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Mr. Duncan’s bravery

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

In his dozen years as Montgomery County executive, Douglas M. Duncan has consistently exhibited vision, courage, compassion and an unbridled get-things-done attitude.

Those traits — and scores of tangible accomplishments — made him an attractive, legitimate candidate for Maryland governor in the September Democratic primary.

Duncan helped reinvigorate the county’s business climate, steadfastly preaching the need to support technology concerns, small businesses and an easing of regulatory red tape. He championed big increases in funding for public education. During his watch, the showplace Music Center at Strathmore Hall and the American Film Institute’s Silver Theatre opened to rave reviews, and backing for varied projects from Round House Theatre to Imagination Stage to a SoccerPlex added to the quality of life.

Arguably his most significant wins came after protracted battles, from which he never retreated, to revitalize the central core of Silver Spring, to build a conference center near White Flint and to lend his clout for construction of the Intercounty Connector.

Imperfections accompanied him. His relationship with the County Council was brusque, possibly a forgivable sin given the council’s propensity for process over substance. As he looked to his political future, his urgency about matters such as the Clarksburg building and planning oversight controversy lost its edge.

But, overall, Duncan’s strength was his ability not to waver, to stay the course, confront challenges head on, answer his critics and move ahead.

Duncan’s enthusiasm continued into the gubernatorial race, a logical next step for a politician whose actions have helped shape Montgomery County, and the suburban Washington region, for generations.

That’s why his announcement last Thursday — that he is bowing out of what has become a contentious primary race — is so absolutely stunning.

The youthful Duncan revealed to friends, colleagues and supporters at a news conference in Rockville that he has been battling depression, and cannot continue in the race.

Smiling, and with his wife and a son at his side, Duncan pledged to support Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley, erasing any doubt about who will challenge incumbent Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. in November.

The timing of the announcement less than two weeks before the filing deadline for the primary will give the mercurial O’Malley a chance to refocus his campaign and start working to enlist Duncan’s supporters as he girds for what’s expected to be a bruising battle against Ehrlich.

By putting his political aspirations aside, Duncan will be able to continue to get help for depression, and take a break from a grueling schedule. By openly discussing his situation, he’ll shine light on depression, a treatable illness, and that could be a catalyst for others who need medical help to get it. (About one in 20 adults suffer at least one major episode of depression each year, experts estimate.)

As word of Duncan’s decision spread with lightning speed and was Topic No. 1 on several weekend radio talk shows, some of his political adversaries joined with his friends and supporters in sending notes, wishing him well.

Duncan deserves some private time, some space, and sincere gratitude for what he has accomplished in leading Montgomery County. And it’s too soon to close the door on his future in public service.