[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 197]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DAVID S. BLIDEN

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 6, 2009

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor 
David S. Bliden upon his retirement from the position of Executive 
Director of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo).
  Mr. Bliden holds a bachelors degree in economics from the University 
of Maryland, College Park, and after earning a law degree from the 
University of Maryland School of Law in 1973, began his career in 
government as a legal intern at the State's Attorney's office in Prince 
George's County. By 1974, Dave was an Associate County Attorney, 
serving as a liaison to the Maryland Association of County Civil 
Attorneys. Serving as Deputy County Attorney in the Office of Law for 
Anne Arundel County from 1984-1991, Dave served as the County 
Executive's liaison to the General Assembly, Governor's staff, and the 
Maryland Association of Counties.
  In 1991, Mr. Bliden was appointed Executive Director of the Maryland 
Association of Counties. As executive director, Dave managed the trade 
association which represents Maryland's twenty-four political 
subdivisions. He has served as MACo's primary representative to the 
Maryland General Assembly, the Governor's office, and the Local 
Government Insurance Trust. Throughout his tenure, he was a proactive 
communicator and was always conversant in emerging trends with local 
issues.
  Dave's willingness to look at each county in Maryland individually, 
as well as part of one great state provided the backbone for Maryland's 
continued success. Although times are tough today in Maryland, they 
could be considerably worse were it not for the talents, 
persuasiveness, and dedication of Dave Bliden.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor David S. 
Bliden in his retirement from the position of Executive Director of the 
Maryland Association of Counties. His legacy as a brilliant and 
competent director will be forever remembered in his service to one of 
Maryland's largest associations. It is with great pride that I 
congratulate Dave Bliden on his exemplary legal career and his 
outstanding leadership at MACo.

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