It is impossible to think of the Maryland Senate and not think of Mike not just because of his historical longevity but because each member of the Senate has his or her own Mike story. Miller continued to wield enormous influence for the rest of his tenure as Senate president, serving in tandem with the late speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel), the longest-serving House speaker in Maryland history, from 2003 until Buschs death in 2019. } Mr. Miller befriended Smalls press consultant, Lawrence J. Hogan Sr., who would become a U.S. congressman and Prince Georges County executive. I expect well hear many of them in the days and weeks ahead, and I hope the public will listen and get a glimpse of the impact Mike made. ANNAPOLIS, Md. And so when I ran, I treated my constituents like they were my customers, Mr. Miller said in the interview. as well as three brothers, five sisters and 15 grandchildren. An astute observer of state politics, he used his acumen to muscle through bills, but he also could willingly acquiesce to major legislation he opposed. When News Matters, It Matters Where You Get Your News. Thomas V. Miller Jr., known to most as Mike Miller, dedicated his life to the people of Maryland. She was determined that I was not going to work in the store, he once told The Washington Post. He got his introduction to politics in 1962 as a driver for Frank Small Jr., a Republican gubernatorial candidate who lived next door to the Millers. 8808 Old Branch Avenue, Clinton, MD 20735. As recently as early December, Miller expressed the hope that he could return to Annapolis for the 2021 session. Your email address will not be published. The Maryland Democratic Party also issued a statement Friday evening: "These past months have been filled with difficult losses, but the passing of longtime Senate President Mike Miller is one of the most heartbreaking. He was 78. He was 78. [6][failed verification], On October 24, 2019, he announced he would step down from his leadership post, citing fatigue caused by his cancer treatment. Learn more about how we serve you. There has been no major initiative that has occurred without Mikes leadership. Mr. Miller, he said, was afraid of seeming too liberal in a conservative district. U.S. "It is impossible to think of the Maryland Senate and not think of Mike not just because of his historical longevity - but because each member of the Senate has his or her own Mike story. 1999 Tyser Medallion Award for Outstanding service to the University of Maryland. Our lives were intertwined, starting with our days together at the University of Maryland Law School and then serving together in the Maryland General Assembly. That happened with a strong push from the Senate president, who noted in later years that the states six casinos would be part of his legacy. Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., the longest-serving president of the Senate in Maryland and the United States, Wednesday announced he is resigning his seat, effective today . [10], For other people named Thomas Miller, see, "Md. ); Miller announced his resignation in late December, citing failing health as the cause for not completing his term. He regularly presided over a strong Democratic majority in the chamber in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-1. Today, most importantly, the Millers loss a husband, father, uncle, cousin, grandfather, confidant. I see the Democrats going further to the left, and the Republicans going further to the right, until something absolutely horrible happens and people realize theyve made a terrible mistake.. Staff writer Erin Cox contributed to this report. A Democrat, he was first elected Maryland Senate president in 1987. Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., the venerable Maryland lawmaker who was the longest-serving state Senate president in American history, died peacefully Friday at his home after battling prostate cancer, his family announced. He had a knack for colorful political theater. Get a code sent to your email to sign in, or sign in using a password. Gov. Please, check your inbox! Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. He regularly presided over a strong Democratic majority in the chamber in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-1. "[5], Miller was featured in the Netflix documentary The Keepers for his opposition to a bill seeking to increase the statute of limitations for sexual abuse victims. I study history. Service map data OpenStreetMap contributors. He stepped down from the leadership position in 2019 . He was 78. Mr. Miller, who regarded himself as the curator of State House history, hung portraits on his office walls of past Maryland governors, including segregationists. Sometimes, his unrestrained comments landed him in trouble. Michael A. Jackson (D), a former Prince Georges County sheriff and the man Miller wanted to succeed him. Pat Kelly*. It passed by 100,000 votes. The nation's longest-serving He had more political contacts at 18 years old than Ive ever had any time Ive been alive, Thomas Farrington, who worked alongside Mr. Miller in the Young Democrats in the 1970s, once told The Washington Post. Paying the transaction fee is not required, but it directs more money in support of our mission. [citation needed], The Main Administration Building at his alma mater, the University of Maryland, College Park, was named after him on June 29, 2020. He won his first election to the House of Delegates in 1970 and moved to the Senate four years later. Serafini said Miller was also an expert historian on state history and they often exchanged books on subjects. I was fortunate to have received his counsel and advice when I became Speaker. Expand. There are thousands of former Senators, Delegates, staffers, and constituents in the 27th District that he has impacted for the better, and who each have their own Mike Miller story. Thomas Miller Mortuary Monday, May 1, 2023, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm. We cover all of Charles, Calvert, and St. Marys Counties; along with the Southern portions of Anne Arundel and Prince Georges County. (AP) Thomas V. Mike Miller, a major force in Maryland politics for decades and the nation's longest-serving state Senate president, has died, his family said. After years as a political volunteer, his own extraordinary political career began in 1970 with his election to the Maryland House of Delegates from a district