Parris Glendening
Encyclopedia
Parris Nelson Glendening (born June 11, 1942), a member of the United States Democratic Party, was the 59th Governor of Maryland
from January 18, 1995 to January 15, 2003. He had also been the County Executive of Prince George's County, Maryland
from 1982 to 1994.
, New York City
, but later in his youth moved to the state of Florida
. Growing up in poverty, Glendening sought a scholarship to Broward Community College
. Other financial aid later enabled him to attend the Florida State University
, where he received a bachelor's degree
(1964), a master's degree
(1965), and a Ph.D.
(1967), becoming the youngest student in FSU history to receive a doctorate in political science
. When he graduated he taught Government and Politics as a professor at the University of Maryland, College Park
for 27 years. In 1977, he co-authored Pragmatic Federalism: An Intergovernmental View of American Government with Mavis Mann Reeves.
man in the City of Hyattsville, Maryland
. He was elected to the county council of Prince George's County, Maryland in 1974 and twice served as the council chairman. In 1982, he was elected as the County Executive of Prince George's County, and was the first county executive in Maryland
history to be elected to three terms (1982–94). Under Glendening's leadership, Prince George's County was selected as an "All America County" by the National Civic League
, and City and State Magazine named him the "Most Valuable County Official" in the nation.
Glendening had a brother, Bruce, who died of AIDS
in 1992.
, edging out Ellen Sauerbrey
by only 5993 votes in a state that is overwhelmingly Democratic. The victory was disputed, and the result was challenged in court. The court refused to overturn Glendening's tentative win, and Glendening became the first Maryland governor elected from the Washington, D.C.
, region in over 100 years. In 1998, Governor Glendening won re-election to a second term by a solid but not overwhelming margin—again beating Sauerbrey, who announced she would make no further runs for the office.
(who play in Landover
) and the Baltimore Ravens
arrived in the state, though he was not directly responsible for either move.
During Glendening's second term, serious environmental issues concerning the Chesapeake Bay
and the overdevelopment of rural areas prompted him to focus on issues of growth and environmental stewardship. Glendening is widely recognized as a pioneer in land development issues and is credited for coining the phrase "Smart Growth
."
In 2001 Maryland legislators passed a bill Glendening had promoted for the previous two years banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Glendening signed the bill.
The final years of his second term as Governor were plagued by a marital crisis (see below) and a $2 billion state budget deficit. The rural areas of Maryland—largely Republican—had long criticized Glendening for what they perceived as overzealous environmental regulations as well as ignoring their budgetary needs (bridges, highways, etc.).
Governor Glendening halted executions
in Maryland by an executive order on May 9, 2002, but the subsequent governor, Robert Ehrlich
(R), lifted the ban. (See Capital punishment in Maryland
.)
In 1995, Glendening declared that he would render any individual serving a life sentence ineligible for executive clemency unless they were seriously ill or near death. This policy, termed "life means life," was heavily criticized, and it was abandoned by Glendening's successor, Robert Ehrlich, who created a new policy in which there would be case-by-case judgments.
Glendening was determined by a number of pollsters during his second term to be the least popular governor in the United States.
, Glendening was not eligible to run due to the state constitutional term limit. His lieutenant governor, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend
, was nominated by the Democrats to run. Townsend was damaged during the election due to wide criticism by rural voters, especially farmer
s, directed at Glendening for what they considered overzealous environmental legislation that significantly raised the cost of participating in agribusiness
.
Townsend lost the election 48% to 52% to the Republican U.S. Congressman
Robert Ehrlich. The Republicans relied in large part on rural counties and low minority turnout—due to Townsend's unpopular choice for her lieutenant governor, a retired white Admiral, Charles R. Larson
, who had changed parties only weeks before—for Ehrlich to achieve his victory in November 2002, taking office in January 2003. Townsend's pick of Larson, which she made without consulting the influential black Democratic leaders in the state (which is nearly one-third black), was a point of controversy in the campaign.
Not only did Townsend lose the race for governor, but Glendening's hand-picked candidate for the comptroller, John T. Willis, lost to the incumbent, a Glendening nemesis and former two-term Governor William Donald Schaefer
, in the Democratic primaries.
