Talley, Hance await confirmation

Friday, Feb. 5, 2010

State Agriculture Secretary Earl F. "Buddy" Hance and Charles County District Court Judge Kenneth A. Talley have been serving in their respective offices since May, but they are both awaiting formal confirmation by the state Senate.

The two men, who were appointed after the legislature adjourned last year, were among several dozen who came before the Senate Executive Nominations Committee on Monday seeking confirmation to a variety of offices, boards and commissions.

The process is essentially a formality; nominees who come before the panel rarely face opposition in the Senate. The full chamber is likely to confirm the nominees by the end of the week.

Hance was appointed deputy agriculture secretary in February 2007 and was elevated to the top job after former Secretary Roger L. Richardson retired last May.

Talley's confirmation carries more significance than many others. He is the county's first African American jurist, a feat he recognizes but does not overemphasize.

It's more important that the county's diverse population is reflected on the bench, he said. He said he wants to be viewed as someone with an even judicial temperament and a deep legal knowledge.