Tenure

First elected to the Senate in 1966. Member of the Senate since 1967.

Current Assignments

2000- President Pro Tem Emeritus

2004- Judicial Proceedings Committee

1995- Legislative Policy Committee

2009- Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review (AELR)

2003- Senate Chair, Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics

Past Senate Service

Senate Chair, Joint Committee on the Selection of the State Treasurer, 2011; Joint Committee on the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area, 2003-2009; Joint Committee on the Selection of the State Treasurer, 2007, 1996; Chair, Ethics and Election Law Subcommittee of the Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee, 2003-2004; Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee, 2001-2004, 1985-1986; Environment Subcommittee of the Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee, 2001-2004; Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Subcommittee of the Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee, 2001-2004; Joint Committee on Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas, 2003; Rules Committee, 1983-2003; Executive Nominations Committee, 1975-2003; Budget and Taxation Committee, 2000; Public Safety, Transportation, and Environment Subcommittee of the Budget and Taxation Committee, 2000; President Pro Tem, 1995-1999; Judicial Proceedings Committee, 1987-1999, 1967-1975; Joint Task Force on Maryland's Procurement Law, 1994; Vice Chair, Judicial Proceedings Committee, 1987-1994; Tort and Insurance Reform Oversight Committee, 1988-1993; Legislative Policy Committee, 1983-1989; Economic and Environmental Affairs Committee, 1985-1986; Chair, Constitutional and Public Law Committee, 1983-1984; Vice Chair, Constitutional and Public Law Committee, 1975-1982; Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review (Past Chair and Vice Chair), 1967-1982; Task Force to Study Court Decision Regarding Pit Bulls, 2012-2013.

Past House Service 1963-1967

Judiciary Committee , 1963-1967.

Public Service

Task Force on Industrial Job Creation in Baltimore County, 2011-; Maryland Quiet Vehicles and Pedestrian Safety Task Force, 2009-2010; Chair, Baltimore County Delegation, 2003-2010, 1968-1972; Criminal Justice Information Advisory Board, 2007-; State Advisory Council on Water Security and Sewerage Systems, 2004; Task Force to Study the Economic Development of the Maryland Seafood and Aquaculture Industries: Seafood Industry Workgroup, 2002-2004; Attainment Plan (Federal Air Quality Standards) Task Force, Department of the Environment, 2000-2004; Co-Chair, Task Force to Examine Crime Victims' Rights Laws in Maryland, 1995-2003; State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy, 1999-2000; Task Force on Driver's Education Programs in Maryland, 1999; Senate Chair, Task Force to Study the Comprehensive Licensing of Automotive-Related Industries, 1999; Sentencing Guidelines Advisory Board, 1987-1999; Co-Chair, Task Force to Study Motor Vehicle Liens, Regulation of Towing Practices, and the Disposition of Unclaimed Vehicles, 1997; Commission on the Future of Maryland Courts, 1995-1997; 15 Percent Plan Task Force, 1995-1996; Court of Appeals Standing Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure, 1995-; Article 27 (Crimes and Punishments) Revision Committee, 1995-; Joint Task Force on Maryland's Procurement Law, 1994; Maryland Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission, 1984-1989; Committee to Study Anticipated Sewage Treatment Needs, 1986-1987; Energy Overcharge Restitution Trust Fund Board of Trustees, 1984-1985; Governor's Task Force to Review the Defense of Insanity, 1982-1984; Golden Age Card Task Force, 1982-1983; Sewage Sludge Management Commission, 1982-1983; Tillie Frank Task Force, 1982-1983; Task Force on Permits Simplification, 1979-1980; Governor's Commission to Review Laws Governing the Workmen's Compensation Laws.

Memberships

Maryland Veterans Caucus, 2005-; Maryland Labor Caucus, 2005-; Taxpayers Protection Caucus, 2003-; Maryland State Bar Association; Beth Council Knights of Columbus; Edgemere Moose; North Point Peninsula Community Coordinating Council; Honorary Member, Ironworkers International and Local 16; Past President, North Point Improvement Association; Past President, St. Luke's Holy Name Society.

Awards

First Citizen Award, Maryland Senate , 2009; Maryland Champion of Victims' Award, Maryland Crime Victims' Resource Center , 2003; Annual Award of Excellence, Local 37, International Union of Operating Engineers , 2002; Legislator of the Year, Maryland State Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police , 1994; Legislator of the Year, Baltimore Building Trades Council , 1993; Conservationist of the Year, Clean Water Action , 1986; One of the Ten Outstanding Legislators in United States, Assembly of Governmental Employees , 1982; Town Notable, Legislative District 7, Dundalk Eagle Newspaper .

Biographical Information

Born, Baltimore, Maryland, September 8, 1935; Baltimore Public Schools; University of Baltimore; University of Baltimore School of Law, LL.B., J.D., 1960; Attorney; Married, Four children.