The Baltimore Sun from Baltimore, Maryland • A13

THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2016 THE BALTIMORE SUN 13 Mosby, out of race, endorses Pugh MOSBY, From page 1 conversations with Nick." His endorsement was one of several Pugh picked up Wednesday from high-profile figures. The Rev. Jamal H. Bryant, former NAACP president Benjamin Jealous and attorney William H. "Billy" Murphy all announced their support for her.

She received the backing of Rep. Elijah E. Cummings earlier in the week. Todd Eberly a St. Mary's College political science professor who follows Baltimore politics, said Mosby's support could be just enough of a boost for Pugh to win the April 26 Democratic primary, given the crowded race and the tight contest between her and former Mayor Sheila Dixon.

"His support was relatively low, but with this many people in the race, one or two percentage points could make a difference," Eberly said. Early voting in the election begins today. For decades in Baltimore, the winner of the Democratic primary has gone on to become mayor. Steve Raabe, president of OpinionWorks, the Annapolis-based firm that conducted The Sun's poll, said the survey showed Mosby's supporters split almost evenly between Pugh and Dixon as their second choice. But he expects that Mosby's endorsement of Pugh will sway many of them in her direction.

Most importantly, Raabe said, Mosby's exit from the race creates an impression of the city's support uniting behind Pugh. "You have a coalescing, and a sense of who the most viable candidate is," he said. Dixon had support from 25 percent of likely voters in the recent poll. Lawyer Elizabeth Embry polled third at 9 percent, businessman David Warnock got 7 percent and Councilman Carl Stokes 5 percent. Dixon's campaign spokeswoman, Martha McKenna, said Mosby's departure should help the former mayor pick up support in Mosby's West Baltimore City Council district.

McKenna said as Dixon talked to voters in the 7th District, some wanted to support Mosby out of loyalty to their elected council representative. Embry said she's tiie best choice for voters who want to see a change when it comes to public safety and public trust "His dropping out and joining the Pugh team is a surprising reversal to the entrenched politics of the past, and I don't think it will work," Embry said in a statement. "Voters are tired of the status quo and are looking for new leadership." Mosby is a first-term councilman who is married to Baltimore's State's Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby. In a poll for The Sun in November, a third of voters said they were less likely to vote for Mosby because he is married to the city's state's attorney.

Political observers questioned the potential concentration of power, especially because the mayor has authority over the budget of the state's attorney's office. KENNETH K. LAMBALTIMORE SUN Nick Mosby, right, is greeted by one of his organizers, Kirk Wesley, after announcing that he is dropping out of the mayoral race, Mosby framed his campaign around his life story: a poor kid who attended a troubled middle school yet went on to become a successful engineer and businessman. He said he could connect the dots from the "street corner to the boardroom." He often pointed to his 15-point plan, the first comprehensive platform of any of the campaigns. In it, he created a blueprint he said would improve the city by dropping property taxes for homeowners by IS percent, creating zones around neighborhood anchors to focus redevelopment efforts and removing the gag orders that stop police brutality victims from speaking out as a condition of their settlements.

In recent weeks, Mosby, much like Embry, took a markedly harsh tone against both Pugh and Dixon. At a debate on March 22, Mosby slammed Pugh and Dixon for failing to help the city overcome longtime problems with education and public safety, despite the many years each has spent in public office. "The question to Baltimore is, Where have those ideas and plans been at for the past 30 Mosby said then. "This election is so important. It's not about the failed polices of the past and the fake promises of tomorrow." On Wednesday, Mosby said his comments at the time were intended to draw a clear line between him and his competitors.

He said he wanted voters to understand that he was an "unconventional candidate" with a background unlike those of any previous mayors. For now, Mosby said, he is focused on his role as a councilman through December, pointing to a forthcoming decision by the council whether to award a $535 million tax increment financing deal for the proposed Port Covington development. "I am going to focus on family, getting back some of my personal time after working 16- and 17-hour days, and I have a job to do," Mosby said. "I am still a councilman in the 7th District." Charles D. Ellison, a veteran political analyst who hosts "The Ellison Report" on WEAA radio, said part of Mosby's challenge was that much of his support has come from younger, less dependable voters.

"The voters who are really going to matter in the primary are the older ones, the homeowners, the seniors, especially the African-American seniors," he said. "His reliance on millennials, it's a heavier ask." Ellison said voters should look for signs that Mosby could find a role in a Pugh administration, if she is elected. While the campaigns and candidates refused to acknowledge any bargaining behind Mosby's endorsement, Ellison said he suspects there were "closed-door conversations." Mosby's thinking, Ellison said, likely was 'Let me go ahead and pull out of this while I still can maintain some political credibility' He is still young. He still has a bright political future ahead of him." Mosby said he did not decide to drop out of the race until Wednesday and had not communicated with Pugh. He said he would have to break the news to his daughters, ages 5 and 7, when they got home from school.

"My daughter asked me today exacdy when the election was," Mosby said at his announcement outside City Hall. "It's a life lesson. It's a lesson for me. It's going to be a life lesson for them. "You put your best foot forward, and not always will the end result be the desired result, but you know you've laid it on the line." Mosby said dropping out was the hardest decision of his life.

He decided the "timing wasn't right." "The only thing I love as much as my family is the city of Baltimore and the youth and die next generation," he said. "Baltimore has poured so much into who I am as a man, as a father, as a husband, as a public servant. It's been my mission in life to serve the people." Baltimore Sun reporter Colin Campbell contributed to this article. ywengerbaltsun.com twitter.comyvonnewenger SNYDER, William F. William Francis Snyder, 88, of Stewartstown, PA, was carried home by the angels on April 13, 2016, surrounded by his family and beloved pets.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Geraldine; a daughter, Geralyn Fuller and her husband David; and grandchildren Matthew and Sarah. Please visit JJHM.COM for his obituary and service information. DEATH LODGE NOTICES LEARY, Stephen Paul On Monday, April 11, 2016, Stephen P. Leary, age 51, of Sykesville, MD, beloved husband of Deirdre A. Leary (nee Lochran), devoted father of Jody Leary and Heather Leary, loving son of James and Doris Fitzwa-ter Leary, dear brother of Beverly McCardle and husband Steve, and Philip Leary and wife Caryn; also survived by one grandchild Jackson Jordan; and several nieces and nephews.

Gathering of family and friends will be held at Burrier-Queen Funeral Home Crematory, 1212 W. Old Liberty Road, Sykesville (Beside South Carroll High School) on Sunday, April 17, 2016 from PM; at which time Memorial Service will be begin at 3:00 PM; Private inurnment; In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Ebenezer U.M. Church, CO building fund, 4901 Woodbine Road, Sykesville, MD, 21784 or the Humane Society, Early voting set to begin today WANNER, MaryLeed Mary Leed Wanner, nee Christian, of Baltimore formerly of Reading passed away on April 8, 2016. Beloved wife of the late Harry Herbert Wanner, she is survived by her sister Ruth Ellen Blatt; children Ellen Jane Roe (Don) and Susan Elizabeth Minor (Charles); grand-children Franklin Wanner Minor and Chanda, Amanda Ellen Felton and Mark, Kristin Elizabeth Bidinger and Brian; one great granddaughter, Sadie Marie Bidinger; nephews Dudley and John Christian; step-nephews Brook and Mark Blatt. A memorial service for Mary will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in the Inner Harbor at 11:00 a.m.

in the Children's Chapel. WATSON, Earl Carrington Earl Carrington Watson be loved husband of Inez A. Watson, slipped into Eternal Life Sun. April 10, 2016. He retired from Balto.

City Health Department 1996, Dir.Animal Control. Leaves to mourn, wifechildhood sweetheart, Inez; children: Earl, Jr. (Emily) David Antonio daughter: Adri-enne (Stacey niece, Stacey (Karl). Viewing April 18th 5-8pm; Wiley Funeral Home Randallstown; Tue. April 19th Wake 10am; Service 11am.

Calvary Baptist Garrison Blvd. Balto. WILLIAMS, Robert fm On April 10, 2016, Robert A. Wil- EARLY VOTING, Frompagel the state, including six in Baltimore and nine in Baltimore County. "I think it's going to be a decent crowd, a nice crowd," Jones said.

"I think we may start off very well today. Some folk are motivated by one or two candidates. We are prepared with extra judges." To register to vote during early voting, residents must bring a document proving their address. Jones and others believe there could be increased turnout this year, given the number of competitive races in the Democratic and Republican primaries, and the lack of resolution in the presidential nominating contests. For the first time in years, Marylanders' votes could matter in the national primaries of both parties, between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders on the Democratic side and Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and John Kasich on the Republican side.

Kasich campaigned in Savage and Ca-tonsville on Wednesday with former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich former President Bill Clinton appeared at the Leisure World retirement community in Montgomery County to stump for his wife. There are also high-money, competitive races for U.S. Senate, between Democrats Donna F.

Edwards and Chris Van Hollen, and for Baltimore mayor and many City Council seats. Edwards said Wednesday she would kick off early voting at the Silver Spring Metro station, where she'll meet with Maryland voters on their morning commutes. Van Hollen planned to gather with community leaders to speak with voters in front of the Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Complex, the largest early-voting location in Prince George's County. In Baltimore, for the first time, races for mayor and City Council are at the same time as the presidential races, a change that was intended to increase turnout Voter registration numbers have ticked up steadily in Baltimore since the death last year of Freddie Gray.

There were 362,000 voters in Baltimore at this time last year; there are 374,000 now. The number of voters statewide has grown by more than 1 million in the last year. Baltimore's leading mayoral candidates state Sen. Catherine E. Pugh, former The procedure Early voting takes place today through April 21 from 10 a.m.

until 8 p.m. There are 67 early-voting locations in Maryland, including nine in Baltimore County, six in Baltimore City, five in Anne Arundel County, four in Harford County, three in Howard County and one in Carroll County. Same-day voter registration is allowed during early voting. To register, a resident must bring a document that proves where he or she lives. This document can be a driver's license, ID card, paycheck, bank statement, utility bill or other government document.

