Blair Ewing served 22 years on the Board of Education before finally running for a County Council at-large seat in 1998. He finished third that year and went on to lead a revolt against County Executive Doug Duncan on living wage, development and the ICC. This is the walk piece he used in winning his first, and only, term on the County Council.
Showing posts with label Blair Ewing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blair Ewing. Show all posts
Monday, October 04, 2010
Blair Ewing's Walk Piece, 1998
Thursday, September 16, 2010
End Gridlock vs. Blair Ewing, Council At-Large, 2002
This is an historic mailer. Shortly before the 2002 primary, the Washington Post published an editorial urging its readers to reject anti-ICC Council Member Blair Ewing and his entire slate. The End Gridlock team turned around this mailer in about 48 hours to finish off Ewing once and for all. It played at least a small part in helping challenger George Leventhal defeat Ewing for the fourth at-large spot by 1,140 votes out of a total of 356,988 at-large votes cast.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Marc Elrich on Blair Ewing
By Marc Elrich.
It was hard news to take on Tuesday, and the fact that it wasn't unexpected didn't make it any less so. Blair was a good friend, and someone I could talk to about almost anything. He was one of the most informed and thoughtful people that I've known, and he was a man of great integrity. His positions were never mysterious or vague. He didn't take a position without thoroughly thinking it through. He was simply motivated by doing what was right for the people he represented, whether he was on the school board or the County Council.
I met Blair around 1980 during the school board election. He championed the cause of equity for all children and understood that a complex web of factors contribute to a child's success in school. Before it was fashionable to talk about "changing demographics", "red zones", "achievement gaps", and "wrap around services", Blair understood those things and advocated for taking a broad approach to overcoming disparities. It took awhile before the County caught up with Blair and the broader group he was a part of, who were insisting on not only on educational reform but on a holistic approach that took into account the whole child.
Blair was the antithesis of shallowness. He was constantly learning, eager to talk to people and always interested in understanding an issue thoroughly. He would engage in substantive discussions and was never so busy that he couldn't meet at the Parkway Deli to talk about teaching, curriculum, pedagogy and the nexus of theory and practice. I was early on impressed that he would sit and talk about such things on a Saturday morning, not because of pending board action, but because he was genuinely interested in the intersection of policy decisions and the classroom.
For a lot of us, Blair was a true champion. What he would say in a private conversation, he would carry into a public forum. He would fight for his beliefs and didn't shy away from disagreements. He would not go along to get along, he wouldn't avoid a contentious debate even when he knew the outcome was already determined and it wasn't going to be favorable. And because of that, he won a strong and loyal following in the community. If you invested your vote in Blair, he gave you your money's worth and more.
He always had other interests that went beyond the school board. He was a strong environmentalist. He was committed to bringing more resources into the area of mental health, an area that to this day is sadly neglected by all levels of government. He counted beans - how the government spent money mattered, the effectiveness of programming mattered. These interests eventually led him to his successful run for the County Council where he was able to continue his advocacy for children and expand his role in shaping policies that impact on children beyond the classroom.
Blair was a leader in the effort to reshape growth policies so that they were tied to availability of infrastructure. It was not a "no-growth" position then, any more than asserting that growth and infrastructure should be linked is a "no growth" posture today. But he was painted that way, as well as being branded as the sole factor that blocked the construction of the ICC. Blair only wished he could have been that powerful. Nonetheless, his insistence on providing infrastructure as a condition of development and his unwavering opposition to the ICC led to the ugly campaign that was waged against him in 2002 to prevent his reelection. The developers amassed a war-chest of over $2 million dollars to defeat him and elect the "End Gridlock Slate." They succeeded.
Blair continued to stay politically engaged and with O'Malley's election, he was appointed to the State Board of Education. It was a fitting way to end a career that began as a visionary leader in the fight for educational equality. No matter what his political role, Blair never wavered from his commitment to children.
A lot of great human beings have passed in the last year. Too many. This County has witnessed the loss of real giants and Blair belongs in that group. As a board member or council member, his constituency was always the residents of the County and their children. He didn't bend to special interests and he would not be silent when there was cause that he believed in that needed his support. He didn't weigh the odds before deciding whether he should stand up and be counted, he weighed the merits of the issue. You could defeat Blair, but you couldn't silence him. I learned a lot from him and I will always be grateful for his willingness to share his knowledge and his interests. Like many others in the County, I looked to him for leadership and was never disappointed. We will all miss him. I trust that Marty, his wife, will take comfort in knowing that her loss is shared by all of us and that he was loved and respected by so many people in our community.
