Anne Arundel
Leopold proposes county smoking ban
Seeking to build momentum for a statewide smoking ban in bars and restaurants, Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold proposed Wednesday prohibiting smoking at county establishments as a way of promoting public health and boosting the local economy.
But the chairman of the County Council said he does not plan to introduce Leopold's measure, which is required for it to be considered, until after Maryland lawmakers take up the issue statewide.
"This action is in no way a statement of position regarding this bill," said County Council Chairman Ronald C. Dillon Jr., a Republican. "I respect County Executive Leopold's leadership and commitment to public health issues."
Leopold, a melanoma survivor who recently took office, acknowledged that the timing of his announcement - on the opening day of the General Assembly session - was aimed at encouraging legislators to pass a statewide ban.
"A ban would be a positive development," said Leopold, a former state legislator from Pasadena. "Perhaps my pronouncement will be helpful in enacting a statewide ban. That would be my hope."
Five counties in Maryland have enacted such bans - Montgomery, Prince George's, Talbot, Charles and Howard - and Baltimore City officials have been considering such a move. A smoking ban went into effect this month at bars and restaurants in Washington.
Maryland section, Thursday
Anne Arundel
Legislators look to Leopold for agenda
As Anne Arundel County's new legislative delegation began work Wednesday with the start of the General Assembly session, the 20 local lawmakers were looking to a former colleague to set the agenda. County Executive John R. Leopold, who was elected in November, is making a renewed push to enact reforms on two issues he long championed as a state delegate: the school board selection process and panhandling.
"I am pleased to note that I am still a legislator," Leopold, a former five-term state delegate, said with a chuckle. With the complexion of the General Assembly much altered - Anne Arundel has nine new legislators - Leopold will play a prominent role as lawmakers get to know each other and the county's delegation decides on what issues to rally around.
