Montgomery County's Monumental Loss

Montgomery County lost two great public servants this past week.  Council member Marilyn Praisner and Park and Planning Commissioner Gene Lynch were devoted to good planning, smart growth, and great parks. 

No one worked harder to improve the quality of life in Montgomery County than Marilyn Praisner, who served on both the school board and county council.  Among her many accomplishments, she chaired the Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee and was the driving force behind strengthening county growth policy.

Tireless, fearless and always the best informed official in the region, she gave fully her energy, vision and wisdom to solving all manner of problems. 

Gene Lynch served at both county and state levels with brilliance and distinction.  Although a member of the Planning Board for only six months, he quickly and indelibly made his mark as one who expected high quality projects from applicants, and rigorous reasoning from staff and his colleagues on the board. 

Gene brought his broad experience in the public and private sectors to bear on tough planning and development issues with quiet insistence and good humor. 

If you have memories of Marilyn or Gene that you would like to share with their friends at MNCPPC and their families, I will pass them along.