Arundel Digest
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                    Originally published October 30, 2001

                    Johnson to explore possible campaign at county or state
                 level

                    Annapolis Mayor Dean L. Johnson announced yesterday the formation of
                    an exploratory committee to study a possible run for elected office at the
                    county or state level next year.

                    Johnson, who was defeated last month in the Republican primary in his
                    bid for a second term as mayor, said he is considering running for state
                    delegate, state senator, county councilman or county executive.

                    "At this point [we are] just evaluating everything possible," he said.

                    "This is part of my looking for another job," said Johnson, 57, who served
                    two terms as an alderman from Ward 2. He took a pension cut and early
                    retirement after more than 30 years as an economist with the U.S.
                    Department of Transportation to become mayor of Annapolis.

                    "A number of people who had supported me had asked me to consider
                    [running]. At first my answer was, 'Hell no,' [but] I figured I really should
                    take a look."

                    Johnson said he expects to announce his intentions in early spring.

                    Arundel Sierra Club endorses Moyer for mayor

                    The Sierra Club's Anne Arundel Group announced yesterday its
                    endorsement of Alderman Ellen O. Moyer for mayor of Annapolis.

                    David Prosten, president of the local chapter, said Moyer has an
                    "outstanding environmental record" and "goals very much in line with our
                    organization." The group interviewed Moyer and her Republican
                    opponent, Alderman Herbert H. McMillan, before making its choice,
                    Prosten said at a news conference at Susan B. Campbell park at City
                    Dock.

                    Moyer, who established the Annapolis Conservancy Board and the city's
                    Greenscape program, said that if elected mayor she will work to conserve
                    50 acres of environmentally sensitive land in the city in permanent
                    conservation easements through a program she dubbed "Save the Land."

                    Owens appoints members to minority business panel

                    Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens announced the
                    appointment of 17 members to the Minority Business Enterprise
                    Committee yesterday.

                    The committee advises Owens on business opportunities for female- and
                    minority-owned companies and serves as an advocate for minority and
                    woman business owners. Owens also reappointed nine members.
                    Members serve two-year terms.

                    The committee meets the second Monday of each month in the county's
                    Office of Central Services, 2660 Riva Road, Annapolis. Meetings are
                    open to the public. Information: 410-222-7620.

                    Copyright © 2001, The Baltimore Sun