Montgomery County swore in Ike Leggett on Monday as its first black county executive, while Prince George’s County returned Jack Johnson to his county executive office for four more years.
Leggett spoke of smarter growth, affordable housing, safe schools and streets, sustainable services and bringing more people into the decision-making process in Montgomery County.
“The real challenge for us in Montgomery County is how do we include more of us at the table without forcing aside those who are already rightfully here,” Leggett told the hundreds of people who gathered at North Bethesda’s Strathmore music hall Monday for his inauguration. “The simpleanswer is to increase the size of the table.”
In Prince George’s, Jack Johnson took the oath of office in front of several hundred people at the Showplace Arena in Upper Marlboro. He pledged continued hard work to move the county forward during an inaugural address that often referenced his childhood on his parents’ farm in segregated South Carolina.
“The voters have reaffirmed to everyone in the county that regardless of financial resources and regardless of ethnic background, good character and commitment will lift you to a place that is limited only by your dreams and aspirations,” he said.
Goals for his second, and final, four-year term as county executive include lowering the crime rate, improving schools, creating affordable housing and protecting the environment, plus continuing development efforts that Johnson said have made Prince George’s “an economic powerhouse.”
Leggett replaces Doug Duncan, who served as county executive for 12 years before announcing his gubernatorial bid in October 2005. Leggett thanked his predecessor Monday.
“In my dictionary, if you look up the words ‘dedicated public servant,’ it will simply say quite clearly ‘Doug Duncan,’ ” Leggett said.
Johnson survived a vigorous primary challenge from former Del. Rushern Baker in September’s Democratic primary and was unopposed during the general election. On Monday, Johnson sought to close divisions opened by the primary.
“We must have unity of purpose,” he said.
