The President’s Corner

Earlier this month, Senator Benjamin Cardin announced he would not be seeking re-election when his term ends in 2024. This is his third six-year term. He has been Maryland’s Senator since 2007, succeeding Barbara Mikulski. Prior to being elected to the U.S. Senate, he served in the House of Representatives, representing the third Congressional district for 19 years.

While serving in Washington, he has been known as an outspoken champion for human rights including chairing the U.S. Helsinki Commission. He has been a strong voice for health care and retirement security while in the Senate. Senator Cardin is the Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, working to empower minority women and veteran-owned small businesses. He is the second-ranking Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee. He has been a champion for the Chesapeake Bay and has continued to work for the ratification of the ERA, even up to this current 2023 session. He has a reputation as a low-key lawmaker who works on the nuts and bolts of legislation. Throughout his career, Cardin has had a reputation for outstanding constituent services.

Long-time Maryland residents now living at Riderwood may remember the Senator from his early political days where he served in the Maryland House of Delegates for 19 years. He was a hard worker and an outstanding elected official, respected by his constituents. His public service career has spanned over 50 years. Maryland citizens can be very proud of our Senator regardless of the positions he held, having led much legislation which historically had positive impacts on all of Maryland and the United States. He will be greatly missed.

There will no doubt be many candidates competing to replace Senator Cardin; this may include a strong challenge from the other party. We, in Maryland, have a very important role in assuring that this Senate seat stays in the blue.

With this in mind, starting next month we plan to add a resident-written column to this newsletter discussing the progress of all campaigns leading up to the 2024 election.

On another subject, Sandy Morse and I were discussing some issues on the way back from an event and wondered if it might be a good idea to sponsor a few issues focus groups over the next several months. These would be limited to 30-35 folks who register. They could be led by elected officials regarding some upcoming legislation, members of the Club, or other experts here at Riderwood. Let us know what subjects you might have an interest in learning about.

— Bea Rodgers

* Contact information for Riderwood residents mentioned here can be found in myErickson or in the directory available at your front desk.

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