Maryland Manual, 1996-1997

PREFACE

The Maryland Manual, 1996-1997 is concerned with the people, agencies, mandates, and form of Maryland government. Many of these have changed over the last two years.

In 1994, Maryland adopted new State symbols. The Diamondback Terrapin was named the State Reptile and square dancing was designated as the State Folk Dance. For this edition, new descriptions of many of the State's symbols were written by Helene Becker. Her lively prose adds depth to our understanding of each symbol (pp. 15-18). Christine E. Alvey carefully updated the Maryland at a Glance section (pp. 1-13).

Within the Legislative Branch, maps of the legislative election districts are new to this edition (pp. 122-125). They come from the Office of Planning. Sections on the origin and functions of the State Senate (p. 53) and House of Delegates (p. 74) are the work of Keith Carrington.

Within the Executive Branch, in 1996, the Department of Economic and Employment Development reformed as the Department of Business and Economic Development (p. 212). Its Division of Employment and Training transferred to the Department of Licensing and Regulation, renamed the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (p. 410). This year, also, the Department of Personnel was abolished. Its functions were reassigned to the Department of Budget and Fiscal Planning, which became the Department of Budget and Management (p. 199) in 1996. The latter department now encompasses responsibilities for telecommunications formerly overseen by the Department of General Services.

Ann J. Baker researched and revised the section on the origin and functions of the Department of the Environment (pp. 259-263). Her work shows that, in Maryland, our concern for water quality dates to the nineteenth century, while our awareness of the problems of air pollution is comparatively recentwithin the last fifty years. Elizabeth W. Newell pursued executive commissions and task forces (pp. 626-646) to find their histories and mandates, adding in several formed just as we went to press.

Throughout this edition new outlines record the historical evolution of many State agencies. They show when an agency began and how its name changed over time. With this information, citizens can trace the history of governmental functions. The addition of new agency budget codes, which took effect July 1, 1996, also enables citizens to follow budgetary matters systematically.

To better describe local government, sections on the Counties and Baltimore City now incorporate municipal data, including terms of office and dates and frequency of elections. These sections list federal agencies as well within each county and Baltimore City.

Where previously only telephone numbers were noted for government agencies, this Manual edition also gives e-mail addresses, fax numbers, and World Wide Web addresses whenever possible.

We appreciate the thoughtful assistance of Patricia E. Joyce and Penny MacAdams of the Governor's Appointments Office; Joseph C. Bryce, Joy Walker, and Deborah Belot of the Senate President's Office; Susan E. McCahan and Peggy Leonard of the House Speaker's Office; Anna Sakers and Ginger Lambros of the General Assembly Mail Room; Betty L. Thompson of the District Court of Maryland; Sally W. Rankin, Administrative Office of the Courts; John J. Pirro, Jr., Department of Budget and Management; and the State Administrative Board of Election Laws.

At the Archives, we are grateful for the help extended to us by Lynne MacAdam and Betsy Steele Bodziak. Their work has made it possible to access government information from the Maryland Manual through the home page of the State Archives (http://www.mdarchives.state.md.us). Special thanks also go to Betty Ann Blanchard, Shirley A. Bodziak, Nancy M. Bramucci, Keith Carrington, Michael D. Farley, Teresa M. Fountain, Glenn F. Dalgliesh, James S. Heffelfinger, Louise Sutton Porter, George Ramer, R. J. Rockefeller, Wilder F. Stewart, David M. Williams, and Deborah C. Williams.

I am particularly grateful to Ann J. Baker, Elizabeth W. Newell, Christine E. Alvey, and Ray F. Lynch for their commitment to the work of the Manual and their persistent pursuit of the elusive truth of government. They have been a tremendous help.

This edition is dedicated to the memory of Arthur (Archie) Korsunsky, who died in the spring of 1996. He was part of Annapolis, this capital city. Carrying a walking stick and wearing a beret, he walked through the historic district and trampled into our hearts. He engaged us all in dialogue about words and music, paintings and literature, sculpture and lore, for he loved people. Everything human interested him, all experience, every question. He was part of our history and the conversation continues.

Diane P. Frese
Editor, Maryland Manual

e-mail: dianef@mdarchives.state.md.us
Annapolis, Maryland
July 1996

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