Ulman

Howard County Executive Ken Ulman moved Tuesday to ban the sale of high-sugar drinks such as soda in parks, libraries and other county properties and at county-sponsored events - hoping yet again to make the county a progressive model. "I believe Howard County government should lead by example," Ulman said. "That's why today I've signed an executive order to increase the availability of healthy beverage options in our county departments and programs. "The vending machines will look different, starting right away," Ulman said at an event in Ellicott City.

More than a year after a Howard County teen committed suicide following months of online harassment, county officials unveiled a program Wednesday meant to discourage bullying via computer and in person. "We know we need bold steps to really, truly take on this issue," Howard County Executive Ken Ulman said. "We need a full community solution. " The effort — which could start in the fall if the County Council approves a funding request of $250,000 —would use a mobile application called Sprigeo, an online reporting system that's already in use in about 20 school systems around the country, as a way to make it easier for witnesses to report bullying.

Howard County Executive Ken Ulman's fundraiser at Mother's in Federal Hill Monday night included an appearance by Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. All signs have, up to now, have suggested that the big city mayor will be lining up with Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown in the 2014 gubernatorial race ... if he decides to get in. After all, she shares a fundraiser with Brown; Gov. Martin O'Malley stood by her in her most recent campaign; and the governor's brother, Peter is her chief of staff.

There was plenty to celebrate when the Howard County Arts Council held its 16th annual Celebration of the Arts. Besides the awards handed out in various categories, there was an announcement that wasn't on the scheduled program for this festive event held Saturday, March 23 at Howard Community College's Smith Theatre. Addressing the well-dressed crowd of arts advocates, Howard County Executive Ken Ulman said: "It's time to have a wonderful, state of the art, 21st-century arts center here in Howard County.

Ellen Valentino and the beverage Industry are entitled to their own opinions but not their own facts ("Ulman drink ban is heavy-handed," Dec. 18). Ms. Valentino's assertion that the beverage industry has "voluntarily removed full-calorie soft drinks from schools in Howard County" is simply not true. Walk into many county middle schools and high schools and you will see rows of vending machines offering an assortment of full calorie drinks. Some school vending machines even sell 20-ounce full-calorie drinks.

Parents, students and staff across the county received an early prom gift last week when Howard County Executive Ken Ulman announced a plan to give each of the system's 12 high schools $2,000 to use for after-prom parties. The $24,000 will come from money seized during drug-related crimes. Each school's "Project Safe and After Prom" will receive the grant money to help defray the costs of facility rental, food, refreshments and entertainment. The announcement was made Wednesday afternoon at Reservoir High School in Fulton.

Howard County Executive Ken Ulman has hired an energy manager and released a detailed plan as part of an effort to reduce greenhouse gases that scientists believe add to global warming. Christopher Russell, 47, is a Catonsville consultant hired as a contract employee for two years at $50 an hour using federal stimulus money, Ulman said Monday. In addition, Ulman released a plan that details the county's carbon footprint and lists ways the county plans to reduce it. It's easy to make pledges about the environment, Ulman said, especially if they include promises years away.

Howard County Executive Ken Ulman had successful surgery early Friday to cauterize what was termed "an arterial bleed in his septum," according to a statement from his spokesman, Kevin Enright. Dr. Domenick Coletti performed the surgery, and Enright said Ulman was "alert and talking." The executive was expected to be released today from Howard County General Hospital. "The Ulmans truly appreciate the numerous calls, e-mails and well-wishes that have come their way during this time," Enright said.

Legislation to solve a projected $20 million revenue shortfall is coming Thursday, the same day Howard County Executive Ken Ulman is to present his budget for next fiscal year, according to county officials. County budget director Raymond S. Wacks did not reveal how Ulman intends to eliminate the shortfall by June 30, the end of the fiscal year, telling County Council members Monday only that final details haven't been determined. He did have another glimmer of good tidings, however.

