MARYLAND, USA — Gov. Wes Moore says flags in Maryland should be lowered to half staff on Tuesday. Even though it is Election Day, the flag proclamation does not have to do with casting ballots.
The governor said flags should be flown at half staff from sunrise to sunset on Nov. 5. This is to honor former State Sen. Ida Ruben, who passed away on Friday. Ruben represented the Silver Spring area of Montgomery County for more than three decades, from 1974 to 2007.
Ruben helped Montgomery County secure funding for school construction and capital projects. Those projects included reviving Downtown Silver Spring, and the construction of the Strathmore Hall cultural complex on Rockville Pike.
She also fought to strengthen drunk driving laws and is credited with helping to create the law that banned smoking in Maryland bars and restaurants.
"She was a relentless champion for Montgomery County, children and families, highway safety, public health, and much more," said former state Del. Bill Bronrott in a Facebook post on Sunday.
In a statement released on Monday, County Executive Marc Elrich called Ruben a true original who served with relentless determination. Read his full statement below:
“We have lost a true original and a longtime representative for Montgomery County, former State Senator Ida Ruben. I worked alongside Ida when I served on the Takoma Park City Council during the time she represented our community in the General Assembly.
Ida not only served; she led with relentless determination, as evidenced by her tireless efforts to strengthen our State’s drunk driving laws and to protect reproductive rights. She was also a leader in banning smoking in bars and restaurants, which resulted in a major public health advance. From her early days in the House of Delegates to her impactful years as State Senator, she was a fierce advocate. She opened doors for countless others, especially women, to follow her path in public service.
On behalf of Montgomery County, I extend our condolences to her family, and to her many colleagues and friends.”
Ruben was laid to rest during a funeral service on Monday.
