Longtime Maryland political writer and columnist Barry Rascovar has posted an item in the Carroll County Times covering the experience and expectations for Jim Smith, the former Baltimore County Executive and MACo President recently appointed to serve as the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation.
From the Times piece (limited free views available):
Former Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith, part of an old Reisterstown family, has jumped into state government by accepting an offer to become Maryland’s secretary of transportation.
The post is one of the state’s most important. With a budget of $4.4 billion and 10,000 employees, MDOT, as it’s known, casts a huge shadow over the Maryland economy.
Thanks to approval of a series of gas-tax increases this spring, MDOT’s construction portfolio will be brimming during Smith’s tenure.
Further reflecting on Smith’s local experience and skills to translate to his leadership role:
He brings eight years of management experience as county executive where he proved to be a fiscal conservative who showed sensitivity toward social programs.
As a former County Councilman representing Reisterstown and northern Baltimore County, he also understands issues from a legislative perspective.
Additionally, his work in the Maryland Association of Counties, known as MACO, will come in handy when he visits each county in the fall explaining the state’s Consolidated Transportation Program.
