Gary J. Arthur, acting director of Howard County's Department of Recreation and Parks since January 1997, has been appointed permanently to the post by County Executive James N. Robey.

Arthur, 51, will earn $84,533. The appointment means he will continue to preside over one of the key projects in the department's history -- development of Blandair, the 300-acre farm in the center of Columbia once owned by the late Elizabeth C. "Nancy" Smith.

"Gary has proven himself," Robey said. "His management skills and experience are a great asset to the citizens of our county. I know the high quality of his work, and I am confident that he will do a fine job for the citizens."

Arthur's department of 121 full-time and 500 part-time employees has an annual budget of $6.5 million.

He has requested a $1 million increase for next year, including five new employees. He is a past president of the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association.

Pub Date: 3/07/99