In spite of the possibility that his own unpopularity may have harmed Townsend's own gubernatorial bid, Glendening made a harsh comment regarding his Lieutenant Governor's campaign, calling it "one of the worst-run campaigns in the country." This comment may have contributed to a rupture in the personal relationship between the two Maryland leaders.
Glendening broke his 3.5-year silence in late August 2006, when he endorsed Kweisi Mfume
for the U.S. Senate. (Mfume eventually lost the Democratic primary to Congressman Ben Cardin
, who went on to win the Senate seat.)
Glendening did not attend the inauguration of Governor Martin O'Malley
on January 17, 2007.
Governor of Maryland
The Governor of Maryland heads the executive branch of the government of Maryland, and he is the commander-in-chief of the state's National Guard units. The Governor is the highest-ranking official in the state, and he has a broad range of appointive powers in both the State and local governments,...
from January 18, 1995 to January 15, 2003. He had also been the County Executive of Prince George's County, Maryland
Prince George's County, Maryland
Prince George's County is a county located in the U.S. state of Maryland, immediately north, east, and south of Washington, DC. As of 2010, it has a population of 863,420 and is the wealthiest African-American majority county in the nation....
from 1982 to 1994.
Early life, education, and early career
Glendening was born and raised a Roman Catholic in The BronxThe Bronx
The Bronx is the northernmost of the five boroughs of New York City. It is also known as Bronx County, the last of the 62 counties of New York State to be incorporated...
, New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, but later in his youth moved to the state of Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
. Growing up in poverty, Glendening sought a scholarship to Broward Community College
Broward Community College
Broward College, previously known as "Broward Community College", is a state college in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S., and part of the Florida College System. It was established in 1959 as part of a move to broaden Florida's two-year community college system...
. Other financial aid later enabled him to attend the Florida State University
Florida State University
The Florida State University is a space-grant and sea-grant public university located in Tallahassee, Florida, United States. It is a comprehensive doctoral research university with medical programs and significant research activity as determined by the Carnegie Foundation...
, where he received a bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
(1964), a master's degree
Master's degree
A master's is an academic degree granted to individuals who have undergone study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice...
(1965), and a Ph.D.
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Philosophy, abbreviated as Ph.D., PhD, D.Phil., or DPhil , in English-speaking countries, is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities...
(1967), becoming the youngest student in FSU history to receive a doctorate in political science
Political science
Political Science is a social science discipline concerned with the study of the state, government and politics. Aristotle defined it as the study of the state. It deals extensively with the theory and practice of politics, and the analysis of political systems and political behavior...
. When he graduated he taught Government and Politics as a professor at the University of Maryland, College Park
University of Maryland, College Park
The University of Maryland, College Park is a top-ranked public research university located in the city of College Park in Prince George's County, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C...
for 27 years. In 1977, he co-authored Pragmatic Federalism: An Intergovernmental View of American Government with Mavis Mann Reeves.
Local politics
Glendening's career in public service began in 1973 as a city councilCity council
A city council or town council is the legislative body that governs a city, town, municipality or local government area.-Australia & NZ:Because of the differences in legislation between the States, the exact definition of a City Council varies...
man in the City of Hyattsville, Maryland
Hyattsville, Maryland
Hyattsville is a city in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States. The population was 17,557 at the 2000 census.- History :The city was named for its founder, Christopher Clark Hyatt. He purchased his first parcel of land in the area in March 1845...
. He was elected to the county council of Prince George's County, Maryland in 1974 and twice served as the council chairman. In 1982, he was elected as the County Executive of Prince George's County, and was the first county executive in Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
history to be elected to three terms (1982–94). Under Glendening's leadership, Prince George's County was selected as an "All America County" by the National Civic League
National Civic League
The National Civic League is an American non-profit organization that advocates for transparency, effectiveness, and openness in local government...
, and City and State Magazine named him the "Most Valuable County Official" in the nation.
Glendening had a brother, Bruce, who died of AIDS
AIDS
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a disease of the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus...
in 1992.
