January 22, 2019
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, (202) 277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today joined former county executives in acknowledging 50 years of Charter government in Howard County. Voters adopted the charter and elected Omar Jones the first county executive in November 1968.
“I respect our history and was proud to celebrate this milestone with these executives that have served before me,” said Ball. “It is important to remember our beginnings and ensure that we honor and enhance the values of our democracy for all. I appreciate everything these public servants have done to shape this county and feel fortunate to be able to call on their examples and wisdom.”
Former County Executives Ken Ulman, James Robey and Ed Cochran joined in a meaningful conversation and ceremonial cake cutting at the George Howard Building this morning, where Ball sought their reflections and advice.
“We have come a long way from my time on the school board and desegregation,” said Cochran, the second county executive from 1974 to 1978. “It’s been a great experience to grow up and live in the county because everything has changed. I don’t know where else you could live where you could experience the kind of civic change that occurs with the institution of charter government.”
Liz Bobo said in a statement to Executive Ball, “I am so sorry that I am not present with you in Howard County to celebrate its 50th anniversary of charter government and the ten Individuals who have held the position of Howard County Executive since the adoption of our county’s charter in 1968. It is difficult for me to believe that it has now been more than 30 years since I was elected Maryland’s first woman county executive in 1986. I look forward to helping with great strides in social, economic, and environmental justice during your tenure in office.” She served from 1986 until 1990.
Robey, a two-term county executive from 1998 to 2006, offered, “I thank Omar Jones and Ed Cochran for laying the foundation for what we are able to enjoy and do now days with respect to local government. This office is still where the rubber meets the road, where you deal with the majority of people’s issues and making life better for citizens of Howard County.”
Ulman commented that, “It is symbolic that I was the first county executive who had been born and raised in Columbia. I think of the evolution of the county and what Columbia coming into Howard County meant for the history of the county with its progressive values and well thought out planning.” He served as county executive for two terms from 2006 to 2014.
Allan Kittleman, the most recent county executive from 2014 to 2018, said in a statement, “As a lifelong resident and the son of a community leader, Senator Bob Kittleman, I fondly recall each local election since 1968. In addition to establishing charter government, that election was significant because Rev John Holland became the first African American to run for a countywide office (county council). Charter government has enabled the people of Howard County to have more control over their future. Over the last 50 years, due to the amazing people who live and work here and contribute to our community, Howard County has become one of the best places to live in America." Kittleman was unable to attend due to his responsibilities with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Prior to 1968, Howard County was governed by three elected commissioners with four-year terms. The late Senator James Clark first proposed the charter form of government in 1965. The initial referendum to change to charter government did not pass and was revisited.