Neuman: County 20 Years Behind, Ready for New Chapter

Anne Arundel County Executive Laura Neuman made headlines during her first month of office, most notably for the resignations and appointments of several key county personnel.

She took the opportunity at the West County Chamber of Commerce annual meeting Wednesday to talk about how she hopes the recent changes will help the county government serve the taxpayers.

At least a few members of the business community gasped when they learned the county executive's office lacked a computer and Internet connection until last month. Even more were shocked when Neuman told them the department of planning and zoning has a DOS-based computer system, which was the main operating system for computers during the 1980s to the mid-1990s.

"Do you know what DOS is? It's a black screen with a blinking green light," Neuman said, eliciting a few nervous laughs.

"We are 20 years behind in county government," she said. "I know it sounds negative, but it's not negative—it's an opportunity."

Neuman, who has experience with evolving technology as executive director of the Chesapeake Innovation Center, said the county government needs to catch up to its own resources in the National Security Agency and Fort Meade.

"We can't make this transition to the new Anne Arundel County without making change," Neuman said, laying out a vision for a broader role of economic development.

And this change came in the announcement that Robert Hannon, head of economic development for the past six years, submitted his resignation effective April 30. Hannon is the ninth person to leave the county since Neuman took office.

Neuman said the county is ripe for economic growth with proper leadership at the helm.

"We need to make it easier to do business in our county," Neuman said. "A successful project for me is one that is good for the developer, good for the community and good for the county."

Neuman asked that county residents continue vocalizing their needs, and to trust that she's retaining the employees who can best serve the communities.

"I know you all have had your frustrations," Neuman said of the county government. "But please know that these folks have been through a lot."

She cited no positions were created under John Leopold, and then two years of furloughs left departments "beleaguered." So she is assuring her staff that their work is important.

"Once they know that, I want them to then know that their job is delivery of service to this community," Neuman said. "We need to turn the page to a new chapter."