December 2012
Dear Friends:
It has truly been an honor and pleasure to serve as the 2012 President of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo). My journey began on Thursday, January 5, 2012 at the 2012 MACo Winter Conference in Cambridge. This has truly been an astonishing year for me, one I shall always cherish.
From the beginning of my term as President, my colleagues and I hit the ground running and forged our way through the Maryland General Assembly session. We had county officials from all across the state raising their voices in Annapolis, and showing energy to remain involved on state policy issues in the years ahead. We worked hard to defend local decision-making and to avoid the worst of the State’s tough budget year. MACo is working to create more outlets and opportunities for this important “county voice.”
MACo’s 2012 Summer Conference, “Breaking Through, Working Together for Maryland’s Counties”, provided an opportunity for me to implement two new features for MACo’s Summer Conference. I was so pleased to see the number of registered participants attend our new Welcoming Session on the first day of the conference. Even more exciting was the introduction of the inaugural President’s Healthy Counties Best Practices Award. I, again, would like to congratulate Prince George’s County and Garrett County for being the recipients of the Urban and Rural County Awards, respectively.
On June 14-15, 2012, I had the pleasure of hosting the MACo Board of Directors Spring Board Retreat in Prince George’s County. The Board meets annually in the Spring to engage in strategic planning for the Association and learn more about the host County’s projects and facilities. The work of MACo is vital to the state of Maryland and I am really proud of what we accomplished at this Retreat. But I must say that showcasing Prince George’s County was a personal highlight of the Retreat for me. Partnering with the Prince George’s Economic Development Corporation, MACo board members were given the opportunity to become knowledgeable about the Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Complex, the Gaylord Hotel, and the Bowie Baysox Stadium.
Additionally, my journey has awarded me the opportunity to visit counties from all across the state of Maryland. Witnessing the swearing ceremony of the Honorable Tari Moore as the first County Executive of Cecil County was an historic moment.
During my presidency, we also launched a new organization, Maryland Caucus of County Officials of Color. Under MACo’s umbrella, this chapter organization will serve the needs and interests of minority elected officials from across the state, with the hope that a consistent forum and mentoring platform can emerge. I would like to thank Howard County Council Member Calvin Ball for spearheading this effort.
My year of serving as the 2012 President has allowed me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people, learn more about the great state of Maryland, and implement programs that will have a lasting impact on the organization and the residents I serve. On January 3, 2013 at the MACo Winter Conference, I will pass the torch onto Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt. I look forward to joining the ranks of MACo’s Past Presidents and will continue to WORK for you, the members of MACo, and the residents of District 4!
Working for YOU!
Ingrid M. Turner, Esq.
Council Member, Prince George’s County
President, MACo Board of Directors
