* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: President Scott
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Honoring United States Senator Paul Sarbanes
For the purpose of paying tribute to the life of Senator Paul Sarbanes and expressing appreciation for the many contributions he made to Baltimore City and for his many years of exemplary service to the citizens of Baltimore and the State of Maryland.
body
Recitals
On December 6, 2020, Baltimore City was saddened by the news of the passing of Paul Sarbanes, the former Congressman for the 4th and 3rd Congressional Districts, which encompassed significant portions of Baltimore City, and former United States Senator for the State of Maryland.
Born to a family of Greek immigrants in Salisbury, Maryland, Senator Sarbanes grew up helping his parents in their family-run restaurant. He graduated from Princeton University, where he was a member of the varsity basketball team and a Rhodes Scholar. Subsequently, Senator Sarbanes graduated with honors from Harvard Law School in 1960.
Senator Sarbanes was a man who devoted his life to serving the people of Baltimore and the State of Maryland. His life in public service began in 1966, when he was elected as a State Delegate representing the old 2nd District of Baltimore City in the Maryland General Assembly. In the legislature, he earned a reputation for his intellect and hard work and staked out a position as a progressive on social issues.
In 1971, Senator Sarbanes was elected to the United States House of Representatives representing Baltimore City and Baltimore County in the 4th Congressional District of Maryland. Following redistricting, he represented the 3rd Congressional District of Maryland from 1973 to 1977. In Congress, he gained a reputation as a public servant who could take on entrenched incumbents with both his defeat of Representative Fallon and the retirement of Representative Garmatz in the 3rd District instead of running against Sarbanes following redistricting in 1972. He continued this reputation with his defeat of incumbent United States Senator John Glenn Beall Jr. in 1976.
During his time in the House, then-Congressman Sarbanes served on the Judiciary Committee, the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee and the Select Committee on House Reorganizations. As a member of the Judiciary Committee, on July 26, 1974, he introduced the first articles of impeachment against President Nixon for obstruction of justice.
In 1977, Senator Sarbanes was elected to the United States Senate, where he served Marylanders until his retirement in 2007. He was known for his behind the scenes advocacy remarking that “stealth is one of the most important weapons in our military arsenal¼ If you let somebody else take the credit, you can get the result.” He was a tireless advocate for the conservation and preservation of the Chesapeake Bay. Moreover, Senator Sarbanes helped protect consumers’ privacy in banking, and became a key figure in high-profile congressional investigations from Watergate to Iran-Contra to Whitewater.
Capping off an a public career of distinction, Senator Sarbanes served as Chair of the Senate Banking Committee from June 6, 2001 to January 3, 2003. Under his tenure as committee chair, Congress passed his Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which was designed to protect investors by establishing an independent oversight board to rein in accounting abuses. It also restricted the ability of accounting firms to provide consulting services to public companies they audit.
Senator Sarbanes was a driving force in Maryland politics and leaves behind a long legacy. He served as a mentor and guide to many elected officials in Baltimore and Maryland who have come after him. His political career began here in Baltimore City, and the residents of Baltimore will not forget him.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the Council pays tribute to the life of Senator Paul Sarbanes and expresses appreciation for the many contributions he made to Baltimore City and for his many years of exemplary service to the citizens of Baltimore and the State of Maryland.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Sarbanes family, the Mayor, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.