Each year, MACo honors members and legislators who have consistently and excellently championed the needs of county government.
MACo is pleased to announce our 2016 Recognition Award Winners, who will be honored during the Winter Conference’s Inaugural Banquet & Awards Ceremony on December 8, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel in Cambridge, Maryland.
With these awards, MACo recognizes policymakers who have been actively engaged in advocating for counties, and county staff who have gone above and beyond to assist Maryland’s counties.
MACo’s 2016 Recognition Awardees are:
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Senator McFadden has been a longtime champion for local issues – both budgetary and policy. The Senate’s President Pro Tempore actively sought out MACo input on the controversial transportation planning bill in 2016, fought for balanced justice reforms on both the budget and policy side, and raised concerns when local government liability protections were threatened. |
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Senator Hershey sponsored and passed an important bill to allow local government’s investment flexibility for landfill closures. During budget debates, he stood up to defend local Highway User Revenues, and to question an emerging plan to support only municipal roadways. |
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Delegate Davis, as Chair of the Economic Matters Committee, has been a frequent conference participant and local advocate. In 2016, he actively sought out county input on controversial workplace legislation before his committee, and ensured many local amendments cushioned MACo’s concerns. His open door extends to issues on health, energy, and insurance. |
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Hilary Ruley, Chief Solicitor for Baltimore City, has been an aggressive and indispensable resource to MACo’s multi-year efforts working with Maryland’s Public Information Act and Open Meetings Law. Her skill in explaining local practicalities and nuances and willingness to participate on workgroups or testify on bills have served counties exceedingly well in these complex policy areas. |
Other Award Winners included:
- MACo Best Practices Awards: Kent County and Baltimore City
- Marilyn J. Praisner Public Service Award: The Honorable Cathleen Vitale
Learn more about MACo’s Winter Conference:
