J. Frank Raley Jr. facts for kids

John Frank Raley Jr. (September 13, 1926 – August 21, 2012) was an important Maryland politician. He worked hard to improve education, grow the economy, and protect the Chesapeake Bay.

As a Democrat, he served as a State Senator and a member of the Maryland House of Delegates. He is widely known for modernizing St. Mary's County. He helped update its schools, roads, bridges, and communication services. This work led to many years of economic growth in the county.

He also helped the Maryland State Legislature create St. Mary's College of Maryland as a four-year college. He served on its board for many years, guiding its development. Many historians and newspapers have called him a founder of modern St. Mary's County.

Early Life and Education

John Frank Raley Jr. was born in St. Mary's County, Maryland. He grew up in a family where many people were involved in politics. This included his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He learned about politics from his family at a young age.

Raley went to local schools in St. Mary's County. He also attended the Charlotte Hall Military Academy for high school. He earned his bachelor's degree from Georgetown University. During World War II, he served in the United States Army. Later, he worked as a general insurance agent.

Political Career and Impact

Challenging the County Political System

In 1962, Raley put together a group of candidates to run for office. Their goal was to replace the old political system in St. Mary's County. This system had caused the county's economy to stay the same for many years.

Raley was elected, and he led a big campaign to bring modern improvements to St. Mary's County. This included better development and education. He worked on this goal both when he was in office and after.

Boosting St. Mary's County's Economy

Why St. Mary's County Needed Help

For a long time, St. Mary's County faced challenges with rural poverty. This was partly due to its history with large farms called plantations. This history led to big differences in education and income. Most people who didn't own land were poor and uneducated.

John Raley wanted to change this. He decided while still in college that he would work to improve the county's economy. He kept this goal throughout his entire career.

Raley's Work in the State Senate

In the late 1950s, Raley ran for office in the Maryland House of Delegates. After serving there, he successfully ran for the Maryland State Senate. In the Senate, he gained enough influence to get money for modernization projects. He also pushed for political reforms in the county.

He was very successful in the Senate in a short time. He used his political skills to get many state projects for St. Mary's County. These projects helped the county's economy grow and added new schools.

As a State Senator, Raley is known for bringing most of the new infrastructure to St. Mary's County. He said that over 100 laws were needed to bring new schools, roads, and bridges to the county. This included the Governor Thomas Johnson Memorial Bridge. Raley led the Public Buildings Committee during his time in the Maryland Senate. From this position, he started the largest economic development program in the county's history. He is credited with helping to transform the county.

Why Raley Left Office

Raley's time in elected office ended when he lost re-election. A false story spread that he was trying to get rid of slot machines (gambling) in the county. These machines were very popular at the time.

In truth, he had supported a plan to let voters decide on the issue. He had not taken direct action against the machines himself. However, his political opponents convinced many people that he was working to remove them. This made many people angry at Raley, and he never ran for office again.

After His Time in the Senate

Even after leaving the Senate, Raley stayed very active in county and state politics. He served on many development boards. He also used his influence and family connections to speak to the state legislature for the county. He continued this work for the rest of his life.

He also worked hard to promote environmental improvements for the Chesapeake Bay. He was later recognized by the state of Maryland for these efforts.

Important Roles After the Legislature

• Maryland Economic Development Commission
• President of the Lexington Park, Maryland Chamber of Commerce
• Chairman of the St. Mary's College of Maryland Board of Trustees (1966 to 1991)
• Member, Planning and Zoning Commission (1967–78)
• Member-at-large, Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland (1967–88) (also a co-founder)
• Member, Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Commission (1985–90)
• Southern Maryland Navy Alliance (also its first president)
• Patuxent Partnership
• St. Mary's City Commission

After losing re-election to the Maryland Senate, Raley also became a delegate to the 1967 Constitutional Convention of Maryland.

Supporting Patuxent River Naval Air Station

Raley played a key role in helping the Patuxent River Naval Air Station expand. This was at a time when the base might have closed. He also helped prevent other attempts to close the base. His work helped make the base strong for many years.

Expanding Education in St. Mary's County

Education as a Way to Fight Poverty

As part of his plan to reduce poverty in St. Mary's County, J. Frank Raley greatly expanded education. He secured many programs for schools in the Maryland Legislature. He then continued to advocate for education in the county for many years.

Transforming St. Mary's College

Raley was also key in changing the two-year St. Mary's Seminary Junior College into the four-year St. Mary's College of Maryland. Under Raley's leadership on the board for decades, the school became nationally recognized. It is now ranked as one of the top public colleges in the United States.

I consider education as the most important of all public problems. For sound progress in any community, [the community] must first develop to the fullest extent, the minds of its children.
- J. Frank Raley, Jr., 26 April 1962

Service on the Board of Trustees

Raley played many important roles in the growth of St. Mary's College. He served on the board of trustees from 1967 to 1991. He also advised every college president from that time until his death in 2012.

Center for the Study of Democracy

Raley was very interested in democracy and education. He helped establish the Center for the Study of Democracy at St. Mary's College.

Honors and Recognition

• In 2006, the Maryland Senate named Raley one of "Maryland's First Citizens." This is one of the highest awards a Maryland citizen can receive.
• For his dedication to St. Mary's College, Raley received the school's highest honor, the Order of the Ark and Dove. The college dining hall was also officially named the "Raley Great Room." An oil painting of him hangs there to honor his memory.

Creating Point Lookout State Park

Raley was also important in getting the state to buy the land for Point Lookout State Park. This area is now a nationally recognized historic site and recreation area.