Direct Line w/Trent Kittleman

In the mid-70’s, I wrote a weekly political column in the Howard County News and Columbia Flier. I penned more than 100 columns over the two years. And what pleases me most is that even today, I wouldn’t change a word!

That “volunteer job” required a weekly discipline that has served me well, and my total immersion into local, state and federal issues created in me a deep understanding of the “politics” — both good and bad — that fuel the economy of America, as well as a lasting penchant to make it work!

As you will see below, I have been fortunate that my career path has allowed me to continue being involved and to continue to learn.

In my role at the Maryland Transportation Authority, I was responsible for the toll Authority’s seven major transportation facilities, 1,700 employees (including 450 sworn police officers), a $218 million annual operating budget, and a $4.5 billion 6-year capital program.

Given the challenge by Governor Bob Ehrlich my team and I were able to reduce the notorious summer weekend congesion at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge through a series of creative enhancements, sound marketing and “out-of-the-box” ideas, including “EZ-Pass on -the-Go,” the BAYSPAN call-in line with up-to-the-minute reports of traffic congestion on the Bay Bridge, and the “Go Early – Stay Late” program.

In 2005, I had the opportunity to lead the last “Bay Bridge Walk” across the 4.2 mile span, with Governor Ehrlich.
As Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation, I served as the chief operating officer. MDOT is the second-largest Department in the State, with 9,100-employees, including the State Highway Administration, the Port of Baltimore, Thurgood Marshall BWI Airport, the Motor Vehicle Administration, and the Maryland Transit Administration (the MTA).