On Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at the meeting of the HCRC, John Ripley was named the new chair of the committee.  The committee serves as the bargaining agent for Baltimore County employees' healthcare benefits under each of the MOU for the six bargaining unions and SMC (supervisory, managerial & Confidential group).  This is the first time since the committee has been formed that the president of the Fire union hasn't been the chair.  It is John's committment to the employees of Baltimore County that has lead to this opportunity. John fortitude will be tested immediately since the county has presented changes to the committee already and tied them to the ratification of new MOU's.