(January 16, 2001 - Baltimore) -- The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) announced that the Honorable James M. Harkins, Harford County Executive, was elected Chair at the meeting of its Board of Directors on Tuesday, January 16. The Honorable James Robey, Howard County Executive, was elected Vice Chair. Harford County Executive Harkins succeeds Baltimore County Executive C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, who was elected chair in January, 2000. Other board members include Anne Arundel County Executive Janet Owens, Baltimore City Mayor Martin J. O'Malley and Carroll County Commissioner Julia Gouge.

The Baltimore Metropolitan Council is the organization of the region's elected executives, which serves as a forum for identifying regional interests and developing collaborative strategies, plans and programs to improve the quality of life and economic vitality throughout the region. In addition, BMC provides technical support to the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board, the federally-designated metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the Baltimore region.

"In the year ahead, BMC will launch an exciting initiative called Vision 2030," said Executive Harkins. "We will call on community leaders to address issues such as transportation, land use, and economic and community development, and craft a blueprint for the future of the Baltimore region."

James Harkins was sworn in as Harford County Executive in December, 1998. Before his election, he served two terms in the Maryland House of Delegates, where he was ranking minority member of the House Judiciary Committee. A twenty-five year veteran of the Harford County Sheriff's Office, County Executive Harkins is recognized for his expertise in law enforcement and public safety issues. Since becoming County Executive, he has served on the Governor's Commission on Transportation Investment and the Governor's Task Force to Ensure Utility Services. He currently serves on Fannie Mae's Southeast Regional Housing and Community Development Advisory Council, and is Treasurer of the Maryland Association of Counties. The Harkins family are seventh generation Harford Countians, and currently reside in the rural community of Whiteford.

###