Assistant superintendent of Arundel schools to join race for county executive

Gregory V. Nourse, an assistant superintendent for the Anne Arundel County school system, said yesterday that he plans to run for county executive next year.

Nourse, 56, joins state Del. John R. Leopold and former state Del. Phillip D. Bissett as Republicans expected to run for the seat now held by Democrat Janet S. Owens, who cannot run for a third term because of term limits. At least three Democrats are also considering bids.

Nourse said he will file as a candidate with the state next week. He plans to remain in his job as assistant superintendent for business and management services while running for executive.

Bissett quit in May as state commuter rail chief after learning that his campaign violated the Hatch Act, a federal law that limits political activity by government employees. Nourse said that the Hatch Act exempts education workers.