Howard County Executive Director of Housing Commission Tom Carbo died

   I was saddened to hear of the death of Tom Carbo in a Facebook post by County Exec Kittleman.  Tom has a long history of work in Howard County Government.  I got to know Tom when he worked in the Howard County Law Office.  I was working in the Office on Aging when we needed to develop a contract for workers in our Office that didn't violate Federal Labor laws.  Tom developed the workable contract that allowed us to operate a number of programs with contractual workers.  The contract he developed even became known in the County as the "Carbo contract."  Here is the info posted by the County Exec:

     "Tonight, Howard County is mourning the death of Thomas P. Carbo, the Executive Director of the Howard County Housing Commission. Tom succumbed to a heart attack early this morning. He was 57.

     Tom was a passionate advocate and champion who worked tirelessly to create and expand affordable housing programs in Howard County. Under his leadership, the Housing Commission made considerable strides, developing model communities such as Monarch Mills and Burgess Mill Station, doubling home ownership during the last eight years, expanding education programs and opportunities to new homebuyers and those seeking financial literacy and awarding affordable rental and ownership opportunities to those in need. Most recently, Tom led the effort to create a comprehensive affordable housing program for Downtown Columbia that would serve a broader range of incomes.

    Tom joined Howard County Government as an Assistant County Solicitor in the Office of Law in 1989. He also served as Senior Assistant County Solicitor and Labor Relations Coordinator before being named Deputy Director of the County Department of Housing and Community Development in 2006. Six years later, Tom was appointed Director of the Department and also became the Executive Director of the Housing Commission. In addition to his work in Howard County, Tom also served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Maryland.

      A Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County where he studied political science, Tom received his J.D. from University of Maryland School of Law.

      Tonight, I extend my deepest sympathy and prayers to Tom’s wife Jeannie, and his three children Jaime, Kristen and Daniel. During this difficult time, I hope they will find some comfort in knowing that Tom lived a life dedicated to improving the quality of life for others. He was a visionary whose work led to a new era of innovative and affordable housing opportunities that enriched our community. Tom will be greatly missed."

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