(ROCKVILLE, MD) – Here is a statement from Christopher B. Summers, president of the Maryland Public Policy Institute on the passing of Baltimore talk-radio giant Ron Smith:

“Today, the staff and friends of the Maryland Public Policy Institute mourn the passing of our good friend and ally Ron Smith. Smith, 70, died December 19, 2011 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

“In September, we honored Ron with our first Charles Carroll of Carrollton Award, which goes to the Marylander who did the most to advance freedom in the previous year. Ron was the obvious choice. He also would’ve been an obvious choice had we conceived the award last year or the year before or at virtually any time since he began his radio program on WBAL-AM in 1986.

“Five days a week for the last quarter-century, Ron rode briskly and cheerfully into the headwinds of his beloved adopted home town to bring conservative talk and thought and guests and ideas to one of America’s most liberal cities. He relished conveying the message and blessings of liberty, love of country and limited government to a city and state that epitomize the failings of big-government liberalism. He disagreed amiably but firmly, and the people of Baltimore and all of Maryland – those who agreed with him and those who didn’t – loved him for it.

“He did it all with that devilish smile, those mischievous eyes and a sense of humor and of comfort in his own skin that few of us will ever know.

“Ron was a great friend to the Maryland Public Policy Institute and to me personally. He publicized our research. He had our experts on as guests and sometimes even as substitute hosts. He provided invaluable counsel on issues large and small. He worked mightily to help our organization achieve its goals and forward its aims, and we will forever be in his debt.

“We needn’t keep watch for the “next Ron Smith” because there never will be one. We needn’t even lament the suffering of his final days because Ron stood up to his disease and its eventual outcome with a courage few can muster.

“But next year – and every year from now on – when we at the Maryland Public Policy Institute  go about trying to identify the Marylander who has done the most to advance liberty, we will know the first recipient of the Charles Carroll of Carrollton Award established the standard by which all others will be judged.”

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