Baker Will Not Weigh in on Leslie Johnson’s Next Move

As Monday's inauguration approaches in Prince George's County, Md., some public figures are weighing in on whether Council member-elect Leslie Johnson should take office.

Johnson and her husband, current County Executive Jack Johnson, are facing charges of bribery, conspiracy and extortion stemming from a federal corruption probe.

One person who is not weighing in is County Executive-elect Rushern Baker.

Baker said his focus is on moving the county forward and it's not up to him to decide whether Johnson should take office.

"Clearly it's going to increase the amount of attention on Mrs. Johnson and her family," he said. "But that's a decision she's going to have to make. The citizens of Prince George's County expect me, no matter what, on December 6th to be ready to govern."

Several council members and Prince George's County State's Attorney Glenn Ivey have said they believe Johnson should not take the oath. There is no indication Johnson plans to step aside.

You can hear an extended interview with Rushern Baker Monday during Morning Edition on WAMU 88.5 and at WAMU.org/news.