Michael Dobson, who represented Baltimore in the Maryland General Assembly from 1998 – 2003, died on May 29 after a multi-year struggle with lung cancer. He was 60 years old.
After unsuccessful runs for Congress and the Baltimore City Council, Dobson was appointed to his first public office — appointed by the 43rd Legislative District Democratic State Central Committee to replace Del. Gerald Curran. He served a year before coming up for election, which he won.
Called a “studious and thoughtful legislator” in a {Baltimore City Paper} story evaluating candidates in the 43 Legislative District in 2002, while in the House of Delegates, he served as deputy majority whip, and as a member of the Commerce and Government Matters Committee and was a member of the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus.
Dobson was born in 1950, the son of the Rev. Vernon Dobson, longtime pastor of Union Baptist Church, and Napoleon (Pleasants) Dobson. He attended Baltimore City public schools and was a graduate of Morgan State University. Along with his service as a legislator, he was a mentor, co-founder of the Coalition for Political Accountability and a deacon at Union Baptist Church.
His memorial service was held on June 3 at St. Marks Institutional Baptist Church. His internment was a private service for family only. He is survived by his wife, Elaine, parents, one daughter, three sons, in-laws, grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews.