In Memoriam

CSG East mourns the passing of two active members CSG East mourns the passing of former director Alan V. Sokolow

Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller

maryland

Senator Mike Miller was the longest-serving Senate president in Maryland’s history, with over 40 years in leadership. Miller co-chaired the CSG East Annual Meeting in 2014 and was a long-time member of the CSG East Executive, Budget and Annual Meeting Committees. Sen. Miller was a yearly attendee at the CSG East Annual Meeting, and an ardent supporter of the Eastern office and its activities. In 2019, Senator Miller was awarded CSG East’s highest honor, the W. Paul White award.

Representative David Danielson new hampshire

Representative David Danielson was elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives in 2012, was a member of its Finance committee, and was a long-time member of CSG East’s Agriculture and Rural Development committee. Danielson was also part of the New Hampshire host committee for the CSG East Annual Meeting planned for the summer of 2020.

On behalf of the CSG East Executive Committee, and all of the colleagues at CSG East, we will miss both Senator Miller and Representative Danielson very much.

Former CSG East Director Alan V. Sokolow

For over four decades, the members of the Eastern region benefitted from the wisdom, integrity, and unwavering dedication of Alan V. Sokolow. After the eastern office and all of its files were lost in the 9/11 terrorist attack, Alan helped shepherd the office through an extensive series of moves before finding a permanent new home in lower Manhattan. He encouraged new ideas and creative problem-solving. “I am your biggest cheerleader,” Alan would frequently tell staff – and his supportive leadership helped to shape many innovative projects over the years. Alan played a key role in helping to establish the CSG Justice Center and the Eastern Leadership Academy, and he was the driving force behind the creation of the Black Caucus – now the Council on Communities of Color – and the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators. Together with Wendell Hannaford, who succeeded Alan as CSG East director, Alan invited five Canadian provinces to become international associate members of CSG East.

Alan’s respect for CSG members and staff, and his enthusiasm for public policy, were clear to all who had the opportunity to know and work with him. Alan will be missed by many, but his legacy will continue to guide this organization and the many individuals following in his footsteps today.