Former delegate appointed to disabilities department

As co-sponsor of the 2004 legislation that created the Maryland Department of Disabilities as a cabinet-level agency, then-Del. William Frank helped champion equal opportunities for the disabled.

Three years later, the Baltimore County Republican was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

NowFrank, 55, of Lutherville, is about to become the ambassador for the disabled in Maryland. On Monday, he starts his new job as deputy secretary of the department he helped create. He was appointed to the post last week by Gov. Larry Hogan.

“I guess I have a greater empathy for people with a disability,” he said Thursday.

Frank served in the House of Delegates for12 years, representing the 42nd District. He was chief deputy minority whip of the House Republican Caucus and a member of the House Appropriations Committee. He later served on the House Health and Human Resources Subcommittee, overseeing the budget for the Department of Disabilities.

Last year, he passed up a run for a fourth term. He said it was not because of his Parkinson’s, but because he figured three terms was simply long enough.

This year, he was awarded the Thomas Kennedy Medallion, an award presented to former members of the House of Delegates in recognition of personal courage and dedication to the principles of liberty and freedom.

Frank considers himself a good fit for his new post, not only because of his affinity for people with disabilities, but because of his state government experi- ence.

“I have a pretty good familiarity with the budgetary process,” he said.

“We are truly fortunate to have someone with Bill’s experience working on behalf of people with disabilities,” said department Secretary Carol Beatty in a prepared statement. “I envision a strong working partnership, one in which we position Maryland as a national leader providing greater opportunities for employment, education, housing and independence for all of our citizens.”

Frank said he won’t be tied to a desk. He anticipates being “more of an ambassador,” and that his main role will be to travel around the state visiting programs for people with disabilities and seeing how they work.