When Will Johnson Be Out of Africa?

At a confab between the Prince George's school board and the county's legislative delegation Monday, a sign marked the seat reserved for County Executive Jack B. Johnson, but he was nowhere to be found.

Johnson (D) has been on a trade mission to Africa since Monday, along with his chief of staff and at least two other county staff members.

As of Tuesday, his spokesman had been unable to provide basic details about the trip, including who accompanied Johnson, what meetings he was holding, when he will be back and what countries he is visiting, in addition to Cameroon.

Spokesman James P. Keary was not able to confirm such details as whether the county is paying for the trip and how much it will cost. Taxpayers have paid for several such trade missions in the past.

The presence of Johnson's nameplate amid publicity of the trip drew some quiet laughs, we are told by participants at Monday's meeting.

On Tuesday, we finally unearthed evidence of when Johnson will return to the county: We were forwarded an invitation to his annual office holiday party for county workers.

The party will be next Thursday on the fifth floor of the County Administration Building. The invitation indicates workers were invited by Johnson, suggesting he will be back by then and in attendance.

Griffith Is Elected Chairman Of Prince George's Delegation

State Del. Melony G. Griffith (D-Prince George's) has been elected chairman of the county's 23-member delegation to the House of Delegates. Griffith's colleagues elected her unanimously Monday.

Griffith, who was elected to the House in 1998 and sits on its powerful Appropriations Committee, said she hopes to use her knowledge of the state's budget process to leverage funding for Prince George's in a tight economic times.

"Obviously, these are ridiculously difficult times in terms of the fiscal challenges facing the state," she said. "As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will be positioned to represent Prince George's County on budget matters."

Griffith works for the Prince George's County Health Department as director of the Center for Healthy Lifestyle Initiatives. She said she moved from Montana to Maryland when she enrolled at Howard University, where she received a master's degree in social work.

Griffith said she hopes to ensure "greater communications among the delegation's members," including other delegates who serve in the House leadership.