Editor's Note: Marc Elrich has been an at-large Montgomery County Council Member since 2006.
Blair Ewing: A Tribute
By Sharon Dooley.
The last time I saw Blair was in May at the annual Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee Spring Ball. He looked quite fragile as he walked unsteadily to his table, but said he was “fine” when I greeted him. This was the same response I had received at the NAACP Dinner in March and the Democratic Holiday Party in December. But many knew all was not well, he was far too gaunt and frail to be “fine”. So when I heard he died of carcinoid this week I was saddened, but not surprised. In reflection that May evening, I thought it is too bad Blair is not being honored tonight – we are not going to have a chance to do so in his presence much longer. But seeing him at these big gatherings month after month speaks to his character and to his courage. As an intelligent man, he knew he was ill and still kept to his routine. He asked no sympathy and carried his dignity forward with each uncertain step.
I’m not claiming great camaraderie with this man – he was not the boisterous political type who is always ‘meeting and greeting’ and has thousands of acquaintances, but few friends. No, Blair was a serious intellectual person, evidenced by his status as Phi Beta Kappa and previous collegiate rank as a professor. I first met him when he was a member of the Montgomery County Board of Education and found him to be caring and passionate about the education of students in this county. He has always been kind and friendly toward me and I considered him a respected friend and elder. He was an active advocate equally both for the services of gifted students as well as for those students whose educational needs were not being met by the system. He was outspoken concerning civil rights and equal opportunities in public education and first won election opposing conservatives. When I worked with a statewide advocacy group for gifted children’s education, Blair was a source of suggestions, advice and experience; he was always approachable and down to earth.
He really liked being on the County Council and did an excellent job of it. When the council at the time cut county clinic services for the mentally ill, I remember his crusade to try to restore these services for county residents. He kept his emphasis on education but added environmental issues to his plate and was an early opponent of the ICC. He was the real at large representative for and of the populace on the council around 2000. When he ran for re-election for his at large seat, those on the End Gridlock slate targeted him. County Executive Duncan additionally claimed he was an obstructionist to plans for growth; however few really expected his defeat in 2002. Across the county many spoke of “Blair” that year – he had been an elected official for 22 years on the school board and 4 on the council. That demonstrates a legacy that few could match before or probably will not afterwards.
Blair Ewing also did not forget and started working for Martin O’Malley as soon as he announced his candidacy for governor. He marshaled many in the county to this quest and was publicly jubilant at the O’Malley victory. Named to the State Board of Education by the governor, his advocacy for Montgomery County continued. In fact, one of his final acts as a State Board member was to support he county’s request for a waiver on the maintenance of effort – just a few short weeks ago in May. To the end he served this county and stood up for his beliefs and principles. He wore his passions as a vest – they were a part of his uniform. One always knew where he stood and where you stood with him. Blair was an old-fashioned guy in some ways – he couldn’t be called a progressive – he was a true liberal and remained one even after many tried to smear that label - he wore it proudly. He didn’t test the wind before he chose his side in a battle; he went stolidly into the fray with the might of right on his side. When I ran in 2006 I was honored to receive the endorsement of both Blair and Neal Potter; neither were given lightly, both were proudly received. Recently in the District Council 4 race Blair Ewing endorsed Cary Lamari, still keeping to his principles and standing his ground, still involved in the politics of the county.
Today Рhis quiet person to person campaigns, his principled stands, his passions for people oriented services, seem almost pass̩ in the loud frenetic media driven world of politics we see daily. I hope that many will now pause, reflect and be thankful for his service and leadership in our county and will use his example to inspire future leaders. I know that I will. Many in Montgomery County will really miss Blair Ewing and I am certain join with me in sending condolences to his widow and family.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Board of Education Statement on Blair Ewing
Following is the press release from the Board of Education.
Board President Issues Statement Honoring the Legacy of Blair Ewing
June 30, 2009
STATEMENT OF BOARD PRESIDENT SHIRLEY BRANDMAN ON THE PASSING OF BLAIR G. EWING, FORMER MEMBER OF THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
“On behalf of the children and staff of Montgomery County Public Schools and the Board of Education, we wish to express deep condolences to the family of State Board of Education Member Blair G. Ewing on his passing today.
