6 Steps County Executive Allan Kittleman Plans to Take

County Executive Allan Kittleman released a series of first steps he plans to take in his new role, after officially being sworn into office Monday.

Kittleman on Tuesday identified the following members of his leadership team:

• Chief of Staff Diane Wilson; managed 2014 Kittleman campaign, previously District Representative in Maryland General Assembly, FEMA specialist, Deputy Secretary for Maryland Department of General Services
• Chief Administrative Officer Lonnie Robbins—current Chief Administrative Officer, role will expand to complement Chief of Staff

“I will always remember I work for you,” Kittleman said at Monday night’s swearing-in ceremony at Glenelg High School.

After being sworn into duty, Kittleman promised strong, clear, fair and collaborative leadership, according to a statement from Kittleman’s office.

He also outlined his first steps:

1. Assemble Spending Affordability Committee to review budgets that will be “...looking to identify priorities and areas for savings in our current fiscal climate of challenging revenue forecasts,” according to a statement from Kittleman.
2. Name task force members who will “review and strengthen” current Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance laws, which outline infrastructure requirements concerning development.
3. Prepare capital and operating budgets for FY 2016; the first public hearing is Wednesday, Dec. 17.
4. Send County Council letter of intent to create Department of Aging at cabinet level because ”growing needs of this very important part of our community ... will demand new and imaginative strategies.”
5. “...examine and expand efforts to support proactive planning and treatment for mental health issues” by reviewing the mission of the Mental Health Task Force.
6. Repeal the ban on the sale of soft drinks with high sugar content on county property or at county events. “I support efforts to control obesity and disease caused by poor eating habits,” Kittleman said, “but I also believe in personal freedom and personal responsibility when it comes to individual choices about what to eat and drink. Better education is the key, not artificial bans that affect everyone.”

In addition to stating what he will do, Kittleman pointed to one thing he will not do. The new county executive said he will discontinue the practice of having Howard County police officers to drive him around the county. In a statement, Kittleman said that he believed officers’ time “should be spent serving and protecting the public.”

Kittleman said he would announce additional appointments and policies shortly.

Photo Credit: Maryland State Archives