Freeze lifted for environment inspectors

In an effort to underscore his commitment to enforce environmental laws, County Executive John R. Leopold is lifting his hiring freeze to employ six new inspectors.

The positions aren't entirely new, though. The slots already are funded in the current budget, so he's actually filling positions that already exist.

To do so he's lifting the all-but-public-safety hiring freeze that he imposed after taking office last month.

"This is a commitment I made during my campaign, so I want to see these positions filled," he said.

"I am deeply concerned at the number of environmental violations that occur in this county," Mr....