TOWSON, Md. — Former Maryland Delegate Pat McDonough and supporters of Vince's Crab House are launching a petition, calling for Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski to be removed from office.
The so called “Johnny O Must Go Movement" started Friday with a protest outside the county's offices in Towson.
The group says they will recruit volunteers to hold fundraisers, protests, and other events to spread the word.
Their goal is to collect 10,000 or more signatures in hopes of creating a Charter Amendment, that potentially could give voters the chance to recall Olszewski's election.
The group alleges Olszewski "violated his oath of office by failing to enforce Baltimore County public safety laws," specifically citing recent protests outside Vince's Crab House, which they say has resulted in financial losses, property damage, and customers and staff being assaulted.
A spokesperson for County Executive Olszewski released a statement, “These increasingly absurd claims remain baseless and categorically untrue. The brave men and women of our police department continue to keep our neighborhoods safe while respecting residents’ right to peaceful protest. Rather than grandstand, these individuals should instead consider providing a sincere apology for their racist remarks and divisive rhetoric.”
Earlier this year the group filed a lawsuit against Olszewski, claiming that he ordered the department to stand down in its enforcement efforts against protesters.
RELATED: Vince's Crab House sues Olszewski, claims he endangered lives & property amid protests
Those protests began after, the owner of the restaurant made racially insensitive comments on social media.
The case is still pending in courts.
