Theodore J. Sophocleus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Theodore J. Sophocleus
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| Member of the Maryland House of Delegates from District 32 | |
| In office January 9, 1999 – June 8, 2018 |
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| Preceded by | Michael W. Burns |
| Constituency | Anne Arundel County, MD |
| Member of the Maryland House of Delegates from District 30 | |
| In office June 25, 1993 – 1995 |
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| Preceded by | Tyras S. Athey |
| Succeeded by | Mary Ann Love, Michael W. Burns, & James E. Rzepkowski |
| Constituency | District 30, Anne Arundel County |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 28, 1939 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Died | (aged 79) Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
Theodore J. Sophocleus (May 28, 1939 – June 8, 2018) was an American politician from Maryland. He was a member of the Democratic Party. Before entering politics, he worked as a pharmacist. He also became an executive for drug store chains.
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Early Life and Career
Ted Sophocleus was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on May 29, 1939. His parents, John and Despina Sophocleus, were immigrants from Greece. He grew up in the Highlandtown neighborhood of Baltimore.
He went to Patterson Park High School in Baltimore City. After high school, he studied at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy in 1962.
After graduating, Sophocleus worked for the Read's Drug Store chain. He worked there from 1960 to 1977. He rose to a high executive position. Later, he worked for another drug store chain in Texas. He then moved to Linthicum, Maryland, and opened his own pharmacy.
Political Career
Sophocleus began his political career in 1982. He served two terms on the elected County Council of Anne Arundel County, Maryland. The County Council helps make decisions for the county. He worked to reduce noise from Baltimore–Washington International Airport. This airport is located in Linthicum. He tried to become the Anne Arundel County Executive in 1990 and 1994, but he was not elected.
Serving in the State Legislature
Sophocleus started serving in the Maryland House of Delegates in 1993. The House of Delegates is part of Maryland's state government. He was appointed by Governor William Donald Schaefer to fill a vacant seat. In 1998, he was elected to the House of Delegates on his own. He served four full terms. He represented Maryland's District 32 in Anne Arundel County.
He was a member of many important committees. One of these was the Appropriations Committee. This committee deals with how the state's money is spent. He also served as Deputy Majority Whip. This role helps make sure party members vote together.
Laws and Votes
As a Delegate, Sophocleus voted on many important laws. Here are some examples:
- He voted for the Maryland Gang Prosecution Act of 2007. This law made it possible for gang members to face up to 20 years in prison. They could also be fined up to $100,000.
- In 2007, he voted for a law that aimed to protect children. This law created a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in state prison for serious crimes.
- In 2008, he voted for a law to expand the Statewide DNA Database System. This helped police and prosecutors solve crimes. It also helped clear a backlog of DNA samples.
- In 2009, he voted for a law to strengthen Maryland's driving laws. This law imposed a one-year license suspension for repeated unsafe driving offenses.
- He also voted in 2009 for a law to improve emergency medical services. This led to Maryland funding new Medevac helicopters.
- From 2015 to 2018, he regularly voted to support schools, police, and hospitals. This funding helped Maryland become a top state for K-12 education.
Death
Theodore Sophocleus passed away on June 8, 2018. He was in a hospital in Baltimore. He was survived by his wife, Alice. After his death, politicians from both parties praised him. They remembered him as a helpful and honest person.
Honors and Awards
Sophocleus received several honors during his life. His old high school, Patterson Park High School, inducted him into their "Alumni Hall of Fame." In 2004, the Maryland State's Attorneys' Association named him "Legislator of the Year." The Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence also honored him. They named him "Legislator of the Year" in 2005.