“Montgomery County, indeed Maryland, has just lost a tireless crusader for children. For many decades, as a Montgomery County Board of Education member, Montgomery County Council member, and State Board of Education member, Mr. Ewing worked vigorously, enduring long hours to craft policies, draft legislation, and provide adequate funding for public education in Montgomery County and in the state of Maryland. His commitment to ensuring high quality educational opportunity for all children was unshakeable. As a leader, no other passion consumed his time and energies more than his principled love for the welfare of every child under his jurisdiction.
“As we mourn the passing of a giant, we are comforted by the knowledge that everywhere we look in Montgomery County, the fruits of Mr. Ewing’s labor of love for our children are evident—in the classrooms and in the positive academic outcomes that he fought so hard to maintain through good instructional policies and adequate funding. The Montgomery County Board of Education salutes Mr. Ewing’s lifetime of service on behalf of all children.”
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Board of Education: Ms. Shirley Brandman, president. Mrs. Patricia O’Neill, vice president. Members: Mr. Christopher Barclay, Ms. Laura Berthiaume, Dr. Judy Docca, Mr. Philip Kauffman, and Ms. Quratul-Ann Malik, student member. Dr. Jerry D. Weast, superintendent and secretary-treasurer. Office of the Board: 301-279-3617.
The Montgomery County Board of Education is the official educational policymaking body in the county. The Board is responsible for the direction and operation of the public school system. The Board consists of seven county residents elected by voters for a four-year term and a student elected by secondary school students for a one-year term. Board members are elected county-wide but run at-large, or from the Board district in which they reside.
Cary Lamari on Blair Ewing
By Cary Lamari.
I was sorry to hear of the loss of my friend Blair Ewing. The last email I received from Blair was on May 18th, he regretted my loss in the election and he followed up with me on the State Board of educations denial on the county waiver request.
I have known Blair personally for about 20 years although I knew of him for over 30 as an active county resident. I first met Blair during one of Ida Mae Garrotts weekly strategy meetings for her political action committee the New Democrats. Blair and Ida Mae were good friends and it was Ida Mae Garrott that convinced Blair he should run for the County Council. I worked with Blair on numerous initiatives but the one that was most memorable was the initiative to promote Mental Health awareness. Blair was critical on the Civic Federations first Mental Health community forum that led to the Blue Ribbon committee the County’s most comprehensive document addressing Mental Health.
Blair wasn’t afraid to tackle the hard issues even if they drew criticism, he once told me it was his job to bring topics to the forefront, put them on the table and see how they shake out. Blair was a leader in protecting the environment and always was available to discuss a concern of any resident of this County.
Blair was a true Civic Activist; he cared for this County and took some serious lumps trying to protect our quality of life from eroding. Blair and I spoke in depth about the End Gridlock team and the dismantling of our Annual Growth Policy in 2003, he was one of very few who truly understood the meaning of Smart Growth, not what is being promoted today by Chairman Hanson and Rollin Stanley and he also understood the need for a measurable growth policy, he recognized the need to promote community with all necessary infrastructure which also requires a sustainable budget that protects our county employees so they would not have to be burdened with always being the people that get stuck with balancing the budget because we allow developers to get away without paying their fair share.
He was truly a hero of not only the residents but the employees of this County. I am proud to call Blair Ewing a friend and a mentor. He was not only a gentleman but also a Statesman. Blair represented the caliper of public servant that most dream of becoming. Blair stands in the same category as Neil Potter, Ida Mae Garrott, Betty Ann Kranke, and Marilyn Praisner. I do not know a politician in this County today that has his integrity, dignity, honor and sense of community. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Cary Lamari
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Ike Leggett's Statement on Blair Ewing
Following is the statement from County Executive Ike Leggett on former Montgomery County Council Member and Board of Education Member Blair Ewing.
Statement by County Executive Isiah Leggett on the Passing Of Blair G. Ewing
June 30, 2009
I am deeply saddened by the death of my friend, former Council colleague, and former County Council President and Montgomery County School Board president Blair Ewing.
During 22 years on the School Board, two years on the County Human Relations Commission, four years on the County Council, and, most recently, as a member of the Maryland State Board of Education, Blair Ewing demonstrated a deep and abiding commitment to making Montgomery County a better place to learn and live. As a member of Federal Executive Service for 22 years until his retirement, Blair worked with distinction as a senior executive with the Department of Defense, the Office of Management & Budget, the Office of Personnel Management, and the Department of Justice.
Coming from a distinguished political family in Missouri, he recalled as a boy watching Harry Truman in action. His grandfather was Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court and his uncle served as Governor. One of his ancestors died in defense of the Alamo. He was raised in a tradition that valued public service as a noble calling and Blair Ewing carried on with that tradition his entire life - as a reporter, a public official, and a teacher.
