Friday, February 1, 2008

marilyn praisner (1941-2008) (updated)

"Folks tend to get the perception that their corner of the County is unique . . . when we all have the same problems." - Marilyn Praisner
UPDATES: - Sligo informed us that Planning Board commissioner Gene Lynch, who lived in Woodside Park, has also passed away. I would also like to extend my condolences to Lynch's family on this especially sad day in Montgomery County.

- Adam Pagnucco eulogizes Marilyn Praisner and her long career of public service at Crossing Georgia.

- Councilmember George Leventhal (D-At Large) had this to say about Praisner's passing:
"Montgomery County lost a great public servant today. I so enjoyed working with Marilyn. We shared a lot of laughs and helped a lot of people together. I had profound respect for her knowledge, her experience, her perspective and her dedication. I will never forget her example of tireless commitment and I know that for years to come, before a tough vote, Councilmembers, including me, will wonder, What Would Marilyn Do?"
- Mark D. Fennel, who ran for County Council in District 4 as a Republican two years ago, is demanding a special election to replace Praisner on a Washington Post blog.

County Councilmember Marilyn Praisner (D-Calverton) passed away this morning while undergoing heart surgery. I just wanted to express my condolences for her family and for everyone who's ever had the chance to work with our county's longest-serving councilmember.

JUTP interviewed Praisner last year. I've always felt like she was a neighbor of mine, living just a couple of blocks from my house. I didn't always agree with her policies, but it's clear she cared about our community. She cared enough to put down roots here forty years ago and never leave. How many people - in East County or anywhere - can say that?

I am inexplicably shaken. I don't know what else to say. I'm so sorry.

11 comments:

Sligo said...

Gene Lynch, The Commissioner of the Montgomery County Planning Board and Silver Spring resident also died last night.

Anonymous said...

Check out http://blog.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2008/02/montgomery_council_member_prai_1.html?hpid=topnews

Scroll down to the comments by Mark Fennel, who opposed her in the last election. You’ll never see a faster, more shameless attempt at politicizing a tragic event. Tells you what kind of people you can face in this county. Unbelievable.

Anonymous said...

Mark D. Fennel sounds like one insensitive, power hungry prick.

Anonymous said...

A minor correction: Gene Lynch lived in North Woodside, not Woodside Park, although we would have been proud to have him as a Woodside Park neighbor.

Sligo said...

I like how Mark Fennel adds a plug for Mitt Romney, because that is definitely a way to get people in this area on his side.

Anonymous said...

This is probably the only way a Republican can get elected around here. Force an emergency election before a Democratic candidate has a chance to drum up name recognition.

Adam Pagnucco said...

Fennel is not only crass - he's also ignorant. Chapter 16, Section 16-17 of the County Code provides for a special election if a vacancy occurs during the first three years of a County Council Member's term. The council must set a date for District 4's special election in the near future.

Anonymous said...

I don't know what happens next, or who is in line to replace Ms Praisner, but I will donate money to any fund that keeps that prick out of office.

Anonymous said...

I trust you all are just as outraged at the crass behavior of the prick Democrats who have been feverishly working the back channels to get Ms. Praisner's seat.

Anonymous said...

to "b" - seems like you are the only prick on this blog. Get off your high horse for just one second and re-read the Post blog. That guy you hate so much went to great lenghts to praise Praisner. You are doing a great disservice to Ms. Praisner's memory and to District 4 Democrats with your hateful tone.

Anonymous said...

Thank-you, I deserved that. Quite often I speak first, circumventing the thought process. I'll try being more considerate and thoughtfull in the future.