Cecil County Circuit Court and District Court judges, along with court personnel, had the opportunity to meet Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera during her visit to the county. This visit is part of a broader statewide tour of court facilities.
"We’re very proud of our operations and our personnel, and this visit provided an opportunity for Maryland’s new chief judge to observe first-hand our efforts to provide quality services to our citizens," said Cecil County Circuit Judge V. Michael Whelan, who serves as the county administrative judge. He emphasized that the visit marks the beginning of an open dialogue about community issues and statewide challenges, expressing eagerness to collaborate with Judge Barbera and the Administrative Office of the Courts on improving judicial services.
District Administrative Judge Stephen J. Baker from Cecil County District Court remarked on the significance of introducing many staff members to Chief Judge Barbera for the first time. He highlighted the dedication of those working behind-the-scenes in their courts.
Chief Judge Barbera expressed her satisfaction with meeting her fellow judges and congratulated them on their effective court management. "Our courts are very busy, and it’s a privilege to meet so many hardworking professionals at every level who make it possible for our courts to operate and our judges to do their jobs," she stated.
Judge Whelan noted Cecil County's longstanding history of judicial service since 1792, mentioning that their current courthouse was built in 1939. He stressed the importance of ensuring that all facilities provide necessary space, accessibility, and public safety.
Judge Baker added that providing quality services requires ongoing evaluation of how people access courts. In today's context, this involves regularly updating technologies for local and statewide tasks.