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Executive Update

October 2008

County Executive James T. Smith Jr.
400 Washington Avenue
Old Courthouse Mezzanine
Towson, Maryland 21204
410-887-2450
E-mail Address: jimsmith@baltimorecountymd.gov

Dear Friends of Baltimore County,

In 2007, people across the nation celebrated as Cal Ripken, Jr., one of Baltimore County’s hometown heroes and one of the greatest baseball players ever, was immortalized in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. In Baltimore County, we were understandably proud of calling such an outstanding athlete and such a remarkable human being one of our own.

Extraordinary Achievements

This year, Baltimore County is thrilled to find its residents at the forefront of the sporting world yet again. For two weeks in August, athletes from across the world came together in Beijing to compete on the highest stage in all of sports the Olympic games. It was here that Baltimore County’s own competed and succeeded against the best that the world had to offer.

Towson’s own Katie Hoff brought home a silver medal and two bronze medals, an extraordinary achievement. During the Paralympic Games in Beijing, Middle River’s own Jessica Long continued our County’s success with four gold medals, a silver medal, and a bronze medal. And Carmelo Anthony, who got his start at Towson Catholic before he became an Olympic Hero, helped the “redeem team” bring home a gold medal in basketball this year.

But no one accomplished more during this year’s Olympics, or any Olympics for that matter, than our own Michael Phelps.

Great Expectations

Expectations were high for Michael Phelps when the Olympics began in Beijing. With his talent, reputation, and accomplishments during the 2004 Olympics, people expected nothing less than a record-breaking performance.

Many would see expectations such as these as a burden or a distraction from their competition, but not Michael. But greatness does not shy away from high expectations; rather it rises to meet the challenge. And Michael did that and more. During the Olympics, Michael won eight gold medals, the most ever by any athlete during a single Olympic games. And he not only won those medals, but set world records in seven of his eight events.

For that one week in August, Michael Phelps and all of Baltimore County’s Olympians showed the entire world the kind of determination and competitive spirit that have come to define our entire nation. From their outstanding performance in the pool to their work ethic and their humility, these outstanding young men and women were everything that we want our children’s heroes to be. That is why we are thrilled to be welcoming all of Baltimore County’s Olympians back home.

Parade of Gold

We have already begun our welcome home festivities for our Olympians by painting a golden eight on Chesapeake Avenue in Towson, in honor of Michael Phelps’ record eight gold medals in a single Olympics, and presenting Katie Hoff and Jessica Long with Keys to the County.

Our celebrations will culminate with a Parade of Gold on October 4 through Towson so that our entire country can celebrate with the achievements of Michael Phelps and all of our Olympic heroes. Following the parade, we will be joining our partners in Baltimore City and the State of Maryland at Fort McHenry for a Star Spangled Tribute to Michael Phelps.

Accomplishments such as these do not happen everyday and I hope to see all of you in Towson on October 4 to give our Olympic heroes the welcome home they deserve. 

Sincerely,

James T. Smith

County Executive

Revised October 31, 2008