Elections
Glendening was elected to his first term as Governor of MarylandGovernor of Maryland
The Governor of Maryland heads the executive branch of the government of Maryland, and he is the commander-in-chief of the state's National Guard units. The Governor is the highest-ranking official in the state, and he has a broad range of appointive powers in both the State and local governments,...
, edging out Ellen Sauerbrey
Ellen Sauerbrey
Ellen Sauerbrey is an American politician from Maryland and the former head of the United States Department of State's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration. She was nominated to the Bureau in September 2005 by President George W. Bush. On January 4, 2006, Bush placed her in office by way...
by only 5993 votes in a state that is overwhelmingly Democratic. The victory was disputed, and the result was challenged in court. The court refused to overturn Glendening's tentative win, and Glendening became the first Maryland governor elected from the Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
, region in over 100 years. In 1998, Governor Glendening won re-election to a second term by a solid but not overwhelming margin—again beating Sauerbrey, who announced she would make no further runs for the office.
Tenure
Glendening came into office amid missteps and minor scandals stemming from his tenure as County Executive of Prince George's County. His approval rating was as low as 18% in the spring of 1995. His early administration was marked by tax reform. From 1994 to 1998, he cut or lowered over 50 Maryland taxes, including the state income tax. In addition, Glendening was the sitting governor when the Washington RedskinsWashington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
(who play in Landover
Landover, Maryland
Landover is an unincorporated community in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States, within the census-designated place of Greater Landover. The Prince Georges County Sports and Learning Complex is in Landover...
) and the Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
arrived in the state, though he was not directly responsible for either move.
During Glendening's second term, serious environmental issues concerning the Chesapeake Bay
Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States. It lies off the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by Maryland and Virginia. The Chesapeake Bay's drainage basin covers in the District of Columbia and parts of six states: New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West...
and the overdevelopment of rural areas prompted him to focus on issues of growth and environmental stewardship. Glendening is widely recognized as a pioneer in land development issues and is credited for coining the phrase "Smart Growth
Smart growth
Smart growth is an urban planning and transportation theory that concentrates growth in compact walkable urban centers to avoid sprawl and advocates compact, transit-oriented, walkable, bicycle-friendly land use, including neighborhood schools, complete streets, and mixed-use development with a...
."
In 2001 Maryland legislators passed a bill Glendening had promoted for the previous two years banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Glendening signed the bill.
The final years of his second term as Governor were plagued by a marital crisis (see below) and a $2 billion state budget deficit. The rural areas of Maryland—largely Republican—had long criticized Glendening for what they perceived as overzealous environmental regulations as well as ignoring their budgetary needs (bridges, highways, etc.).
Governor Glendening halted executions
Capital punishment
Capital punishment, the death penalty, or execution is the sentence of death upon a person by the state as a punishment for an offence. Crimes that can result in a death penalty are known as capital crimes or capital offences. The term capital originates from the Latin capitalis, literally...
in Maryland by an executive order on May 9, 2002, but the subsequent governor, Robert Ehrlich
Robert Ehrlich
Robert Leroy "Bob" Ehrlich, Jr. is an American politician who served as the 60th Governor of Maryland from 2003 to 2007. A Republican, he became governor after defeating Democratic opponent Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, a member of the Kennedy family, 51% to 48% in the 2002 elections...
(R), lifted the ban. (See Capital punishment in Maryland
Capital punishment in Maryland
Capital punishment is a legal form of judicial punishment in the U.S. state of Maryland. It has been in use in the state — or more precisely, its predecessor colony — since June 20, 1638, when two men were hanged for piracy in St. Mary's County. A total of 309 people were executed by a variety of...
.)
In 1995, Glendening declared that he would render any individual serving a life sentence ineligible for executive clemency unless they were seriously ill or near death. This policy, termed "life means life," was heavily criticized, and it was abandoned by Glendening's successor, Robert Ehrlich, who created a new policy in which there would be case-by-case judgments.
Glendening was determined by a number of pollsters during his second term to be the least popular governor in the United States.
