Howard Co. Executive Ball Mourns 'Confidante' Rep. Cummings Death

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, died early Thursday, Oct. 17, in Baltimore at the age of 68. Marylanders across the state expressed their condolences after Patch announced his death, and Howard County Executive Calvin Ball shared his sentiments on Facebook.

"Our world, our nation, our state, and our county are all mourning the loss of United States Congressman Elijah Cummings – an incredible man of deep convictions, a dedicated public servant, and a trailblazing historic figure. Although he became one of our nation’s preeminent Congressional leaders, for many of us in Howard County, he was always simply 'our Congressman' and we could not be prouder of him. He served Maryland's 7th Congressional District for more than 23 years as an honorable and humble individual. He represented every one of his constituents with dignity, respect and integrity," Ball wrote.

Ball shared how he grew up in Cummings' district and recalled the "support and wisdom" the politician gave to Ball after he was first elected.

"He was more than a mentor to me — he was a friend, a confidante and a role model. Congressman Cummings was someone who would take my call whenever I needed him, provided the best advice and was always gracious and kind. He treated me and my family, like he did all his constituents, as if we were his family," Ball reminisced.

Howard County's executive also noted how he had never seen a politician "transcend politics" like Cummings did.

"He would make every person he met feel special — no matter if they were Democrat or Republican, young or old, rich or poor, from Baltimore, Howard County or anywhere else. Congressman Cummings would often say, 'Diversity is our strength,' to inspire us and 'We’re better than that' to motivate us, when our nation needed it most. These simple thoughts represent both the spirit and reality of Howard County, Baltimore and the entirety of our state," Ball posted.

The county leader described Cummings as a fighter and a champion who leaves behind a legacy of an "unwavering commitment to advocate for the most vulnerable amongst us."

Patch reader Ras David Michael Funk also spoke out about Cummings' passing.

"He is welcomed home with all Honor for his service to fellow man and fearless defense of truth and equality..... Rest Well Deserved," he stated.

According to Cummings' spokeswoman, Trudy Perkins, Cummings died from "complications concerning longstanding health challenges." He underwent heart surgery in May 2017 at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Patch previously reported.

Cummings served in the Maryland House of Delegates before he was elected to Congress in 1996. He was the first African-American in the state's history to be named speaker pro-tem.

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