in southern Prince Georges County. Funeral services that include a viewing or wake are usually held within a few days of a death, but a funeral or memorial service can sometimes take place much later. Clinton also put in a surprise appearance in Annapolis in 2019, at a dinner for former Maryland senators, to pay tribute to his old friend, who had disclosed his cancer diagnosis just a few months earlier. "The First Lady and I extend our most heartfelt condolences to President Millers wife, Patti, their five children and 15 grandchildren, his Senate colleagues, and all who loved him. Even as he waged a hard-fought battle with cancer, I was blessed to continue to benefit from Mikes wisdom and trademark humor. [4], In 1971, he was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates from the third legislative district of Maryland in Prince George's County, and served in that position until his election to the state senate in 1975. But even more, he was a cherished friend. ", Maryland has lost one of its most revered leaders, and I have lost a dear lifelong friend. In a statement, current Senate President Bill Ferguson called Miller a "champion of the Senate": "It is impossible to think of the Maryland Senate and not think of Mike - not just because of his historical longevity - but because each member of the Senate has his or her own Mike story. This may have seemed like a small sacrifice to the outside world, but anybody who knew Mike knew the decision did not come easy. In Annapolis, Mr. Millers influence was growing. For over 50 years, Mike served the people of Maryland in the General Assembly first as a staffer to the Prince Georges County Delegation; then as a member of the House of Delegates, a member of the Senate, Chair of the Judicial Proceedings Committee; and for 32 years, as President of the Maryland Senate. He was, in every sense, a lion of the Senate. Working for Mike was like working in the Mafia you go out feet first, said Gerard Evans, a lobbyist and longtime friend. It was nearly impossible to hold a conversation with Miller without escaping a history lesson. Whether it's the Senator who he quietly consoled through family matters, the Senator who he mentored to compromise and pass legislation, or those who experienced the personal care of Mike to truly listen to their concerns. Sign in with a password below, or sign in using your email. Required fields are marked *. There are thousands of former Senators, Delegates, staffers, and constituents in the 27th District that he has impacted for the better, and who each have their own Mike Miller story. Nonetheless, some African Americans chafed at what they regarded as Mr. Millers dictatorial control over local politics. We share their grief and immense sense of loss. Both Michael Keaton 's and Ben Affleck 's Caped Crusader will appear in the movie. Terms of Service apply. He was 78. Maryland State Senator and Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. "Mike" Miller, Jr., passed away in January 2021 at the age of 78. SoMDC appreciates all feedback from the community, along with tips, pictures, articles contributed, and support. The Senate he presided over legalized gay marriage, ended the death penalty, introduced casino gamblingwhich greatly increased public school funding, cleaned up the Chesapeake Bay, and accomplished countless other legislative victories. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Hazel (Damewood) Miller of Luttrell and his sisters, Kathy Parker . Maryland has lost one of its most revered leaders, and I have lost a dear lifelong friend, said Hogan, who first met Miller in the 1960s. On this day of his passing, let it be known, Senator Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. spent every single day of his life as a public servant working as hard as possible to ensure others had the ability and means to live a life with purpose, just as he did his. He appears to be with you, former state senator Tommie Broadwater Jr. (D-Prince Georges) once told The Post. First Name. Ina 2017 interview, Miller said he was unaware of a move to name the new Senate building in Annapolis after him as it was built and would have objected if given the chance. He was an editor at Roll Call, the Capitol Hill newspaper, for eight years, and for eight years was the editor of E&E Daily, which covers energy and environmental policy on Capitol Hill. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. As a historian, theres no doubt about it, but Ill deal with that in my own mind, he said when the Senate gave the bill final passage. He wanted to spend money that we didnt have to spend. Nevertheless, he kept a framed resolution of the naming in his home. Thomas Vincent Miller Jr. (December 3, 1942 - January 15, 2021), known as Mike Miller, was an American politician from Maryland.He had been a state senator representing the 27th District (Calvert, Charles, and Prince George's Counties) from 1975 to 2020 and served as its President from 1987 to 2020. Those who crossed the boss, as one colleague described betraying Mr. Miller, could find their legislative proposals and their political careers extinguished. After then-Del. From boyhood through early adulthood, Mr. Miller worked at his familys store and learned lessons that would stay with him as a politician. Photo by Danielle E. Gaines. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Calvert Health Cancer Foundation, the Dunkirk Fire Department, the Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. Center for Leadership at the College of Southern Maryland or the Thomas V. Mike Miller Education Fund to support youth environmental education and career programs through the Chesapeake Bay Trust. That happened with a strong push from the Senate president, who noted in later years that the states six casinos would be part of his legacy. So looking at things from a statewide perspective, we really have to do things to help.. ANNAPOLIS, Md. He stepped down from the leadership position in 2019 as he battled Stage 4 prostate cancer and resigned from his Senate seat in December. All of a sudden I saw this curly-haired guy coming around the corner. Honestly and truly., Asked who, if anyone, intimidated him over the years in Annapolis, Mr. Miller, without hesitation, said, I was never afraid of anyone.. Sometimes, his unrestrained comments landed him in trouble. by lewisfuneralhome | Feb 20, 2023 | Obituaries . listeners: [], He is survived by his bereft, loving wife, Diane Thomas Miller, who dearly wishes a cure would be found for Alzheimer's so fine men like Mike could live out their days without suffering. Last Name. Four years later, he was elected to the state Senate as a conservative Democrat. He is survived by hisbereft, loving wife, Diane Thomas Miller, who dearly wishes a cure would be found for Alzheimer's so fine men like Mike could live out their days . Anita Davis*. Lawrence J. Hogan Jr. (R) ordered that all state flags be flown at half-staff in Millers honor, until the former senators internment. ", "Serving the people of our great state was Mike Miller's life's work, and he did so with unrelenting passion and courage for a remarkable 50 years," Hogan said. For all his adaptability, Mr. Miller was stubborn when it came to history. As he prepares to leave office, Marylands governor reflects on his tenure during a one-on-one interview in Annapolis. