Fast Exit for New Emergency Services Chief

A lex J. Naar, who had served as Charles County's director of emergency services for less than two months, is no longer a county employee, a government spokeswoman said this week.

County commissioners and other officials declined to say whether Naar resigned or was fired, or what led to his abrupt departure. A written statement from government spokeswoman Crystal Hill quoted Commissioners President Wayne Cooper (D-At Large) wishing Naar well "in his future endeavors" and thanking him for his service.

William Stephens, the county's coordinator of domestic preparedness, was named interim director of emergency services on Monday. Stephens, who served as acting director of the department before Naar was hired, has worked for the county for five years. County Administrator Paul W. Comfort said there are no plans to conduct a search to replace Stephens.

Naar, a 27-year veteran in the public safety field who most recently worked as a fire management officer in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, was chosen in February to replace Donald P. McGuire, who retired. Naar moved from California to begin work March 10 and bought a $640,000 home in Accokeek shortly afterward. Naar could not be reached for comment early this week.

When Naar was hired, government officials spoke effusively about his extensive résumé, which includes working on national emergency and disaster planning issues. Commissioner Samuel N. Graves Jr. (D-La Plata) called him "the ideal candidate for the position."

A Watershed Strategy

The St. Mary's River Watershed Association, in partnership with St. Mary's County government and other agencies, institutions and businesses, is leading an effort to develop a Watershed Restoration Action Strategy.

The St. Mary's River drainage area, which includes most of the Lexington Park Development District, is under significant development pressure, the association's top officers said in a statement.

Development "appears to be causing pollution of watershed streams and the main river, fragmenting natural habitats and overwhelming the ability of the river, stream networks and surrounding lands to provide important ecological and economic benefits," the group said.

The restoration strategy will seek to identify, quantify and address the problems of the St. Mary's River watershed. To that end, the watershed association is inviting all interested residents to attend a kickoff meeting Monday at 10 a.m. at the Lexington Park Library.

Fundraising for the study is continuing. It has a projected budget of more than $250,000, according to the announcement signed by Joe Anderson, association president; Bob Paul, vice president; and Bob Lewis, executive director.

Although additional funding is needed, the association has raised enough to begin the first phases of the study, which will characterize the conditions of the watershed, streams and shoreline.

The group also is seeking to establish a steering committee that will meet monthly to oversee and direct development of the study and plan. Anyone interested in serving on the committee or in being included on the association's e-mailing list can sign up at Monday's meeting or by contacting Bob Lewis at 301-862-3517 or taylew@erols.com.