With Governor-elect Larry Hogan’s announcement that former Harford County Executive David Craig will be the new Secretary for the Maryland Department of Planning, a remarkable depth of local government experience and leadership will arise in that important state agency. Mr. Craig is the only individual to have served as President of both the Maryland Association of Counties and the Maryland Municipal League, and boasts a lengthy background of work at the state and local government level.

According to Aegis coverage via the Baltimore Sun,

Craig, 65, said Hogan had asked him about joining the new administration several weeks ago and eventually said he wanted him to take a cabinet level position.

Craig said he had told Hogan he was interested in doing something “to help the municipalities and counties bounce back” from the rough treatment he believes they received during the eight-year administration of outgoing Gov. Martin O’Malley.

“Planning [secretary] looked very good to me,” he said, noting he would be working closely with the Maryland Municipal League and Maryland Association of Counties, two organizations which he has led in the past.

During the MACo Winter Conference, Mr. Craig interacted with countless county officials, including serving as a “mentor” for newly elected officials, and indicated his enthusiasm to work with county and municipal governments in the upcoming Administration. His appointment, made official during the conference, was met with great support from county attendees.