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Please check your inbox for an authentication link. [2][9] Miller died at home in Chesapeake Beach from the effects of the disease on January 15, 2021. Through the Miller Center and the lives he touched, his . Mr. Miller often attributed his political endurance to his ability to see whats going to happen before it happens. Despite his own reservations, he facilitated the abolition of the death penalty in Maryland in 2013 after polls showed the public supported the ban. A copy or an extract of most original records can be purchased from the California Vital Records State Department of Health or the County Clerk's office of the county where the event occurred. Danielle E. Gaines contributed to this report. I havent missed a meeting yet and I fully participate as Im able to, he said in an interview with Maryland Matters at the time. Even as he waged a hard-fought battle with cancer, I was blessed to continue to benefit from Mikes wisdom and trademark humor. House Speaker Adrienne Jones (D-Baltimore County) praised Miller for providing advice when she became speaker in 2019. It is impossible to think of the Maryland Senate and not think of Mike - not just because of his historical longevity -- but because each member of the Senate has his or her own Mike story, said Senate President Bill Ferguson, Millers successor. 4 Seed in Patriot League Tournament, Maryland Honors 81 Officers for Contributions to Traffic Safety in 2022, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. Senate President Emeritus Mike Miller was larger than life. February 14, 1973 - September 9, 2022 Michael "Mike" Miller passed away unexpectedly in a car accident at the age of 49. Search. Millers, a general store that Mr. Millers father eventually took over. Whether its the senator who he quietly consoled through family matters, the senator who he mentored to compromise and pass legislation, or those who experienced the personal care of Mike to truly listen to their concerns.. His alma mater, the University of Maryland at College Park, in June named its main administration building in his honor. That session became a three-week grind to pass tax increases and a constitutional amendment to allow five casinos with slot machines - a long-debated proposal Miller supported to raise state revenue. Mr. Miller graduated from the University of Maryland in 1964 with a bachelors degree in business administration and a law degree in 1967. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of photos and graphics. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), St. Marys College of Maryland Mens Tennis Advances to Championship in United East Conference Tournament, Cardins effort to push ERA forward falls short in the Senate, St. Marys Womens Lacrosse Secures No. Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., the nations longest-serving president of a state Senate and a pillar of Maryland government for nearly a half-century, died Jan. 15 at his home in Chesapeake Beach, Md. Millers, which was started by his grandfather, remains to this day. March 26, 1945 - April 19, 2023 . [8], Miller was married; he and his wife lived in Chesapeake Beach and had five children, a son and four daughters. By BRIAN WITTE January 15, 2021. The store, B.K. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Paid for and Authorized by Marylanders for Miller; Kimberly M. Miller, Treasurer Ever the pragmatist, he had reached out months before to four newly elected senators, progressives who had defeated his more moderate lieutenants in the 2018 Democratic primary. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Michael V. Miller. . Maryland voters went on to approve the constitutional amendment allowing casinos in 2008, as well as an expansion four years later to add table games and what would become MGM National Harbor near the nations capital. The Mike Miller Law firm continues to practice, under Melissa's leadership, with offices both in Clinton and Dunkirk, Maryland, upholding his legacy of grit, dedication, and service to the community it serves. 8000 Woodyard Rd, Once, while discussing a tough special session in 2007, he pulled back his suit jacket and showed reporters where red ink from a pen had leaked, as if he were bleeding. It was Mike Millers baby. "An icon is the best way I can ever describe him," said former Washington County state Senator Andrew Serafini. William Donald Schaefer. Overcome by the news of former Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller's death Friday, his colleagues, protegees and political opponents took to social media in the hours after his death . Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., the longest serving state Senate president in Maryland history and in the United States died Friday afternoon at his home in Chesapeake Beach following a long battle with prostate cancer. FILE - In this Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019 file photo, Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller speaks with members of the news media after listening to Gov. He won his first election to the House of Delegates in 1970 and moved to the Senate four years later. Thomas Miller went home to be with the Lord in the early hours of September 30th after a courageous battle with cancer. Thomas V. Mike Miller, a major force in Maryland politics for decades and the nation's longest-serving state Senate president, has died, his family said. His core was delivering as a retail politician..

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