Ulman hires new legislative director

Howard County Executive Ken Ulman hired a new legislative director this week, according the county's office of public information.

Ned Cheston, who currently serves as a staff lawyer for the state Senate's Budget and Tax Committee, will act as a liaison to the state legislature starting Monday.

"He is somebody who has incredible knowledge of the legislative process and most importantly the budget," Ulman told The Baltimore Sun. "With the budget right on top of the radar screen, that would be a real asset."

Cheston will take over for Joan Kennedy, who has held the position since January 2007. "The executive decided it was not a good fit," Kennedy told the Sun. "I was disappointed."

In an interview with the Sun, Ulman said he thought the world of Kennedy. "I wish her luck and best wishes," he said.