Later this month, the Executive Office Building in Rockville will be renamed after former County Executive Isiah “Ike” Leggett.
MCM asked Leggett what the recognition means to him.
“I do not accept this as a token of appreciation for Ike Leggett singularly, but for Ike Leggett, the leader of a very good team,” he told MCM.
In 1986, Leggett was the first African American elected to the county council. He served four terms and was instrumental in passing legislation like the living wage law and the public smoking ban, according to the county.
In 2006, he became the first African American county executive. He served three terms in the role from 2006 to 2018. According to the county, he advocated for a statewide gas tax increase to fund transit projects, and established a day laborer center.
“Throughout his 28 years as county executive, council president and councilmember, Ike guided us with a steady hand through the most devastating financial crisis in our history, and forged a path for others to follow as a trailblazer who rose from poverty to the highest levels of government, law, and academia,” County Councilmember Andrew Friedson said last December when he announced the building renaming.
In a written statement, current County Executive Marc Elrich said, “Renaming the Executive Office Building in honor of Ike Leggett pays tribute to his extraordinary legacy and dedication to serving the people of Montgomery County. Through his leadership and unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion, and opportunity, Ike has shaped the County in profound ways.”
The building renaming ceremony is planned for Monday, Feb. 24.
