Sidney Kramer

Sidney Kramer (July 8, 1925 – May 16, 2022) was an American politician in the state of Maryland. He served in the Maryland Senate and as county executive for Montgomery County.

Early life and education Kramer was born in Washington, D.C., on July 8, 1925. His parents were Jewish and immigrated to the United States from Eastern Europe. He attended Calvin Coolidge High School in his hometown, graduating in 1944. He then earned degrees in chemistry and physics from George Washington University while working full-time. He subsequently moved to Montgomery County, Maryland, and became the proprietor and operator of Automatic Car Washes.

Career After moving to Montgomery County in 1960, Kramer became active in the local parent-teacher association, as well as the Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce and the Montgomery County Citizens Planning Association. From 1965 to 1966, he served on the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee. Kramer was elected to the Maryland Senate in 1978, and he served as Chairperson of the Montgomery County Delegation for eight years. He returned to the County in 1986 and defeated then-County Council Member David Scull in the election to become Montgomery County's third County Executive. During his tenure as county executive, Kramer oversaw the increase in funding for programs helping residents with developmental disabilities, which was previously within the purview of state government. His leadership was characterized as a "relatively low-key, businesslike administration".

Personal life Kramer married Betty Mae Kerman in 1950. They met at a beach party three-and-a-half years before while he was studying at George Washington University, and remained married until her death in 2010. Together, they had three children.

Kramer died on May 16, 2022, at his home in Rockville, Maryland. He was 96 years old.