DRUG CZAR'S OUSTER ANGERS COUNTY VOTER

The recent events concerning the abrupt termination of Baltimore County
drug czar Michael M. Gimbel lead me to deeply regret my vote for James T.
Smith as county executive ("Scores call for return of county drug czar,"
Dec. 19). I fully understand the political patronage system and its
ramifications. However, to terminate an exemplary employee with many years
of experience who has made the Baltimore County anti-drug program a
national model is incomprehensible. If this is an example of the decisions
the new regime of Baltimore County government will make, then woe betide us.

Harry Leibowitz, Reisterstown