Judiciary chairman runs tight ship in Annapolis

Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006

ANNAPOLIS — Hours before a divisive vote that would have rekindled debate on a same-sex marriage bill earlier this month, House Judiciary Chairman Joseph F. Vallario Jr. did something he does not often do.

He spoke — audibly, passionately and persuasively — to the House Democratic Caucus about upholding the integrity of the legislative committee process, which he said was under attack.

‘‘It was important to let them know that this issue should be left to deal with in the courts before we make any drastic changes,” Vallario (D-Dist. 27) of Upper Marlboro said. ‘‘I usually am very quiet ... but there’s a time and a place to be heard.”

One of the legislature’s most seasoned policymakers, Vallario has a reputation for having a shrewd legal mind, running lengthy committee hearings and handling some of the legislature’s most conflict-ridden bills.

‘‘There’s never a raised voice. There’s never a sign of anger,” said Del. Pauline H. Menes (D-Dist. 21) of College Park, who has served with Vallario since his election in 1974. ‘‘Instead, there’s a steady calm, an intellectual approach to whatever we are dealing with.”

But Vallario’s patience was tested two weeks ago during seven hours of emotional testimony on the gay marriage ban. He interrupted the proceedings several times to quell a boisterous crowd.

‘‘You’re taking their time, not mine,” he said in a raised voice to a group of gay marriage opponents. ‘‘Tell me when you’re ready to start acting like people. Behave yourself!”

Longtime Annapolis lobbyist Bruce C. Bereano said Vallario’s management style is rooted in the committee’s history under chairmen William S. Horne and Daniel M. Long, both Eastern Shore Democrats.

‘‘That tradition [of giving everyone a voice] has been embedded. It’s a foundation of that committee,” Bereano said.

Two days after that Jan. 31 turbulent hearing, the Judiciary Committee tacked on a Democratic-backed amendment to the bill that would have outlawed gay marriages but permitted civil unions. The panel unanimously voted down the amended proposal, to the wrath of Republicans.

Del. Donald H. Dwyer Jr., the bill’s chief sponsor, who removed his name from the measure after it was amended in committee, accused Vallario and House Speaker Michael E. Busch of orchestrating the bill’s demise.

‘‘What right does the majority party have to shut down the debate on the issue?” a frustrated Dwyer (R-Dist. 31) of Glen Burnie asked.

But Democratic colleagues said Vallario, who has presided over Judiciary since 1993, gave Dwyer’s bill due diligence by holding a prolonged hearing and moving it along quickly.

‘‘In the four years that I have observed Delegate Vallario, I have never seen him more persuasive, more passionate and more insightful than he was in the caucus,” said Del. Luiz R.S. Simmons (D-Dist. 17) of Rockville. ‘‘He clearly explained to the body how the entire legislative process could be irreparably damaged by circumventing the committee system. It would destroy the essential filter that the committee system provides.”

Del. Herbert H. McMillan, one of seven GOP members of the 23-member Judiciary Committee, said Vallario’s allegiance to the legislative process often takes precedence when he makes a decision.

‘‘He’s an old-style committee chairman. He believes very strongly in unwritten rules,” said McMillan (R-Dist. 30) of Annapolis. ‘‘He’s a very quiet person, but I think it’s fair to say his will is very firm.”

When Republicans employed a rarely used parliamentary tactic in an attempt to reject Judiciary’s unfavorable report on Dwyer’s bill and bring it to the floor in its original form, Vallario repeated his earlier message.

‘‘Let me assure you, ladies and gentlemen, that everyone that had a piece of this action in fact had a voice,” he said. ‘‘... It is the responsibility of this House to support the committee system.”

Colleagues said they took notice of Vallario’s fiery tone.

‘‘Joe is not a guy that seeks out the spotlight. He is not a guy who puts in legislation to bring attention to himself,” said Busch (D-Dist. 30) of Annapolis. ‘‘While he doesn’t engage in much of the political rhetoric, when he does get up to speak passionately on an issue, people pay attention.”

Busch said the GOP attempt to circumvent the committee report ‘‘flies in the face of what Joe Vallario believes in.”

‘‘You always know when Joe is serious because he enunciates his words very carefully,” said Del. Sally Y. Jameson (D-Dist. 28) of Bryantown.

Despite holding the high-profile chairmanship, Vallario is not one to mug for the cameras, said Albert ‘‘Buz” Winchester, III, a former lobbyist with the Maryland State Bar Association.

‘‘No one’s ever going to accuse Joe Vallario of getting the charisma award in the legislature, and that’s a compliment because he’s more interested in getting his job done and that adds to his effectiveness,” Winchester said.

Vallario’s background as a defense attorney earns him added respect on complex and contentious bills relating to the legal arena, said Del. Kevin Kelly, a lawyer for 26 years.

‘‘He is very deliberate and has a very commanding presence,” said Kelly (D-Dist. 1B) of Cumberland. ‘‘When he wants to be listened to, he commands the stage.”