At the upcoming MACo Inaugural Dinner, incoming Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford will offer forward-looking remarks to the county officials in attendance at MACo’s winter conference, as the transition in state administration will be less than two week away. Rutherford has already been named the incoming administration’s lead player on combating drug issues, which MACo had adopted as one of its official legislative initiatives for the 2015 session ahead. The Lieutenant Governor-elect will also meet privately with several MACo leaders to discuss mutual policy issues and the budget and policy challenges that lie ahead.

During the dinner ceremonies, MACo will officially swear in its new President, Officers, and Board of Directors for 2015. Presiding over this process will be Maryland Senate Majority Leader James Robey, a former MACo President who served as Howard County Executive. Senator Robey, who has remained supportive of county government and MACo functions, will also address the audience with reflections on public service and his time in both county and State government. Senator Robey did not seek re-election in 2014, and will be departing the Senate as the new session begins later in January.

The evening’s program will also include several annual awards, including MACo’s Healthy Counties Best Practices Award – where two outstanding county programs will be recognized as making a difference for citizens as “best practices.” See previous Conduit Street coverage of Cecil County’s Peer Recovery Advocate Program and the Mobile Integrated Community Health Pilot Program of Queen Anne’s County.

MACo also traditionally recognizes the efforts of legislators and other policymakers whose contributions have aided counties, as well as county officials whose efforts on policy issues have benefited not only their professional affiliates but also counties and MACo at large.

Registration for the winter conference (January 7-9 at the Cambridge Hyatt) will close midnight on January 2, but individuals seeking to attend may register on-site when they arrive at the Hyatt. The conference program and other background are available online on the MACo website. Please do not fax or email registration forms to the MACo office after January 2 – the MACo staff will be setting up the Hyatt and will be unable to process them.