The master of ceremonies, Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller [D-District 27] noted that Louis L. Goldstein would have been 100 years old this month. Goldstein, who was elected state comptroller 10 times, died suddenly in 1998. He had been campaigning for an 11th term when he passed away. After his death, the Calvert County Democratic Central Committee decided to name its annual dinner in Goldstein’s honor.

The 15th annual Louis L. Goldstein Dinner was held at the Rod ‘N’ Reel Restaurant in Chesapeake Beach. This year the event’s top award was given to someone who benefitted from the Calvert County native’s mentorship. House of Representatives Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer recalled campaigning with Goldstein in the early 1960s when he (Hoyer) was an aide to U.S. Senator Daniel Brewster.

“Louie was as loyal a Democrat as ever I have met,” said Hoyer. “I am honored to be honored in the name of Louis Goldstein. I learned so very much from him.”

Of Goldstein, Hoyer added, “he was willing to work with everybody. Our country is in gridlock. I regret we don’t have more Louis Goldsteins.”

Two of Goldstein’s three children—son Phillip and daughter Louisa—attended the event and were recognized by Miller.

“This is a night to tell stories about Louie,” said State Senator Roy Dyson, who recalled a trip to Smith Island for a church meeting with the comptroller back when he (Dyson) was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

While the speakers had plenty of praise for the Goldstein legacy and Hoyer’s four-decade career in Congress, there was a group of attendees who also heard words of support.

“We owe a tremendous debt to organized labor,” said Peter Franchot, Maryland’s incumbent comptroller.

“Working men and women are the heartbeat of Southern Maryland,” State Senator Brian Frosh added.

The event’s sponsors’ list included 11 labors unions. The groups included electrical workers, sheet metal workers, steamfitters, ironworkers, operating engineers, plumbers and gasfitters, elevator constructors, painters and food service employees.