October 17, 2019
Media Contact:
Scott L. Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman Elijah Cummings:
“Our world, our nation, our state, and our county are all mourning the loss of United States Congressman Elijah Cummings – an incredible man of deep convictions, a dedicated public servant, and a trailblazing historic figure.
Although he became one of our nation’s preeminent Congressional leaders, for many of us in Howard County, he was always simply ‘our Congressman’ and we could not be prouder of him. He served Maryland's 7th Congressional District for more than 23 years as an honorable and humble individual. He represented every one of his constituents with dignity, respect, and integrity.
Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with Congressman Cummings’ family and, specifically his wife, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, as well as friends, staff members, and all those he influenced and helped become their best self.
I have lived in Congressman Cummings’s district my entire life. I still clearly remember the support and wisdom he gave me after I was first elected to office, and that continued over the years. He was more than a mentor to me - he was a friend, a confidante, and a role model. Congressman Cummings was someone who would take my call whenever I needed him, provided the best advice, and was always gracious and kind. He treated me and my family, like he did all his constituents, as if we were his family.
I never witnessed any politician transcend politics like he did. He would make every person he met feel special- no matter if they were Democrat or Republican, young or old, rich or poor, from Baltimore, Howard County, or anywhere else. Congressman Cummings would often say, ‘Diversity is our strength,’ to inspire us and ‘We’re better than that’ to motivate us, when our nation needed it most. These simple thoughts represent both the spirit and reality of Howard County, Baltimore and the entirety of our state.
Yet, the legacy I will remember most and pledge to continue is his unwavering commitment to advocate for the most vulnerable amongst us. He was a fighter, and he was our fighter.
Today, we will fly the flag at half-staff out of respect for his memory. I am asking all Howard County residents to take a moment of reflection and remembrance for the Cummings family and to join me in continuing his legacy by remaining ever vigilant in our fight for freedom, peace, and prosperity for all.”