Fondly remembering him for idiosyncrasies like expensive Italian suits yet unmatching socks and an offbeat sense of humor, state officials Thursday dedicated a major Dundalk thoroughfare in honor of the late Del. John Arnick?s 35 years of public service.
Gov. Robert Ehrlich, many other elected officials and Arnick?s family gathered to share memories and dedicate the mile-long stretch of state Route 157 known as Merritt Boulevard in his honor. They unveiled two 8-foot signs commemorating Arnick, who died of lung cancer in June, at each end.
Arnick was elected to the House of Delegates? sixth district in 1967 and served nine terms until April, when he resigned to work on the state?s Board of Contract Appeals. Ehrlich called Arnick a “dinosaur” who represented an era of Maryland politics different ? and better ? than today?s.
Arnick, he said, demanded political cordiality. “We grew up in a tradition of the General Assembly where it was almost wholly nonpartisan,” Ehrlich said. “It was collegial … John facilitated that.”
Longtime supporters recalled Arnick as a sincere politician who spoke from the heart rather than cue cards. His grasp on Robert?s Rules of Order ? rules used to maintain order in the state?s General Assembly ? was unmatched, they said.
State officials said they wanted to honor Arnick?s service and originally scheduled the event in June, just days before his death. Thursday, they called the recognition long overdue.
“This is well-deserved,” said Baltimore County Councilman John Olszewski Sr., whose son was appointed to fill Arnick?s vacancy and was elected in November. “He was one of the most intelligent legislators not only this district has ever had but in Maryland.”
A Democrat, Arnick, who was 72 when he died, served as majority leader in the 1970s and chaired the Baltimore County delegation.
A staunch advocate for safer roads ? in his last term, he unsuccessfully sponsored a bill to ban talking on cell phones while driving ? his widow, Joanne, called the road dedication a fitting tribute.
“This will, not just today but forever, surround his spirit,” she said.