Mayor Sheila Dixon, lawyer Elizabeth Embry, businessman David L. Warnock and City Councilman Carl Stokes all planned to push early voting. "There's a real awareness in early voting," Warnock said at a campaign event Wednesday in Canton. He said his volunteers have been making calls and knocking on doors to remind residents about early voting. "I think that will definitely help us." McCray said he plans to push for some of the thousands of ex-felons recendy granted voting rights to come to the polls during early voting.

He championed the legislation in the General Assembly that will allow those who are on parole or probation more than 40,000 people to vote "We have no excuse not to get them out, especially the people who live in walking distance," he said. Sean Yoes, the host of the "First Edition" radio show on Morgan State University's WEAA station, said early voting could play a large role in who wins the election. "There may be hundreds or even thousands of ex-felons who register to vote and may cast votes in this election," he said. "There are a few different voter registration drives going on, and several of them are targeting ex-felons." Baltimore Sun reporter Jessica Anderson contributed to this article. lbroadwaterbaltsun.com twitter.comlukebroadwater LITT, Florence The Beth Tfiloh Congregation deeply regrets the passing of Florence Litt, sister of our member.

Dr. Selvin Passen, and extends deepest sympathy to the family. LITT, Florence P. On April 12, 2016, Florence P. Litt (nee Passen); beloved wife of the late Isaac Litt; devoted mother of Warren Litt and Brian (Lisa) Litt; dear sister of Dr.

Selvin (Holly) Passen and the late Alex (Sonia) Passen and Lillian Passen; dear sister-in-law of the late Sylvia Passen; loving grandmother of Daniel, Bradley and Benjamin Litt. Funeral services and interment were held at Bnai Jacob Cemetery 6700 Bowleys Lane on Wednesday, April 13, at 3 pm. Please omit flowers. In mourning at 3707 Parkfield Road, Baltimore, MD21208, Wednesday and Thursday till and Friday till 12pm. Shiva will continue at 325 Cynwyd Road, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 through Tuesday morning.

www.sollevinson.com MORIN, Eleanor On April 13, 2016, Eleanor L. Morin, 86, of Aberdeen, beloved wife of Ronald J. Morin; devoted mother of Ronald J. Morin, June Scott and Mark Morin; dear sister of the late Thomas Libby and Mary Lambert. Also survived by 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Family and friends will honor Eleanor's life at the family owned Evans Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services Bel Air, 3 Newport Drive (Rt. 23 Rt. 24), Forest Hill on Friday, April 15, 2016 from 3-7 P.M. where a Prayer Service will be held on Saturday at 10:00 A.M. Interment Highview Memorial Gardens.

Memory tributes may be sent to the family at www.evansfuneral-chapel.com rowan, Phyllis F. On April 13, 2016 Phyllis Frances Rowan (nee Delvecchio) passed away peacefully in her sleep. Beloved wife of the late John J. Rowan, Sr. Loving and devoted mother of Jean Haddaway (husband Tom), John J.

Rowan, Jr. (wife Jill), Robert M. Rowan, Thomas P. Rowan (wife Dana) and Teresa Duvall (husband Chuck). Caring and kind Mom Mom to grandchildren Sara and Anne Rowan, Tommy Rowan, Samantha and Maria Duvall, Shane and Mitch Haddaway, Nathaniel Hunt and Beth Johnson.

Friends may call at The Johnson-Fosbrink Funeral Home, PA. 8521 Loch Raven Blvd. (beltway exit 29-B) on Saturday and Sunday from 5 to 8 P.M. All are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Monday in The Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary at 9 A.M. Interment to follow at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens.

Condolences may be sent to www.jfhmd.com Johnson Fosbrink Funeral Home pa iidins, pdsseu dwdy pedue- fully at age 90. Devoted and loving father of Robert A. Williams, Jr. (Joy) and Karen Amanda Cooper (Scott); loving grandfather to Marley Zac, Andrew, Sam, K.C. and Ben; dear brother of Shirley Hatter, he was predeceased by his beloved wife 5 months ago, Sallie Murleane Williams.

Also survived by many nieces and nephews. A highly decorated retired U.S. Air Force Reserve Colonel, he served for 30 years in the Judge Advocate General's Corps. His favorite pastime was spending time with his grandchildren and teaching all of them cherished lessons about life and getting along in the world with a smile and warm words for everyone you meet. His warmth of spirit endeared him to all who knew him.

He was loved by many and will be missed by all. The family will receive friends at HARRY H. WITZKE'S FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, INC. 4112, Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City on Friday from 4-6pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said on Saturday, 10am at the Church of the Resurrection.

Interment will follow at Lakeview Memorial Park. Should friends desire, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org). www.harrywitzkefuneralhome.com Baltimore Sun Death Notices are Accessible online at:.