MARYLAND BRIEFING

MONTGOMERY

Husband to Seek Praisner's Council Seat

The widower of Montgomery County Council member Marilyn Praisner (D) said yesterday that he will run in the special election this spring to serve out her term. Don Praisner, a retired CIA analyst, said he would officially announce his candidacy Monday with the support of County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) and at least three council members.

"It is important to have someone who shares her values, and I think I come closest to that," Praisner (D) said.

Like his wife, Praisner said, he is a fiscal conservative who is "not opposed to growth" but thinks it must be managed and have the infrastructure to support it.

Leggett, a resident of the eastern County Council district that Marilyn Praisner represented for 17 years, confirmed that he would back her husband and said, "He reflects the views of the district."

Voters in the district, which includes all or parts of areas such as Silver Spring, Wheaton, Aspen Hill and Olney, will cast ballots in primary elections April 15 and in a general election May 13.

Democrats Cary Lamari, Patrick Ryan and Steve Kanstoroom officially filed with the Board of Elections. Republican marketing analyst Mark D. Fennel has also filed. Other candidates who have announced their intention to run include Board of Education President Nancy Navarro (D) and Republican John McKinnis, a former candidate for state delegate.

-- Ann E. Marimow

Committee Supports Funds for Music Hall

A Montgomery County Council committee signed off yesterday on $2 million for a live music venue in downtown Silver Spring as council members continued to question its benefit to taxpayers.

The 2 to 1 vote was intended as a signal to state legislators, who are being asked to approve an additional $2 million. County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) seeks a total of $8 million in taxpayer funds to create a music hall at the old JCPenney site that would be run by Live Nation, one of the largest live music producers.