Kevin Kamenetz's legacy of public service (episode 386)

Episode 385 featured an interview with Kevin Kamenetz, the Baltimore County executive and Democratic candidate for governor in next month’s primary election — and his running mate, Valerie Ervin. They visited us last week. So you can imagine my shock to get a tip at 4:37 am this morning that Kevin Kamenetz had died. We confirmed the county executive’s death about an hour later, and that is today’s lead story in the Sun. Having interviewed Kevin several times over the years, I got to know him and admired his commitment to public service and his efforts at good government in Baltimore County. In answer to the question, why should Maryland Democrats vote for you in the primary: Kevin Kamenetz defended his long record in politics and public service, and he rejected the idea that being a career politician is a bad thing.In an age of increasing cynicism about politics and distrust of government, it’s easy to become suspicious of the the motives of people, like Kamenetz, who hold office over many years. But the final measure is in honest service, sustained commitment to the public and accomplishments that serve the greater good. Kevin Kamenetz takes too early such a record to his grave.