Eugene T. Lauer to Leave October 31, 2005
(SEPTEMBER 6, 2005) - After 10 years as Charles County Administrator and a 32-year career in local government, Eugene T. Lauer has announced that he will retire effective October 31, 2005. Appointed as County Administrator in October 1995, he has worked closely with three boards of County Commissioners, been responsible for the day-to-day management of County Government, the preparation of the annual budget for all County-administered agencies, and maintained liaison and coordinated efforts among other State, Federal, County, municipal, and non-profit agencies, as well as other administrative duties.
"Working as a team, this County has accomplished much for its citizens," Mr. Lauer said.
During his tenure, he has been instrumental in supporting many progressive changes, including adoption of code home rule, rapid recovery from the 2002 F4 tornado, introduction of paid paramedics and emergency medical technicians into the County's medical emergency response system, franchising the cable operator and the provision of fiber optic cable to schools and public facilities, implementation of an innovative Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance, a County government minority procurement program, the addition of a gymnastics center and multi-purpose ice arena to County recreational offerings, and an aggressive, enhanced road construction program. County Commissioner President Cooper expressed his appreciation for Mr. Lauer's service to the County.
"From day one, Gene Lauer has been a very effective and professional County Administrator. He has helped guide the County through difficult times. His advice and counsel has been timely and appropriate in assuring positive outcomes to numerous County initiatives. He is a professional who has demonstrated both trust and loyalty. I wish him well and salute him for a job well done," said County Commissioner Allan Smith.
"Gene's professionalism and fairness will be missed. I appreciated and was impressed with his leadership style, knowledge, and insights into the vast and complex array of County programs and initiatives. He provided me with invaluable assistance and worked hard to assure that I was acclimated when I arrived as a new commissioner," said Commissioner Edith J. Patterson.
During the past several years, the County has received upgrades from all three rating agencies. The County's bonds trade at or above the most favorable rates in Maryland, school operating and capital funding that are on a solid footing, funding for law enforcement remains strong, and the County has a healthy general fund balance. Further, the County is pursuing other interesting and necessary capital projects focusing on tourism, economic development, and recreation.
"I am honored to have played a part in these and other achievements and to have been so ably assisted by such a fine Deputy County Administrator and very dedicated and competent department heads, as well as County professional and support staff, in helping to bring these and other Commissioner initiatives about," Mr. Lauer said.
"As County Administrator, Gene Lauer worked tirelessly to move forward the goals and objectives of the County Commissioners and served each of use equally and in a totally non-political sense. He was always professional, always prepared, and continually worked to keep the board focused and moving forward on objectives. I am sorry to see him leave, but respect his desire to move on," said Commissioner Candice Quinn Kelly.
"I've enjoyed our relationship and will miss working with him. He'll be a hard person to replace," said Commissioner Robert. J. Fuller
"In addition to enjoying a less hectic and stressful environment, I intend to pursue, while I am still in relatively good health, some long negle cted personal and professional goals and interests," Mr. Lauer said about his retirement.
A native of Connecticut, Mr. Lauer earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Connecticut, and a Master's of Public Administration degree from The Pennsylvania State University. He also served four years as a Personnel Officer in the Adjutant General's Corps of the U.S. Army.
Prior to his appointment as Charles County Administrator, he began his local government career as a Budget/Management Analyst in the Town of West Hartford, Connecticut, then became Budget Director for the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, before moving on to high level posts in Prince George's County, including Deputy County Council Administrator, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, and then Director of the Department of Environmental Resources.
In 2003, Mr. Lauer received the International City/County Management Association (ICMA)'s Credentialed Manager designation, one of just 558 local government management professionals at that time to be credentialed through the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program. He has also made significant contributions to a number of other organizations, including the National Association of Counties' Environmental Land Use Steering Committee; the Maryland Association of Counties' County Administrators' Affiliate, of which he is a Past President; the Maryland Governor's High Speed Network Task Force; the Maryland City/County Management Association; and the American Public Works Association.