st/lds.pr      98-21                    Contact:  Marta Perez, 301-217-2563



DUNCAN PROPOSAL 
WOULD CREATE LEADERSHIP 
DEVELOPMENT SERVICE           For Immediate Release (January 20, 1998)


     Continuing with his efforts to make County government operations more efficient,
Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan has submitted legislation to the County
Council that would amend the County's classification and compensation system to allow for
the creation of the Leadership Development Service (LDS). 
     The LDS would affect approximately 225 senior level positions separated into three
separate classification groups.  The compensation of the individuals filling these positions
would be dependent upon the level of job performance, under the new service.  The new
legislation would also eliminate unnecessary language in the County Code which requires that
the Merit System Protection Board be given an opportunity to review and comment on
proposed new occupational classes.  This change in the code was recommended because the
Board already has the authority to review classification actions at any time and is required by
the Charter to audit the classification and compensation plan every five years.
     "The new Leadership Development Service will elicit top performance from our senior
managers, and that will result in a more efficient and effective workforce," said Duncan.

                                  (more)


LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT SERVICE                                                    2-2-2-2

     In addition to the obvious benefits that would be generated by the plan, Duncan noted
that other benefits include:
          developing a management team that has a Countywide identity and career path,
          rather than only a departmental focus;
          providing mandatory training and development of its members;
          implementing private and public sector "best practices" to promote excellence
          by directly linking compensation with job performance;
          creating a more open and fluid organizational structure; and
          increasing manager's accountability.
     The County Council is expected to introduce the Leadership Development Service
legislation today at its regular Council Session.
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