Lawton's Death Stuns Political Establishment
The sudden death today of Del. Jane Lawton, the county's cable administrator and a four-term Chevy Chase mayor, has reverberated throughout the state and county political establishment. Below are tributes from local and statewide leaders. Please feel free to share your thoughts.
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley:
"We were all shocked and saddened by the sudden news of Delegate Jane Lawton's passing this morning. Delegate Lawton was a wonderful public servant, a tireless advocate for our environment, the Chesapeake Bay, and affordable housing, who worked hard for her constituents and the people of Montgomery County. On behalf of all the people of our State, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to her entire family, her friends, and those she represented in District 18."
House Speaker Michael E. Busch:
"Jane Lawton was a lifelong public servant who dedicated her energy and talents to enriching the lives of others. When she came to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2005, Jane had an instant impact on the legislature and distinguished herself as a member of the Environmental Matters Committee. She was a tireless advocate who worked to improve the Chesapeake Bay, create sustainable communities and provide more opportunities for affordable housing across the State. This is a tremendous loss for the General Assembly and the people of Maryland. Her family is in our thoughts and prayers."
Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett:
"Jane Lawton's sudden death this morning is a significant and tragic loss -- not only to her family and friends -- but to Montgomery County government and every resident in this County and across the state. Jane was a dedicated public servant who was Montgomery County's cable franchise administrator, as well as a delegate to the Maryland General Assembly. Her expertise in cable matters was unprecedented, and she was an outstanding member of our delegation. We have lost a gifted and talented individual who contributed to this community in many ways as an administrator and elected official. Her absence will be deeply felt.
I extend my heartfelt sympathies to Jane's family and friends."
Montgomery County Council President Marilyn Praisner:
"I am stunned to learn that my dear friend Jane Lawton has died. Jane and I worked together many years on cable and telecommunications issues, both at the national and local level. She was a talented individual who served Montgomery County extremely well as a cable administrator and as a member of the State District 18 Delegation. As president of NATOA, she provided strong national leadership and brought significant recognition to Montgomery County. Words cannot express our loss. I want to extend my deepest condolences to Jane's daughters and her family. I loved Jane Lawton and I will miss her greatly."
Congressman Al Wynn:
"Delegate Lawton was an outstanding legislator and a wonderful person. Her smile, enthusiasm, and commitment to her constituents reflect the best characteristics of public service. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family. She will be sorely missed in Montgomery County and throughout the State of Maryland."
Michael Cryor, Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party:
"We have lost both a rising legislative star and a long-time Democratic pillar of energy and strength in Montgomery County. Jane Lawton became a Delegate in 2005 but she was one of the most remarkable members of the Democratic Party's long-time community of experienced and enthusiastic volunteer and community leaders. Her work in politics and government contributed greatly to making Chevy Chase, Montgomery County and Maryland a better place. Our prayers go out to her family, friends and everyone who knew her because of her tireless strength and persistence on behalf of the people and issues in which she believed."
By Phyllis Jordan |
November 29, 2007; 5:21 PM ET
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Posted by: Jeffrey Slavin, Councilmember , Town of Somerset | November 29, 2007 9:19 PM
Jane was a lovely person. I hope to see her again in Heaven one day soon.
Having said that, her death should bring about a change in Maryland law if Montgomery County legislators would put people above party for a change. The filing deadline for the 2008 primaries is December 3. There is no reason why the seat Jane held and the three other state legislative seats from Montgomery County that have been vacated over the past l3 months should not be on the ballot for the public next year. Why should the public elect public officials for 13 months or less of a 48 month term and the Central Committee fill those seats for 35 or more months? Step up to the plate legislators!
Posted by: Robin Ficker Broker Robin Realty | November 30, 2007 9:06 AM
Jane Lawton was an amazing person -- a skilled,insightful public policy expert, as well as a wonderful mentor, colleague, and friend. My deepest condolences to Jane's family. We will miss you, Jane.
Posted by: Deborah Royster | November 30, 2007 10:46 AM
Robin,
Whether one agrees with you or not, this is clearly neither the time nor the place to discus such things.
Let's honor Jane Lawton by honoring those closest to her -- her husband, her two daughters and those closest to her. They are hurting. Jane would never have immediately jumped into discussing political ups and downs at this point. There will be time for that but not now. It is in such pooooor taste to even consider that right now. Personally, I still can't believe she is gone. I have heard more stories about Jane and everyone of them is: warm, friendly, supportive and smart.
As a good friend said to me on Jane's passing "there are people who are smart and there are people who are nice but there are few people in this world (note goes beyond the political arena) who are both smart and nice." Jane was one of those rare people. I will miss her.
Posted by: MoCo Kevin | November 30, 2007 12:40 PM
"three other state legislative seats from Montgomery County that have been vacated over the past l3 months"
This is quite a statistic. 4 vacant seats in 13 months, how odd in such a short time.
Posted by: cheshire | December 2, 2007 4:58 PM
The comments to this entry are closed.
I am stunned at the passing of my dear friend, Jane Lawton, whose presence in the lives of so many of us is completely irreplaceable. Jane went about achieving her goal of making the world a better place for all with incredible vigor, passion, knowledge and sense of humor. And she did it all with humility and love. Montgomery County and the State of Maryland have suffered a huge loss. We must all cherish our memories of this wonderful human being.