Monday, October 31, 2005

County officials offer clue to raise SLES to state level

If Montgomery County planning officials say they are employed by the state of Maryland, not the county, that means that advocates of saving Seven Locks Elementary School from the county wrecking ball can raise the issue to the state level.

Planning officials say they're under no obligation to aid probe

"Montgomery County planning officials are voluntarily complying with an inspector general's investigation into their agency, a spokeswoman said, though they technically are state employees and have no legal obligation to cooperate," the Washington Times reports.

County planning chief quits amid scandal

Montgomery County Park and Planning Director Charles E. Loehr has quit effective October 31, after becoming embroiled in the Clarksburg housing scandal.

Loehr was in the park and planning agency for 26 years.

Friday, October 28, 2005

Weast unveils six-year school construction plan

School Superintendent Jerry Weast presents his school construction plan to the Montgomery County school board. To study the plan, click here.

Thursday, October 27, 2005

IG: County's top planner not cooperating in probe

The Montgomery County Inspector General says in a memo that the county's top planner has been not been fully cooperative in the investigation of massive building code violations in the scandal-ridden Clarksburg development.

"Charles R. Loehr, director of the Department of Park and Planning, has not provided 'routine data and information involving County-funded expenditures and vehicles' requested on Aug. 22 and Sept. 9, Inspector General Thomas J. Dagley said in a memo to County Attorney Charles W. Thompson Jr., the Washington Times reports.

"Failure of the Department to provide the requested information within a reasonable time is adversely affecting at least three inspector general projects," Mr. Dagley said in the memo. The memo also referenced non-cooperation with IG attempts to interview several employees.

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

On Duncan's 50th birthday, MCPS issues construction bids for Seven Locks

Five days after Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan announced his formal candidacy as governor of Maryland - and on Duncan's 50th birthday - Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) issues construction bids for the "replacement" school on Kendale Road. Bids close on November 22.

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Duncan announces candidacy for governor

Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan, the main political figure responsible for the Seven Locks Elementary School scandal, announces his official candidacy for governor of Maryland.