The leadership at Howard County?s Department of Planning and Zoning won?t change, despite reports of a lack of community trust in the department.
“I am convinced working together we can address any concerns that exist in the community and move the county forward,” County Executive Ken Ulman said.
Planning and Zoning Director Marsha McLaughlin was among eight Cabinet members Ulman chose to keep in his administration.
Ulman said he waited to announce the final Cabinet until the transition team released its final reports, which detail weaknesses and recommendations in several departments, earlier this month.
After making several leadership changes, Ulman said he wanted to make it clear he would keep some senior staff from the previous administration.
The Planning and Zoning Department “lacks trust, accountability and transparency with the community,” the transition team subcommittee found.
McLaughlin said recently her department has made strides putting nearly all zoning information online, and she wants to move to an entirely digital process so residents and businesses can access information more easily.
The department also was criticized for being “chronically understaffed,” which leads to delays in addressing concerns from residents and developers.
McLaughlin called the staffing shortages “pretty serious.”
Ulman lauded McLaughlin?s work in spite of the staffing challenges.
“I am convinced she is focused on what needs to change in the department and understands a sense of trust is important in the community,” Ulman said.
Returning Cabinet
Eight top administration officials will keep their jobs in Howard County Executive Ken Ulman?s Cabinet:
» Susan Rosenbaum ? Department of Citizens Services
» Melanie Pereira ? Department of Corrections
» Sharon Greisz ? Department of Finance
» Chief Joseph Herr ? Department of Fire and Rescue
» Bob Frances ? Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits
» Gary Arthur ? Department of Recreation and Parks
» Marsha McLaughlin ? Department of Planning and Zoning
» Jim Irvin ? Department of Public Works