Blair Ewing's honesty and integrity were legend in Montgomery County. So, too, was his doggedness in promoting the common good, regardless of the odds. He was a fighter all his life against racial prejudice and for a helping hand for those in need, perhaps most especially for those coping with mental health issues.
I have ordered Montgomery County flags to be flown at half-mast through the day of his funeral.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Blair's wife, Marty Brockway, and to his entire family. Blair will be missed. This is a difficult loss for all who value honesty and integrity in public life.
Media Contact: Patrick Lacefield, 301-919-9372
Blair Ewing Passes Away
Following is the press release from the Montgomery County Council.
Former Montgomery County Councilmember, School Board Member Blair G. Ewing Passes Away
Council President Andrews: ‘His Impact on Public Education in
Montgomery Was Greater Than Any Other Single Person’
ROCKVILLE, Md., June 30, 2009—Former Montgomery County Councilmember and former member of the Montgomery County Board of Education Blair G. Ewing passed away today. Mr. Ewing, until very recently a member of the Maryland State Board of Education, was 76.
Mr. Ewing was elected as an at-large member of the Montgomery County Council in November of 1998 and served through 2002, chairing the Council’s Health and Human Services Committee and serving on the Transportation and Environment Committee. He lost in his bid for re-election in a September 2002 Democratic primary.
Prior to his election to the County Council, he served 22 years on the Montgomery County Board of Education. He was elected to the Board of Education six times and twice served as the board’s president.
Mr. Ewing, a native of Missouri and graduate of the University of Missouri, retired from the federal government in 1998 after 28 years of service, 22 as a senior executive in four federal agencies (the Department of Defense, the Office of Management and Budget, the Office of Personnel Management and the Department of Justice).
“Blair Ewing provided so many years of tireless service to the residents of Montgomery County. His unparalleled service made a lasting impression in the County,” said Council President Phil Andrews. “He made lasting contributions in public education, mental health services and integrity in government, among other areas. He was highly intelligent, gracious, effective and had a delightfully dry sense of humor. His impact on public education in Montgomery County was greater than that of any other single person. I had the pleasure and honor of serving on the Council with Blair Ewing for four years. The community has lost an outstanding leader who always put the public interest first.”
Mr. Ewing constantly said, “Education is the highest of all priorities in Montgomery County.”
Mr. Ewing was strong proponent of what has become known as “Smart Growth.” In an assessment of County priorities he issued in November 2001 as Council President, he said, “We must use all the tools at our disposal to place growth where it belongs, near transit and transit stations, require developers to pay a fair share of the costs of growth, use the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance and the Annual Growth Policy to restrain growth until we have truly been able to find the funds to build the needed schools and roads, build stronger protections for open space and for air quality, water quality and protections against noise pollution.”
Mr. Ewing came from a long line of public servants. One grandfather was the chief justice of the State Supreme Court in Missouri. His father was the mayor of a small town in Missouri and served for more than two decades as a school board member. His uncle, James T. Blair, was a governor of Missouri. Mr. Ewing traced ancestors who lived in Montgomery County to 1700, including those who helped found St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Rock Creek Parish, in 1712. [That church is now in Washington, D.C.]
Mr. Ewing, who lived in Silver Spring, is survived by his wife, Martha Brockway.
He was a member of the Montgomery County Human Relations Commission, the Education Foundation’s board of directors and a civic association in Silver Spring.
Following his election as Council president in December of 2000, Mr. Ewing told The Journal Newspapers: “I am a big believer in the role government can play in the solution of problems. I am not one of those who subscribes to the notion that government is the source of the problems.”
Statements by current Councilmembers on Blair Ewing:
Nancy Floreen: “He was a truly dedicated community leader.”
George Leventhal: “Blair made so many contributions to our County, from his years of service on the Board of Education to his advocacy for the mentally ill and for children, as chairman of the County Council’s Health and Human Services Committee, to his recent outstanding service on the State Board of Education. He was a public servant of tremendous integrity.”
Duchy Trachtenberg: “Blair Ewing was a compassionate, enormously dedicated public servant whose work ethic was legendary and whose record of accomplishment was exemplary. I first got to know Blair during my advocacy for the mentally ill, and I came to deeply admire, respect and love Blair for his unswerving commitment to delivering quality, affordable mental health services. Blair Ewing counseled me, mentored me and inspired me. I will miss him terribly.”
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