WASHINGTON — One’s a Republican, swept into office by striking a chord with
taxpayers who signaled they were weary of increasing government budgets.
One’s a Democrat who’s in his third term serving as a county executive in one
of Maryland’s largest — and most staunchly Democratic — counties.
So what can Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett expect when he meets with
Governor-elect Larry Hogan next week?
Leggett says he won’t adjust his agenda, saying that he and the Republican
have a lot in common in terms of what they hope to accomplish.
In his inauguration speech Monday, Leggett sent a message that Montgomery
County was open for — and open to — business.
Leggett told the crowd at Richard Montgomery High School that he wanted to do
away with the notion that Montgomery County was anti-business.
“Montgomery County will never shy away from competition so long as I am your
county executive,” Leggett said. He added, “Right here and now, we must dispel
any myths about a lack of a welcoming business environment.”
So when he meets with Hogan, Leggett says he’ll sound those themes. And he’ll
remind Hogan that they want the same things.
Speaking of Hogan, Leggett told reporters, “Building and creating jobs — this
is what he wants to do, and I think my plan, and things the council want, are
consistent with that.”
WTOP’s Kate Ryan contributed to this report. Follow @WTOP on Twitter and WTOP on Facebook.
