Annapolis, Anne Arundel Condolences On Mike Busch's Death

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Annapolis area leaders are mourning the death of "the people's politician," Maryland House Speaker Michael Busch. He represented the Annapolis area in the assembly until his death Sunday, April 7, after battling pneumonia. He was 72. The Washington Post reported he died around 3:20 p.m. at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Busch, an Anne Arundel Democrat who was the longest-serving House speaker in state history, was a member of the state House of Delegates representing District 30A. He was sworn in as the speaker of the state House in January 2003.

Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley said in a statement that Busch’s passing is a devastating loss.

"Mike was a friend long before he was a political colleague. I loved the favorite son of Annapolis and his fearless fighting for the underdog," Buckley said. "He will always be remembered as the people’s politician. He stood up for our kids, our schools, recreation, health care and a living wage. He made a difference in all the things that matter to the average person."

Busch was born in Baltimore City, and was a coach and teacher at St. Mary’s High School in Annapolis when he decided to run for office in 1987. Busch served as chair of the Anne Arundel County delegation from 1991 through 1993. In 1994, he was appointed to chair the House Economic Matters Committee, and remained in the position until being unanimously elected in 2003 to serve as Speaker of the House.

Busch loved being in politics, Buckley said.

"The state of Maryland has lost its Speaker of the House. The City of Annapolis has lost a true friend, Buckley said.

Anne Arundel County Public Schools Superintendent George Arlotto said that as an educator, coach, Recreation and Parks administrator, and legislator, Busch was a champion for every single child in Anne Arundel County.

"He was always a teacher at heart, and neither overlooked nor ever forgot the power of the classroom and those in it to shape and mold the future of this great county and state," Arlotto said in a statement. "He will be deeply missed, but his indelible impact will be felt for generations to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Anne Arundel County is a better place because of Busch, said County Executive Steuart Pittman on Twitter.

"He left us with buildings and parks where our people come together as community, and he led us with a humility and compassion that reminds us what matters in life.

"Mike served the people of this county with every ounce of energy, heart, and love that he could muster to the very end," Pittman added. The people of this county will now come together to express our gratitude. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We love you."

“Speaker Busch has left an indelible mark on the lives of all Marylanders through his longtime leadership of the House of Delegates as a champion for the people and the environment," Maryland Democratic Party Chair Maya Rockeymoore Cummings said in a release. "It was an honor to serve alongside him this year as party chair. Our prayers and deepest sympathies are extended to the Busch family.”

According to the state Democratic Party, Busch’s policy wins included support for marriage equality, the repeal of the death penalty, passage of a $15 minimum wage, environmental protections for the Chesapeake Bay, an assault weapons ban, and the decriminalization of possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Maryland State Senate President Thomas Mike Miller Jr. said in a statement about his longtime colleague and friend: “My heart is broken for Mike Busch’s family, the State of Maryland, and the Speaker’s extended family—elected officials and staff that he has been a mentor and coach to over his time in public service. ... I will miss him as a friend and partner in state government and I join all the state in mourning his passing.”

Busch was placed on a ventilator at the University of Maryland Medical Center, chief of staff Alexandra Hughes told The Baltimore Sun. But his condition worsened within hours.

Gov. Larry Hogan called Busch's death a "profoundly sad day" for the state.

"Mike Busch was a giant in our government — the longest serving Speaker in our state's history," he wrote in a tweet. "He cared deeply about improving the lives of Marylanders, and his legacy is evident in his many legislative achievements."