With no opponent in the primary, Councilman Eric T. Costello is consolidating political control in his central Baltimore district and forging financial ties with influential local politicians.

After hinting at a run for City Council president last fall, Costello announced he’d seek re-election in the 11th District, saying he had much work to do.

Despite the absence of an opponent, he spent nearly $40,000 between January and April, nearly half of it on strengthening his political alliances, particularly with Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young.

Costello brought in close to $200,000 in 2019 and reported more than $193,000 on hand last month, campaign data show.

Having amassed the third-largest campaign account of all Council candidates – behind Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer and Zeke Cohen, who both face primary challengers – Costello has handed out $68,000 to other candidates and slates over the past few years.

The 39-year-old former government auditor recently formed a slate with Mayor Young, Council Vice President Sharon Middleton and Councilman Robert Stokes.

He has put $15,000 into the slate and has received $2,000 back. Young put in $1,000; Middleton and Stokes have not yet contributed.

To Give and Receive

Costello told The Brew he seeks to “support proven leaders” such as Young, Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson, state Sen. Antonio Hayes and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr.

In addition, “I want to support and assist those in whom I see the potential for that kind of leadership in elected office, which is why I have given to candidates for office like now-Delegate Robbyn Lewis and Akil Patterson,” he said in an email.

“I am fortunate to have received the support of all of those mentioned above via contributions to my campaign committee, so understand both the value that this form of support holds during a contested election, and the important signal of trust and confidence that it sends.”

Among Costello’s closest allies, based on the amount he’s given them, are members of the 46th District delegation, which represents south and southeast Baltimore. His campaign committee gave $6,000 each to Ferguson, Lewis and the Team 46 slate.

Costello has turned over $12,000 to Baltimore County politicians, including $6,050 to county executive Johnny Olszewski.

He’s also handed over $12,000 to Baltimore County politicians, including $6,050 to Olszewski and $6,000 to the Baltimore County Future Slate, which includes Olszewski, state Sens. Charles Sydnor and Katherine Klausmeier, and others.

Among city politicians, he’s funneled $6,000 to Del. Maggie McIntosh, $6,000 to  state Sen. Antonio Hayes, and $2,000 to state Sen. Cory McCray.

He’s also backing newcomer Patterson ($2,000) in East Baltimore’s 13th District, now up for grabs as its current occupant, Shannon Sneed, runs for the City Council presidency.

I Don’t Just Write Checks

Costello prides himself on his activism on behalf of his fellow elected officials.

“My support has not been contained to simply writing checks,” he noted to The Brew. “For those in whom I believe enough to make a campaign contribution, I also regularly knock doors and perform other volunteer activities.”

“I’m as much a believer in grassroots, boots-on-the-ground leadership as I am in supporting via the financial means that I am truly fortunate to have.”

City’s Midriff

The 11th District covers the the city’s largely affluent midriff, from the South Baltimore peninsula through downtown and up to North Avenue. He represents such neighborhoods as Locust Point, Riverside, Federal Hill, Otterbein, Seton Hill, Mount Vernon, Bolton Hill, Madison Park and Upton.

Costello has served on the City Council since 2014, when he was appointed through a process that many complained was rigged by Young, who was then the Council president.

Earlier this year, Costello sponsored a bill for the city to reimburse some residents who buy security cameras. The bill passed nearly unanimously despite questions about the cost and efficacy of the rebate program, and Young signed it into law. (Costello said he believes its implementation will be delayed because of the pandemic).

He has been the only vote against many of the charter amendments that would weaken the “strong mayor system,” arguing the process was rushed.

And he’s been an enthusiastic supporter of Port Covington, whose developer, Marc Weller, has contributed $5,000 to his campaign treasury.

Business Dollars

Like his political mentor Young, Costello gets a lot of his campaign funds from business interests.

Several of Costello’s top donors lie outside of his Council district. Most prominent is the Paterakis family, developers of Harbor East, and related kin led by Alex Smith and his Atlas Restaurant Group ($15,500).

He also has significant support from the Owings Mills-based companies associated with Howard Perlow, founder of the Maryland Party, a Las Vegas bash for developers and politicians that this year had to be canceled, another event falling victim to the pandemic ($10,100).

Other backers include:

• Mt. Vernon developer Dennis Richter and an LLC he owns ($6,350).

• Gregory Hatfield of Landmark Parking ($5,500).

• Baltimore City Fraternal Order of Police PAC ($4,000).

• Stadium Square, Caves Valley Partners ($1,500).

• Jack’s Liquors ($3,000) and Jen’s Place ($2,000) in the Fed Hill bar district.

• New York affordable housing developer Alan Bell ($2,500).

• American Sugar Refining, owners of Domino Sugar on Key Highway ($2,000).

• Timothy Regan, CEO of Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. ($1,000).

Because of his pro-business record, Costello hasn’t made many friends in liberal circles.

But even his critics will concede that he’s an effective organizer and delivers solid constituent services.

He’s managed to win the endorsements of some progressive groups, such as Bikemore, for his support for complete streets.

• To reach this reporter: ianpground@gmail.com