Michael E. Busch, longest-serving House of Delegates speaker in Maryland history, dead at 72.
'Michael E. Busch, a gregarious former coach and high school teacher who became the longest-serving House of Delegates speaker in Maryland history, died Sunday after a short bout with pneumonia. He was 72.
A history teacher and varsity sports coach at St. Mary’s High School before transitioning into government work, the Anne Arundel delegate was selected as speaker by his peers in 2003 after the election defeat of Casper R. Taylor Jr. In 2012, he became the longest-serving speaker, surpassing Mr. Taylor, who had been an ally and mentor.
The longtime Annapolis resident was a patient consensus-builder who acted very much like the coach of a team. Some colleagues even called him “coach.”
Gov. Larry Hogan said in a statement that Mr. Busch was “a giant in our government.”
“He cared deeply about improving the lives of Marylanders, and his legacy is evident in his many legislative achievements. Speaker Busch and I came from different sides of the aisle, but we often came together in the best interests of the people of Maryland. He served with the decency and good nature of a teacher, a coach, and a family man. I was honored to know him and to work closely with him.”
Hogan ordered Maryland’s flags to be lowered to half-staff.'>>>
https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-mike-busch-20190404-story.html