Don Praisner looks to fulfill wife’s legacy in Montgomery County

When Marilyn Praisner (D) passed away on Feb. 1 she left a legacy of service and dedication to the people of Montgomery County. The fourth district councilwoman had served since 1990; the longest serving woman in the council’s history. Her death left a deep hole in the council, one that her husband, Don Praisner (D-Silver Spring), hopes to fill.

“My wife and I shared ideas and had discussions about the important issues facing the district,” Praisner told PolitickerMD.com.

Praisner is one of four Democratic candidates competing in Tuesday’s special primary election to fill the vacant seat. Other candidates include Nancy Navarro (D-Silver Spring), the president of the Montgomery County Board of Education, activist Steve Kanstoroom (D-Ashton), and Patrick Ryan (D-Silver Spring), a lawyer and management consultant.

“I know the council, I know the system,” Praisner said when asked why he should be elected.

“I have experience,” he added.

A resident of Montgomery County since 1947, Praisner served for 30 years as an analyst, manager, and recruiter for the CIA. His civic involvement includes work as the vice president of the Calverton Citizens Association, and time as the Democratic Precinct Chair for Precinct 05-12.

Today, Praisner said issues like fiscal responsibility, transportation, and education are critical.

“We need someone on the council who will take a look at where we are,” Praisner said.

On transportation needs, Praisner advocated for the expansion of bus routes and the construction of the purple line.

“We can’t afford to build more roads,” he said.

Praisner said educational development was a “very important matter,” and said he would “take steps to make sure” children’s needs “are not endangered.”

“I have three (now grown) kids who graduated from the Montgomery County public schools,” Praisner said.”

“I think I have a fighting chance,” Praisner responded when asked how he viewed his prospects for victory.

He referred to Navarro by name, saying his main opponent was “spending a lot of money” that was “coming from unions.”

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett (D), and Montgomery Councilmember’s Phil Andrews, Roger Berliner, Marc Elrich, and Duchy Trachtenberg, have publicly declared their support for Praisner.

Navarro has the backing of fourth district congressional nominee Donna Edwards (D-Fort Washington), Del. Ana Sol Gutierrez (D-Chevy Chase), and Del. Tom Hucker (D-Silver Spring), among others.