News from Annapolis                                                                May 20, 2010 Back in the District...Lots of Action Charles Ecker: Retiring, But Never Forgotten Dear Friends,     Springtime is always full of activity, with graduations, weddings and community get-togethers. But this Spring seems especially packed with significant events for those of us who live in Carroll County, as a snapshot of my calendar for recent days shows:   Long-Time Carroll County Schools Superintendent Retires       I'm heading to Westminster this afternoon for Superintendent Charles Ecker's open house retirement celebration. Our beloved superintendent has decided to retire after a remarkable 60-year career as an icon of Maryland education and government, culminating in the past decade as head of our public schools. Before that, he served two terms as County Executive in Howard County and also was a chief administrator in both Howard and Prince George's county school systems. I was proud to be a member of the Carroll Board when we brought Chuck in to turn around our schools in 2000. He's the best thing that ever happened to our school system.   Carroll County Hospice's 11th Annual Fundraiser.       This year's Taste of Carroll, which supports vital Hospice services, attracted an over-capacity crowd of 500, including special guests Bob and Kendel Ehrlich, who have long been great supporters of our Hospice. This popular event has raised more than $750,000 over the past 11 years. As a member of the Hospice Board, I want to thank Taste of Carroll's sponsors and supporters for helping to make a difference in so many lives. The event was held at the historic Antrim 1844 in Taneytown and offered food and beverages from more than 25 popular local establishments. If you weren't there Monday, I hope to see you at next year's Taste of Carroll.      Insurance and Financial Advisors Get Update      I joined Delegates Don Elliott and Nancy Stocksdale in briefing the National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors, Carroll/Howard Chapter, on General Assembly legislation that impacts their industry.   Public Safety Gets Boost from Information Sharing by Police      I welcomed police officers from around the state last week to a summit on innovative strategies for improving public safety. The event, held at the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission's facility in Sykesville, featured information on a new technology that will enable the seven law enforcement agencies operating in Carroll County to communicate in real time, both car-to-car and car-to-dispatch. Major Phillip Kasten of the Carroll County Sheriff's Office discussed the county's Police Data Interoperability Project, a four-year initiative that establishes a single secure communications network.   Century High Upperclassmen Learn About Maryland General Assembly      It was very encouraging last week to meet such enthusiastic juniors and seniors when I paid a visit to Social Studies Teacher Ryan Melhorn's class at Century High. I explained the role of a State Delegate, then headed home, reassured by the quality and potential of these future leaders.      Charles Ecker: Retiring, But Never Forgotten As reported in the Carroll County Times:      "Del. Susan Krebs said hiring Ecker was the best professional decision she ever made. 'They don't make them like him anymore,' she said. 'He's the best thing that happened to our school system.'"

 

Note from Susan:    I am dedicated to being your voice in Annapolis as we work toward better roads, schools and jobs, and also a reduced tax burden.    Please feel free to contact me with any concerns or ideas you may have. My legislative aide, Linda Schmuck, and I are always happy to help.