Local Politics
Fitch Downgrades Annapolis From Stable To Negative
From a Reuters repot earlier today: Fitch Ratings on Monday said it revised Annapolis, Maryland’s rating outlook to negative from stable, citing concerns about the city’s problems balancing its budget. Fitch said it is concerned over the city’s “uneven operating performance, continued reliance on inter-fund transfers and significant underfunding of the actuarial required contribution for [...]
NRA President To Speak At GOP Meeting
National Rifle Association President David Keene will be the keynote speaker at the Lincoln-Reagan Day Celebration hosted by the Republican State Central Committee of Anne Arundel County. A strong defender of Second Amendment rights since the 1970s, Keene previously served as Chairman of the American Conservative Union, and has worked in both the White House [...]
County Executive Neuman Honors Grandparent Volunteers
Anne Arundel County Executive Laura Neuman honored the Senior Corps Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) with a Proclamation at the Boys & Girls Club of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. Barbara Jean Butler of Annapolis and Carol Jones of Arnold received the Proclamation on behalf of the 56 FGP volunteers from Anne Arundel County. Senior Corps [...]
Joe Budge Selected To Represent Ward 1
Annapolis Mayor Joshua J. Cohen is pleased to welcome Joe Budge as the newest City Alderman, representing Ward One. Mr. Budge was selected by the Annapolis Democratic Central Committee last night. “Joe is eminently qualified to serve as Ward One Alderman,” Mayor Cohen said. “Ward One has a unique set of challenges, with residential, commercial, [...]
Littmann To Hold Town Meeting For Ward 5
Alderman Jared Littmann (Ward 5, City of Annapolis) announced today that he and key City department leaders will jointly hold a Town Hall meeting geared to the issues and concerns of residents in Ward 5 of Annapolis; anyone is welcome to attend. The meeting will be at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center on May 2, [...]
Littmann Is Running For Ward 5
Alderman Jared Littmann (Ward 5) announced today that he is a candidate in the 2013 City elections to remain as Alderman for Ward 5. Speaking at the Green Drinks Annapolis event on Earth Day, Littmann stated, “It has been an honor and privilege to represent Ward 5 on the City Council where I have focused [...]
Neuman Appoints Plymyer As County Attorney
Anne Arundel County Executive Laura Neuman today announced the appointment of David Plymyer as County Attorney. “David is a knowledgeable and dedicated public servant with 30 years of experience in the Office of Law,” County Executive Neuman said. “He will put the citizens first in advising the Administration and the County Council on legal issues.” Plymyer is a Millersville [...]
Neuman Appoints New Constituent Services Rep For North County
Anne Arundel County Executive Laura Neuman today announced the appointment of Ashley L. Ricker to represent Pasadena in the Office of Community and Constituent Services. “Ashley brings enthusiasm and communication skills, as well as a commitment to public service to our team,” County Executive Neuman said. “Her focus will be to provide a direct link between the citizens in North [...]
Neuman Appoints Chief Administrative Officer
Anne Arundel County Executive Laura Neuman today announced the appointment of Karen L. Cook as Chief Administrative Officer. “I am proud to announce the appointment of Karen Cook as Chief Administrative Officer,” County Executive Neuman said. “She will manage our day-to-day operations in providing management and oversight of key county offices, departments and agencies. With our top leadership structure in place [...]
Former Mayoral Candidate Gil Renaut Dies
Former Chairman of the Annapolis Historic Commission and former Mayoral Candidate Gilbert Renaut passed away yesterday afternoon in his home. Renaut was a staunch civic activist who championed for historic preservation and transparency in government. Thee was much speculation that he would be seeking either the Ward One Alderman or Mayor’s seat in the upcoming [...]
Neuman Names Old Business Partner IT Director
Anne Arundel County Executive Laura Neuman today named NASA contractor Richard Durkee as Director of Information Technology. “Richard Durkee will develop a plan to make this County work smarter through better use of technology,” County Executive Neuman said. “Data is the key to efficiency and measuring results.” Durkee, a Davidsonville resident, is a contractor providing information technology services and support [...]
The Next County Executive
Yes, you too can lead Anne Arundel County throughout the remainder of former County Executive John R. Leopold’s term in office. The qualifications seem pretty benign, but you will have to get through a vote from the Anne Arundel County Council that will likely prove to be more political than any election fraught with conflicts [...]
Leopold Resigns!
In a succinct email, County Public Information Officer, David Abrams advised that County Executive John R. Leopold has resigned. Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold submitted his resignation today effective immediately. Chief Administrative Officer John Hammond will remain Acting County Executive. To read a copy of the letter, please click here.
The Leopold Trial: The Aftermath
UPDATE: Here is a copy of the full Memorandum issued by Judge Dennis Sweeney with all of his comments regarding each of the charges. (PDF, 40 pages) Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold was found guilty this afternoon of two counts of misconduct. He was found not guilty on another misconduct charge as well as [...]
LEOPOLD GUILTY!
This afternoon, the trial of Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold came to a close when retired Howard County Circuit Court Judge Dennis Sweeney found John Leopold guilty. Leopold was initially indicted in March 2012 on 5 counts, 4 for misconduct in office and 1 for misappropriation of taxpayer’s funds for using his security [...]
LIVE BLOG: The Leopold Trial – Day 7
Today is the seventh (and likely last) day of the trial of Anne Arundel County Executive, John R. Leopold, who was indicted in March on four counts of misconduct in office and one count of fraudulent misappropriation. The indictment alleged that Leopold used his executive security detail for personal and political gain. He has pleaded not [...]
The Leopold Trial – Day 6
Today was the sixth day of the trial of Anne Arundel County Executive, John R. Leopold, who was indicted in March on four counts of misconduct in office and one count of fraudulent misappropriation. The indictment alleged that Leopold used his executive security detail for personal and political gain. He has pleaded not guilty and one [...]
LIVE BLOG: The Leopold Trial – Day 6
Today is the sixth day of testimony, and the first full day of defense arguments, in the trial of Anne Arundel County Executive, John R. Leopold, who was indicted in March on four counts of misconduct in office and one count of fraudulent misappropriation. The indictment alleged that Leopold used his executive security detail for personal [...]
The Leopold Trial – Day 5
Today was the fifth day of the trial of Anne Arundel County Executive, John R. Leopold, who was indicted in March on four counts of misconduct in office and one count of fraudulent misappropriation. The indictment alleged that Leopold used his executive security detail for personal and political gain. He has pleaded not guilty. Leopold has opted [...]
LIVE BLOG: The Leopold Trial – Day 5
Today is the fifth day of testimony in the trial of Anne Arundel County Executive, John R. Leopold, who was indicted in March on four counts of misconduct in office and one count of fraudulent misappropriation. The indictment alleged that Leopold used his executive security detail for personal and political gain. He has pleaded not guilty. Leopold [...]
The Leopold Trial – Day 4
Today was the fourth day of testimony in the trial of Anne Arundel County Executive, John R. Leopold, who was indicted in March on four counts of misconduct in office and one count of fraudulent misappropriation. The indictment alleged that Leopold used his executive security detail for personal and political gain. He has pleaded not guilty. Leopold [...]
LIVE BLOG: The Leopold Trial — Day 4
Today is the fourth day of testimony in the trial of Anne Arundel County Executive, John R. Leopold, who was indicted in March on four counts of misconduct in office and one count of fraudulent misappropriation. The indictment alleged that Leopold used his executive security detail for personal and political gain. He has pleaded not guilty. Leopold [...]
