So Laura Neuman has been sworn in as the new Anne Arundel County Executive. AACo, you're welcome.
Of course, all leaders in the HoCo had nothing but wonderful things to say of the Anne Arundel County Council's selection of Neuman Thursday night. They have to. People tend to forget (or not even know) that Howard County sprung forth from Anne Arundel County. And of course they are a next-door neighbor and we share many, many linkages-- US1, Ft. Meade, NSA, Laurel (unfortunately), to name but a few.
But-- I don't know, and I have no inside information to support this-- people in the HoCo's spires (or rather, split-levels) of power can't be happy that Neuman done up and gone less than two years into her job. It is a big job and she was the person to do it. And she replaced a local living legend in Dick Story. Big things were expected and while her tenure as HCEDA chief seemed promising, it was cut short with potential left unfulfilled.
Interestingly, and fortunately, there is not a power vacuum left at HCEDA. County Executive Ulman has already appointed an interim successor. Larry Twele seems qualified for the job; he's been executive VP of the HCEDA for almost as long as Laura Neuman had been President. So, I'm, considering the depth at the position a good thing.
One thing I will leave you with, gentle readers. Isn't the appointment of Neuman's successor going to be fun? Ken Ulman's likely going to get to appoint a successor to Laura Neuman who will probably be working with his own successor most closely. As has been speculated recently in this and other pages, the Democratic race for County Executive in 2014 may not be as settled as some think. And what if Allan Kittleman pulls off an upset of transEckerian proportions??? Hmmm, my little wheels are spinning about the political implications of this one.
More thoughts on that tomorrow!
Is the HCEDA under the direct "day-to-day" authority of the county executive?
Posted by: Tom | February 25, 2013 at 09:57 AM