Delco’s new executive director outlines goals
MEDIA » A week into being Delaware County’s new executive director, Howard Lazarus outlined some of his goals.
“Things have been hectic but it’s been enjoyable,” the
63-year-old Marple native said with the county, like the nation, grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, its correlating economic issues and systemic racial inequity issues. He explained his current focus is to gain a better understanding of the direction Delaware County Council wants to go.
Lazarus was selected from a field of more than 140 applicants in a nationwide search for the $215,000-ayear position. After attending Marple Newtown High School, Lazarus went to West Point and served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for 20 years. He also served as public works director in Austin, Texas, and as city administrator in Ann Arbor, Michigan, a position he held from 2016 until February.
He explained that his contract with Ann Arbor did not have a termination date, like the two-year time limit with Delaware County.
“They terminated without cause,” Lazarus said. “There wasn’t any misbehavior or misadministration. Council has a right to pick a leader with the direction they want to go.”
He explained that the Ann Arbor council changed recently and chose to pick someone who would pursue its goals. New council members were elected in November.
“I have no ill will with anyone,” Lazarus said, adding that the matter was handled with courtesy and professionalism. “I wish all of them well.”
Here, in Delaware County, he explained some of his priorities include cultivating a strong, energetic, motivated workforce who understand and are committed to public service; building sustainable environmental, economic and equitable systems; and ensuring that the governmental entity is economically sound.
Lazarus added that he sees the importance of “engaging with different parts of the community so there is trust in the government.”
He said one emphasis will be on challenging the approximate 3,000 county employees while also supporting them, empowering them to solve problems and provide customer service.
“I want people not to sleep on Sunday night,” he said, adding that’s not because they don’t want to come to work but because they are so excited to get there.
Some of his short term goals include filling positions and finding a structure within the lasting impacts of the pandemic.
“I need to rebuild some of the senior leadership positions,” Lazarus explained. “There are a lot of vacancies.”
Likewise, COVID-19 will provide the framework for public interaction going forward, both for the employees and residents and the executive director noted that providing testing and keeping the community safe are paramount.
Thirdly, he said he wants to concentrate on the November election to make certain it is inclusive and that everyone who wants to vote is afforded that opportunity. In addition to addressing ongoing reassessment issues, Lazarus said economic development measures would be part of his longer term goals.
“I’d like to look at some of the sustainability and open space initiatives that are going on,” he explained.
He also said he wants to create strong relationships with municipal governments while addressing some of the social and economic inequities that exist in the county.
Lazarus said he and his partner, Carol, with whom he has two adult children, decided to come to Delaware County at this stage in his career so he could pay back the community that created a foundation for him.
Yet, it’s not the only time he’s returned. He said his sister lives in Havertown and he returned many Novembers for the Army/Navy weekend.
Pursuant to the code, Lazarus said he is looking for a home within Delaware County to live as he becomes refamiliarized with the county and all the things that contribute to a great quality of life here.