MARYLAND

Pocomoke hires Robert Cowger as city manager

Reed Shelton

The Daily Times

Robert Cowger took the office of Pocomoke City town manager on Monday, Aug. 28.

Robert Cowger, a former Worcester County commissioner, is Pocomoke's new city manager as of Monday, Aug. 28.

Hired by the town council, Cowger replaced interim City Manager Carol Sullivan, who served in the position since Ernie Crofoot left the office in early June.

The new role will see Cowger overseeing all the day-to-day operations of all town departments, the town budget and any contractors working for Pocomoke City.

“Having been a Worcester County commissioner for two terms, I know very well how politics work, and I’m going to ensure that everything is transparent and on the up-and-up while I’m city manager,” he said.

Cowger was a county commissioner from 1995 to 1998, and again from 2006 to 2010.

A 59-year resident of Pocomoke City with more than 30 years of experience in construction businesses, Cowger said his background will help a great deal in allowing him to function as an effective city manager.

“About 50 percent of what goes on here in the town deals with construction — roads and maintenance in general — and that’s exactly where my background lies,” he said.

Cowger also served as director of the Worcester County Liquor Control Board for six years, until the board was dissolved in April 2011.

“I’m not just an expert in one thing, but most importantly I’m passionate about this town,” he said. “The area needs reviving and that’s what pulled me in here — I want to build Pocomoke back up.

"We've got a lot of work to do, but I think people are going to see the progress that's about to start happening."

Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Morrison said the council made a great decision in bringing Cowger on board.

"He's a local boy who has a lot of ambition for Pocomoke's future," he said. "I think he'll make an excellent member of our team."

Finding Ocean City lifeguard talent: Program teaches young candidates rescue skills