The Governor may grant pardons to persons con-
victed of criminal acts against the State, commute the
sentences of prisoners of the State, and remit fines and
forfeitures for offenses against the State. The Governor
may extradite prisoners or persons wanted by other states
upon the presentation of a writ of extradition and may
issue a warrant for the arrest of any person so wanted. The
Governor also may ask for the return to this State of any
prisoner or person of another state wanted for the viola-
tion of the laws of Maryland (Const., Art. II, sec. 20).
By virtue of his office, the Governor serves on certain
boards and commissions. The Governor chairs the Board
of Public Works and the Governor's Executive Council
(Cabinet) and serves on the Maryland Environmental
Trust; the Maryland State Employees Risk Management
Advisory Council; and the Maryland Veterans Home
Commission. The Governor also is a member of several
interstate boards: the Appalachian Regional Commis-
sion; the Chesapeake Executive Council; the Education
Commission of the States; the Interstate Mining Com-
mission; the Interstate Commission on the Potomac
River Basin; the Southern Regional Education Board;
the Southern States Energy Board; and the Susquehanna
River Basin Commission.

CHIEF OF STAFF
Major F. Riddick, Jr., Chief of Staff
(410) 974-3570

The Office of the Governor is organized under the
Chief of Staff and four Deputy Chiefs of Staff. Ap-
pointed by the Governor, the Chief of Staff oversees
the Communications Office, the Legislative Office,
and the Office of Legal Counsel and Regulatory
Affairs, as well as the Governor's Executive Council
(Cabinet), and the Washington Office. Reporting
directly to the Chief of Staff, three Deputy Chiefs of
Staff are responsible for the functions of government
carried out by the fifteen principal executive depart-
ments. Also reporting directly to the Chief of Staff is
the fourth Deputy Chief of Staff who administers
Appointments; Constituent Services; the Financial
Office; Government House; and Support Services.

GOVERNOR'S EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Chair: Parris N. Glendening, Governor
Contact: Major F. Riddick, Jr., Chief of Staff

State House
Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 974-3570

The Governor's Executive Council originated as
the Governor's Advisory Council in 1922 (Chapter
29, Acts of 1922). It was reorganized in 1969 as
the Governor's Executive Council (Chapter 156,
Acts of 1969). Known as the Governor's Cabinet,
the Council meets weekly to coordinate, direct, and
supervise State government.

The Council is comprised of twenty-one ex
officio members. They include the Governor, who
chairs the Council; the Lieutenant Governor; the
Secretary of State; the secretary of each principal
executive department of the State government; the
State Superintendent of Schools; the Secretary of
Higher Education; the Director on Aging; and the
Director of Planning. The Governor may appoint
an executive secretary for the Council (Code State
Government Article, secs. 8-101 through 8-105;
State Finance and Procurement Article, sec. 5-202).

CABINET COUNCIL FOR CAREER
& TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

Chair: Nancy S. Grasmick, Ph.D., State
Superintendent of Schools
(410) 767-0462

The Governor established the Cabinet Council for
Career and Technology Education in 1993 (Executive
Order 01.01.1993.05). The Council sets the strategic
direction for a system of career and technology edu-
cation that meets business needs, is based on compe-
tency, and focuses on measurable outcomes. The
Council coordinates planning for career and technol-
ogy education by the State Department of Education,
the Maryland Higher Education Commission, and
the Department of Business and Economic Develop-
ment. To further career and technology education in
Maryland, the Council ensures that departmental,
legislative and budgetary recommendations of these
agencies reflect a sharing of resources and plans.
The Council has three ex officio members. It is
chaired by the State Superintendent of Schools.

CABINET COUNCIL ON
CRIMINAL & JUVENILE JUSTICE

Chair: Kathleen Kennedy Townsend,
Lt. Governor
(410) 974-2804

The Cabinet Council on Criminal and Juvenile
Justice was formed by the Governor in 1995 (Execu-
tive Order 01.01.1995.03). The Council coordinates
the planning, implementation, and evaluation of State
policies and programs for criminal and juvenile justice.
Council priorities include crime prevention and public
safety. The Governor's Office of Crime Control and
Prevention staffs the Council.
The Council has four task forces. They are con-
cerned with Juvenile Justice Reform; Law Enforce-
ment; Sentencing and Intermediate Sanctions; and
Youth Citizenship and Violence Prevention.
Chaired by the Lieutenant Governor, the Coun-
cil consists of eleven ex officio members.