The Baltimore County Council shouldn't hesitate in permitting the farm estate of Robert E. Meyerhoff to serve as a boutique museum, housing his postmodern art collection. It would require an exception to the county zoning law, but this reportedly is an exceptional collection, and Mr. Meyerhoff's desire to preserve for public use the house and galleries built there is an exceptional gift. The rural setting may indeed flatter the collection, but converting former estates and farms to public museums has been done successfully. In this instance, not much is likely to change at the 250-acre Fitzhugh Farm or conflict with the surrounding horse farms. The council should approve limits on operating hours and parking. They would restrict traffic at the converted museum, which is to be overseen by the National Gallery of Art, and perhaps ease concerns of some residents.
A vote of confidence
More than a year ago, Anne Arundel County school Superintendent Kevin M. Maxwell ordered a top-to-bottom overhaul of troubled Annapolis High School. He bucked convention and more than a few critics, but his commitment to reforming the school is bringing dividends. The school has shown a marked decline in suspensions and referrals, improved student achievement and better attendance. But the big payoff came this week with the state school board's approval of Mr. Maxwell's comprehensive reform plan for the school. It was a vote of confidence in Mr. Maxwell, but credit also must be given to the principal, teachers and staff at Annapolis who had to reapply for their jobs, commit to three years at the school and work a 12-month schedule. It shows what leadership, dedication and a well-conceived reform plan can accomplish. Mr. Maxwell also has instituted needed changes at two of the middle schools that feed Annapolis High, seeking to foster a path toward achievement and excellence.
A challenging job
Jim Clack, Baltimore's new fire chief, has his work cut out for him when he takes up residence in Charm City from Minneapolis. A 20-year veteran of the Minneapolis department and its current chief, Mr. Clack faces a deflated city department, an insular culture and combative union leaders. Minority recruitment and retention remain issues for the 1,600-member force, which is four times the size of the agency Mr. Clack now heads. The Baltimore Fire Department was under intense scrutiny last year after a fire cadet died in a flawed training accident, and union leaders repeatedly called for the resignation of Chief William J. Goodwin Jr., who retired in November. Mr. Clack, who oversaw the Minneapolis department's rescue operations during last year's Interstate 35 bridge collapse, has a record of improved department diversity, skilled management and cordial labor relationships. He beat out 39 candidates to lead Baltimore's department; now he'll have to show that he was the best man for the job.