2002 gubernatorial election
During the 2002 Maryland governor electionElection Results, Maryland governor
The following is a list of elections for the position of Governor of Maryland since the American Civil War.Winners are in bold and incumbents are denoted by asterisks.-2010:The 2010 Maryland gubernatorial election was held on November 2, 2010....
, Glendening was not eligible to run due to the state constitutional term limit. His lieutenant governor, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend
Kathleen Hartington Kennedy Townsend , is an American attorney who was the Lieutenant Governor of Maryland from 1995 to 2003. She ran unsuccessfully for Governor of Maryland in 2002. In 2010 she became the chair of the non-profit American Bridge, an organization that will raise funds for Democratic...
, was nominated by the Democrats to run. Townsend was damaged during the election due to wide criticism by rural voters, especially farmer
Farmer
A farmer is a person engaged in agriculture, who raises living organisms for food or raw materials, generally including livestock husbandry and growing crops, such as produce and grain...
s, directed at Glendening for what they considered overzealous environmental legislation that significantly raised the cost of participating in agribusiness
Agribusiness
In agriculture, agribusiness is a generic term for the various businesses involved in food production, including farming and contract farming, seed supply, agrichemicals, farm machinery, wholesale and distribution, processing, marketing, and retail sales....
.
Townsend lost the election 48% to 52% to the Republican U.S. Congressman
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
Robert Ehrlich. The Republicans relied in large part on rural counties and low minority turnout—due to Townsend's unpopular choice for her lieutenant governor, a retired white Admiral, Charles R. Larson
Charles R. Larson
Charles R. Larson is a retired four-star Admiral of the United States Navy.-Military career:A 1958 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Larson twice served as Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He also served as Commander in Chief, United States Pacific...
, who had changed parties only weeks before—for Ehrlich to achieve his victory in November 2002, taking office in January 2003. Townsend's pick of Larson, which she made without consulting the influential black Democratic leaders in the state (which is nearly one-third black), was a point of controversy in the campaign.
Not only did Townsend lose the race for governor, but Glendening's hand-picked candidate for the comptroller, John T. Willis, lost to the incumbent, a Glendening nemesis and former two-term Governor William Donald Schaefer
William Donald Schaefer
William Donald Schaefer was an American politician who served in public office for 50 years at both the state and local level in Maryland. A Democrat, he was mayor of Baltimore from 1971 to 1987, the 58th Governor of Maryland from January 21, 1987 to January 18, 1995, and the Comptroller of...
, in the Democratic primaries.
In spite of the possibility that his own unpopularity may have harmed Townsend's own gubernatorial bid, Glendening made a harsh comment regarding his Lieutenant Governor's campaign, calling it "one of the worst-run campaigns in the country." This comment may have contributed to a rupture in the personal relationship between the two Maryland leaders.
Post political career
Glendening left office on January 15, 2003 with low approval ratings, and he largely stayed out of the limelight. He and his successor, Robert Ehrlich, informally agreed not to criticize one another. Glendening quietly continued his advocacy work for Smart Growth.Glendening broke his 3.5-year silence in late August 2006, when he endorsed Kweisi Mfume
Kweisi Mfume
Kweisi Mfume is the former President/CEO of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People , as well as a five-term Democratic Congressman from Maryland's 7th congressional district, serving in the 100th through 104th Congress...
for the U.S. Senate. (Mfume eventually lost the Democratic primary to Congressman Ben Cardin
Ben Cardin
Benjamin Louis "Ben" Cardin is the junior United States Senator from Maryland and a member of the Democratic Party. Before his election to the Senate, Cardin was a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing from 1987 to 2007.Cardin was elected to succeed Paul Sarbanes in...
, who went on to win the Senate seat.)
Glendening did not attend the inauguration of Governor Martin O'Malley
Martin O'Malley
Martin Joseph O'Malley is an American Democratic politician who is currently serving as the 61st Governor of Maryland. Previously, he served as the mayor of Baltimore from 1999 to 2007. He is currently the chairman of the Democratic Governors Association.-Early life, education and career:O'Malley...
on January 17, 2007.