[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 53 (Monday, March 30, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E805]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING MR. MICHAEL H. DAVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 30, 2009

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor 
the life of Mr, Michael H. Davis, a man I was honored to work with for 
many years serving the people of Baltimore County. A brilliant 
strategist, respected advisor, trusted friend and esteemed attorney, 
Mike's intellect and passion made a strong impression on everyone he 
met.
  Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Mike always strived to better 
himself and the world around him. His mother, a homemaker, and father, 
a Baltimore police officer, instilled in him a great sense of civic 
duty and a conviction to never forget about the little guy.
  Mike was someone who believed in the power of education and 
discipline. Until his graduation in 1978, he attended The Gilman School 
on Roland Avenue on scholarship. It was there he met Nick Schloeder, a 
tough coach and brilliant teacher, who spurred his passion and early 
interest in the political process. Mike went on to attend Harvard 
University, a true testament to his academic discipline, graduating 
with a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Political Science in 1982. 
From there, he returned to Baltimore to attend the University of 
Maryland Law School, while simultaneously working on Mayor William 
Donald Schaefer's reelection campaign.
  Mike soon began his career as a lawyer with Smith, Sommerville & 
Case, and then with Venable LLP. His extraordinary work ethic and knack 
for problem solving soon earned him the position of Partner at Venable. 
Though he was leading a successful law career, Mike never strayed far 
from local politics. He worked on three of Senator Paul Sarbanes' 
successful campaigns in 1988, 1994 and 2000.
  Shortly after my election to the office of Baltimore County Executive 
in 1994, Mike became my Executive Officer. Mike was instrumental in 
countless accomplishments for Baltimore County and was a gifted 
advisor. One award Baltimore County was especially proud to receive was 
Governing Magazine's selection of Baltimore County as one of the Top 
Four Best Managed Counties out of 3,000 counties nationally. He was 
also responsible for helping Baltimore County secure three Triple A 
Bond ratings during my term. A strong proponent of education, he was 
responsible for developing a volunteer program partnering county 
employees with elementary schools, and the School Resource Officers 
program. Mike's priorities and values were obvious in his work ethic 
and his accomplishments. After leaving my office, Mike went back to 
work for Venable, but remained active in politics, advising and sharing 
his wisdom.
  Michael Davis achieved much in his short life but his greatest pride 
was his family. His wife, Ann, of 24 years was the love of his life and 
an incredible source of strength. His son, Robert, and daughters, 
Jessica and Blair, are a tribute to the values he cherished, and the 
type of father he was. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today 
to honor the life of Michael H. Davis. His legacy as a brilliant 
political advisor will be matched only by the memory of his devotion to 
his friends and family. Even though Mike has passed from this life, the 
memory of his friendship will remain eternally in the minds and hearts 
of those he knew and the lives he touched.

                          ____________________