The Herring Run Watershed Association was
created by Chapter 992, Acts of 1978. The Asso-
ciation is composed of the State, Baltimore City,
and Baltimore County. By the same 1978 law, the
Herring Run Watershed Association Commission
was formed.

The Commission provides for regional coopera-
tion of the State, Baltimore City, and Baltimore
County on flood control, water quality, and wa-
tershed management of the Herring Run Public
Watershed. The Watershed is the land and water
area from which all water drains to and from the
Herring Run. It includes the Herring Run, West
Herring Run, Chinquapin Run, Moores Run, and
Armistead Creek.

The Commission consists of the Secretaries of
Natural Resources, State Planning, and Health
and Mental Hygiene, or their designees; two
members from Baltimore City selected by the
Mayor; two members from Baltimore County
chosen by the County Executive; and two mem-
bers named by the Baltimore Regional Planning
Council. Of the six County and City members, at
least one is from the County or City legislative
body, and at least one is a General Assembly
member.

The Commission is authorized to appoint an
advisory committee of interested citizens (Code
Natural Resources Article, secs. 8-1701 through
8-1706).

HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION

Chairperson: James C. Fletcher, Jr., 1983
Vice-Chairperson: Susan P. Leviton, 1985

Phyllis J. Eriich, 1983; Leonard D. Jackson, Sr.,
1983; Mary B. Malley, 1985; Sylvia S. Rodri-
guez, 1985; Clara Clow, 1987; Jean W. Creek,
1987; one vacancy.

David L. Glenn, Executive Director
Elinor H. Kerpelman, Deputy Director
Vernon C. Wingenroth, Assistant Director
Risselle R. Pleisher, General Counsel

20 E. Franklin St.
Baltimore 21202 Telephone: 659-1700

Eastern Shore Office:
514 Race Street
Cambridge 21613 Telephone: 228-0112

The Human Relations Commission originally
was created as the Interracial Commission in

Independent Agencies/373

1927 (Ch. 559, Acts of 1927). Subsequent amend-
ments to Article 49B have expanded the Commis-
sion's authority and responsibilities and altered
its name. In 1943 it was renamed the Commis-
sion to Study Problems Affecting the Colored
Population (Chapter 431, Acts of 1943). Its name
was changed again in 1951 to the Commission on
Interracial Problems and Relations (Chapter 548,
Acts of 1951). In 1969 it became the Human Re-
lations Commission (Chapter 83, Acts of 1968).

The current Commission consists of nine mem-
bers appointed by the Governor with the advice
and consent of the Senate for staggered six-year
terms. In the appointment of Commission mem-
bers, consideration is given to representation from
all areas of the State. The Commission designates
one of its members as chairperson.

The Governor appoints the Executive Director
from a list of five names submitted by the Com-
mission. The Executive Director is removable by
the Governor upon recommendation of two-
thirds of the Commission. The Executive Director
supervises a staff, currently consisting of 66 au-
thorized positions, employed to perform a variety
of Commission activities. The Executive Director
has the power to appoint and remove the Deputy
Director and the General Counsel with the ap-
proval of a majority of Commission members.

The Commission is authorized to eliminate dis-
crimination based on race, color, national origin,
religion, sex, marital status, physical handicap,
mental handicap, and age. It formulates general
policy and direction, acts upon programs and ad-
ministrative proposals, conducts public meetings,
and promotes Commission community presence
and assistance. The Commission administers and
enforces the Maryland Public Accommodations
Law, Discrimination in Housing Law, and the
Fair Employment Practices Law. It initiates com-
plaints and investigates complaints of discrimina-
tion in State agencies (Chapter 153, Acts of
1969). Through its staff, the Commission receives,
investigates, and conciliates complaints that allege
violation of these laws. It has the power to con-
duct public hearings, administer oaths, issue sub-
poenas, and to compel attendance or testimony of
witnesses, production of books, papers, records,
and documents relevant or necessary for proceed-
ing under these laws. The Commission can dis-
miss complaints where evidence shows an absence
of discriminatory acts or issue, among other re-
lief, a cease and desist order if evidence shows
that a respondent has engaged in a discriminatory
act. In addition, in cases of employment discrimi-
nation, it may award back pay of up to two
years' duration.