside of the budget, she is focused on supporting key stakeholders like rural farmers and suburban residents in wake of concern from community members over growing residential and business development.
Imhoff's appointment follows the removal of Penman in February. Penman, a Republican, was a council member and a sergeant with the Harford County Sheriff's Office where he earned an annual income of $199,376 from the county — $146,265 from the sheriff's office and $53,111 as a council member.
A Harford County Circuit Court judge ruled in January that Penman's dual employment was a conflict of interest that violated the county charter. Penman was given 30 days to either terminate his employment with law enforcement or resign from the council.
Penman appealed the 30-day period to the Appellate Court of Maryland, which upheld the Harford County Circuit Court's ruling. The Maryland Supreme Court later overruled that decision and allowed Penman to stay on council temporarily while it decided if it would take up the case.
Penman was removed from office Feb. 26, pursuant to the Circuit Court's order, after the state high court decided not to hear his case.
Penman has an active appeal with the Maryland Appellate Court and a hearing set for May. Despite his ongoing legal push, Penman said he is happy for Imhoff and offered congratulations on her appointment.
The new council appointment marks the second time in three months that a sitting council member has been removed and replaced due to legal action. In January, about a month before Penman's removal, Councilwoman Nolanda Robert was appointed to represent District A after former Councilman Dion Guthrie, a Democrat, was removed for theft allegations.
Both Imhoff and Robert will have to defend their seats in the 2026 council elections.
Have a news tip? Contact Matt Hubbard at mhubbard@ 443-651-0101 or @mthubb on X.
