Kevin Enright wants clear communication between the public and Howard County government.
“I do believe wholeheartedly in open government,” he said.
As the newly appointed director of communications overseeing the public information office, Enright will be working with reporters to get the answers they need.
If he can?t answer the question, he said he?ll put the media in contact with the department that does.
“I think reporters should have access directly to people,” Enright said. “I know that doesn?t always work perfectly, but that is my first line of thought.”
County Executive Ken Ulman tapped Enright to replace Victoria Goodman.
During his transition, Ulman temporarily changed the communications policy, redirecting all media inquiries to the public information office.
The policy was not intended to restrict access, Goodman said at the time, and some experts said the move can actually enhance communications.
Ulman could not be reached for comment Wednesday, but said in a statement: “[Kevin and I] believe in being honest and being available when working with both the media and the public.”
For the next few weeks, Enright will be “shadowing Vicki,” he said, and there will be a “strong learning curve” as he gets to know the office and the dynamics of county government.
He said he plans to listen first to find out what is working well and what might need fixing before making any drastic changes.
Enright, who lives in Towson with his wife and 23-month-old son and has another child on the way, brings experience as a spokesman, most recently for Attorney General J. Joseph Curran.
He also spent time as a television reporter, experience he said allows him to understand media deadlines.
He also plans to draw on those skills to make a mark on the county television station GTV.
“I might be able to take a better look at what is on there and how it can best be used to help the people of Howard County,” he said.