While Howard County Executive Ken Ulman said he would not seek a tax increase in fiscal 2011, he said unpaid furloughs would likely be imposed again on county employees. "Based on current projections, I assume furloughs will be repeated," Ulman told reporters Tuesday after his annual State of the County speech before more than 400 members of the county Chamber of Commerce at Turf Valley. He said he will not ask for tax increases, but won't decide until March whether to dip into the county's $47.5 million rainy-day fund.

There are rare times when the voices of citizens are heard by our politicians. It is nice to report (Laurel Leader, March 21) that County Executive Ken Ulman has indeed not only heard the voices of the people, but has positively taken action to reconsider the proposed homeless facility in the Beechcrest Mobile Home Park in North Laurel located on Route 1 near Whiskey Bottom Road by looking elsewhere. Mr. Ulman should be congratulated for having the foresight to realize the problems such a facility would create in the neighborhood and the fact it was never a part of the "Revitalization Route 1 Plan.

Howard County Executive Ken Ulman lent his support this week to a pair of bills in Annapolis that would make cyberbullying a crime in Maryland. "The insults and accusations that rush through the cyber-sphere can be beyond anything with which we adults are familiar," said Ulman in written testimony submitted for a March 7 hearing before the House Judiciary Committee. A House version of the bill, the subject of Thursday's hearing, is sponsored by Del. Jon Cardin, a Baltimore County Democrat.

Ken Ulman hopes you're hungry. For a Ravens win in the Super Bowl AND a big 'ole breakfast. The Howard County executive, who always gets in the spirit for the big games, has come up with the menu for a Ravens-themed breakfast that he'd like to share with one lucky winner and their office. The menu will include: T-Sizzle sausage and eggs Brendan Ayanba-bagels Michael Eggs Oher Easy Box O'morning Joe Flacco He wants to hear more menu suggestions. And he wants to see people showing off their purple pride.

Amid a severe local outbreak of National Football League fever, Howard County Executive Ken Ulman is quick to point out that among the four Democrat politicians whose names are linked to the 2014 gubernatorial race, he's the only one who roots for the NFL's one true Maryland team. "I joke with people, I'm the only Ravens fan running," Ulman said in an interview last week, soon after filing his latest campaign finance report that showed he kept pace in 2012 fundraising with Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler and Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown.

The landscape of Howard County's "rural west" - the chunk of the county roughly west of Route 108 and Centennial Lane - is set for the moment, and most owners hold the right to develop their land, or not, as they wish. This could change, though, depending on the outcome of discussions that have been going on behind the scenes in county government. The debate could emerge at the County Council on Monday, as the panel takes up its disagreement with County Executive Ken Ulman's administration regarding development rights in that area, 94,201 acres that make up nearly 60 percent of all the county's land.

Howard County Executive Ken Ulman probably never expected the first veto of his six years in office to involve a land use bill, particularly one that he was compelled to seek by state law. But that's what happened, and between now and Monday it's up to his administration to pick up the pieces of what should have been a no-brainer - a local ordinance to preserve farmland and open space in the western end of the county. First, a bit of history. Remember concern over septic systems and the health of the Chesapeake Bay?

Ellen Valentino and the beverage Industry are entitled to their own opinions but not their own facts ("Ulman drink ban is heavy-handed," Dec. 18). Ms. Valentino's assertion that the beverage industry has "voluntarily removed full-calorie soft drinks from schools in Howard County" is simply not true. Walk into many county middle schools and high schools and you will see rows of vending machines offering an assortment of full calorie drinks. Some school vending machines even sell 20-ounce full-calorie drinks.

The current dietary problems in our country include the habit of compulsive eating, and a food supply of low-nutritional content, especially among children. Ulman's recent legislation to reduce sugar and fat content from drinks in county vending machines has been described as a heavy-handed tactic to address dietary concerns affecting children. Several points show that this is patently false. If this legislation were meant to address dietary problems among children, the first place of action would be in the county schools.  However, it is our schools where Ulman's ban of drinks with high sugar and fat is exempt.