Neall

County Executive Robert R. Neall issued his first veto Thursday, nixing a seemingly innocuous bill allowing carnivals and lawn parties onSundays.Calling Councilman Edward Middlebrooks' bill "hasty and partial legislation" and "piece-meal tinkering," Neall's brief veto message ordered a comprehensive study of amusement licensing. Such a study is sorely needed, he said Friday, because the licensing code hasnot been updated since the early 1950s."We could have 10 bills like this on amusements, and we'd end up with a polyglot," Neall said.

The most pressing item on the agenda of local subdivisions these days -- after making it through this year's budget cycle -- is balancing the lopsided equation of declining tax revenues and costly public services. Across the region, taxpayers have made clear their aversion to new tax levies even as they demand more and better government freebies. It is a bill that no local jurisdiction can afford to pay any longer.The seemingly endless prosperity that flowed from suburban housing development and the robust economy of the '80s has not only come to an abrupt end, it doesn't seem likely to re-appear any time soon.

Robert R. Neall, in his final budget address, gave an emotional farewell yesterday to the county he has led for four years, highlighting his accomplishment of maintaining services while cutting the size of government."

Havre de Grace.--Those who have difficulty telling right from wrong are often drawn to political careers, for the practical reason that in politics there is no wrong. Fortunately, however, politics also attracts a few admirable people whose moral circuitry remains functional.Anne Arundel County Executive Robert Neall, who has just decided to leave politics behind when his term ends next year, clearly belongs in the latter category. When forced to choose between a political career and what he concluded were the best interests of his family, he made the honorable choice.

Anne Arundel County Executive Robert R. Neall proposed an early retirement incentive package yesterday designed to save up to $3 million by sweetening pension benefits for 400 county workers.Neall administration officials briefed the County Council on the plan yesterday, saying it comes after a review of other retirement incentive packages, a survey of 300 county employees and meetings with department heads about its potential effects on staffing levels."Whatever we do here, it is in no way going to compromise public safety or the delivery of services," Dennis H. Parkinson, Mr. Neall's chief administrative officer, told the council members.

Hoping to continue four years of what they consider excellent leadership, a group of top Republican fund- raisers has approached County Executive Robert R. Neall in recent weeks, asking him to consider a second term.So far, Mr. Neall has resisted their pleas. Despite growing entreaties, including a private meeting last week, Mr. Neall made it clear that his decision in October to withdraw from the governor's race and from politics -- stands.Mr. Neall, seemingly exasperated by the question, said he is approached by people on the street and at meetings, telling him he should run again for county executive.

ANNAPOLIS -- It is the best of times, and it is the worst of times for Anne Arundel County Executive Robert R. Neall.But mostly, it is the best of times.While most Maryland politicians have cursed and kvetched over the dual burdens an economic recession foists upon government -- falling tax revenues and rising demands for services -- Mr. Neall has taken to fiscal austerity like a disciple of Ebenezer Scrooge.Small wonder. The 43-year-old Republican built a 12-year career in the House of Delegates as the high priest of fiscal conservatism, preaching his penny-pinching orthodoxy from the pulpit of the House Appropriations Committee.

Chronic overspending by Sheriff Robert Pepersack is inexcusable and a sign of "empire building," angry county officials said yesterday.After exceeding his budget last year, the sheriff is again running in the red, by more than $100,000. As a result, County Executive Robert R. Neall has proposed state legislation this week that would require Pepersack to live within the county's budget."There is a history of difficulties with the sheriff not living within the means of his budget," said Neall spokeswoman Louise Hayman.

More than 300 supporters of Anne Arundel County Executive Robert R. Neall shelled out $250 apiece last night on behalf of the could-be, might-be Republican candidate for governor in 1994.The 44-year-old first-term county executive has been making the rounds like a candidate, attending about 14 Republican Lincoln Day dinners on the Eastern Shore, and in Western and Southern Maryland.But the uncertainty has left some Republicans a bit antsy. They say 1994 could be a big year for Republicans in Maryland but contend they are getting off to a slow start because of Mr. Neall's hesitancy and that of 2nd District Rep. Helen Delich Bentley, who also has been toying with the idea of running for governor.

County Executive John G. Gary reappointed yesterday three department heads who served under his predecessor, Robert R. Neall.John R. Hammond, a former Annapolis alderman who gave up his seat after taking a job with Anne Arundel County, will retain his position as financial officer.Jerome W. Klasmeier, whom Mr. Neall brought over from state government to run the Central Services Office, will stay on in that job. Mr. Klasmeier has shepherded the new Circuit Courthouse project through the approval process and will continue to supervise its construction.