Page 17 - University of Baltimore Law - Fall 2019

resigned from the House. As a senator, she sees more opportunity to shape policy.
“I credit UB with giving me confidence not only in my legal career, but the confidence required to run for office and the courage to make it in
my political career,” she states. “So often I was the lone soldier, the black woman alone, and
I persevered. And I believe it goes back to my success in law school.”
Debra Davis, J.D. ’94, with the late Speaker Michael Busch.
Carter, who grew up in a
family of civil rights activists, says she’s still motivated now by the same ideals with which she was raised: fairness, justice, equality. But a little yoga doesn’t hurt either. “If everyone did yoga, the world would be perfect,” she quips.
Not every day as a legislator is a win. Del. Michael Malone, J.D. ’92, a Republican delegate representing Anne Arundel County District 33, went to the House of Delegates hoping to end political gerrymandering.
He chose a career in law because he wanted to help people with real-life problems. As a lawyer whose private practice is in family law, improving Maryland’s family law statutes remains a focus. He has met with success, but it’s also understandably frustrating when bills on those issues get bogged down in committee or don’t pass.
“As the father of four children, the desire to make a place better for my children is what motivates me to continue forward, even when things get tough,” he states.
You never know what your toughest battle might be. Del. Jen Terrasa, J.D. ’97,
a Democrat from Howard County’s District 13, was surprised that one of
her darkest days in local governance came in a dispute over playground equipment. When she needs to refresh, Terrasa relies on time with her family or reconnecting with her constituents. Even in her law practice, she’s always been more of a legislator than one to get up and argue, so the work of governance comes naturally.
“People say politics like it’s a dirty word, but I don’t feel that daily governing is as political as it looks on the news,” she says. “It’s really about making a difference, seeing a problem and actually solving it, and that’s a lot more complicated than it looks and therefore a lot more rewarding.”
Regardless of the climate of politics, doing the actual work of public service — for the people — does not go out of style.
“Politics is about trust and relationships,” says Ruppersberger. “Politics can be very tough on your family and it can be hard to get up and do these things, but I feel I have the ability to work b􏰀oth sides of the aisle, to help people, to have a say on policies and to get results.”
University of Baltimore School of Law Alumni in the Maryland General Assembly
Sen. Jill P. Carter, J.D. ’92 District 41, Baltimore City
Sen. Robert Cassilly, J.D. ’88 District 34, Harford County
Del. Curt Anderson, J.D. ’87 District 43, Baltimore City
Del. Ben Barnes, J.D. ’03 District 21, Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties
Del. Debra Davis, J.D. ’94 District 28, Charles County
Del. Keith E. Haynes, J.D. ’91 District 44A, Baltimore City
Del. Shaneka T. Henson, J.D. ’10 District 30A, Anne Arundel County
Del. Michael E. Malone, J.D. ’92 District 33, Anne Arundel County
Del. Jen Terrasa, J.D. ’97 District 13, Howard County
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