A December 5 Baltimore Sun article describes how newly elected county lawmakers are reaching out to more senior lawmakers and each other.

Different backgrounds and political parties haven’t stopped new local lawmakers around the region from working to find common interests as they prepare to be sworn in Monday.  …

Incoming council members around the region say they are tapping into the wisdom of their more experienced colleagues and predecessors while trying to form collegial bonds.

Tom Quirk of District 1 in Baltimore County said he’s found his predecessor, S.G. Samuel Moxley, to be a great resource. Quirk said Moxley, both of whom are Democrats, encouraged him to call anytime.

“There’s a lot to learn,” Quirk said, “and a lot to know.”

Cathy Bevins, a Democrat who will represent the 6th District on the Baltimore County Council, said she’s tried to build on commonalities, such as being raised in Dundalk as was Council Chairman John A. Olszewski Sr., and serving with Vicki Almond, another woman on the council. Bevins and Republican David Marks have discussed issues that overlap in their neighboring districts.

“We don’t want it to be ‘that Democrat’ and ‘that Republican,”’ Bevins said. “We want it to be about a council that truly cares about its constituents and wants to get the work done.” …

[Republican Anne Arundel Council Member Derek] Fink said he’s already bonded with his counterparts, taking part in an orientation for the new council members that included a tour of county agencies and meetings with the county budget director and the head of the planning and zoning department. The new legislators have also met with Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold.