Frank Conaway

Frank Conaway is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing the 40th district. A member of the Democratic Party, Conaway has been in office since 2007 and has a background in both business and public service. His legislative work has focused on various issues, including crime, policing, economic policies, and social matters.

Early life and career

Frank Conaway was born on January 4, 1963, in Baltimore, Maryland. He comes from a family with a notable political background; his father, Frank M. Conaway Sr., served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates and later held the position of clerk of the Baltimore City Circuit Court. His mother, Mary Conaway, was the Baltimore Register of Wills. This familial connection to public service likely influenced Conaway's later political aspirations.

Conaway attended Northwestern High School in Baltimore and pursued higher education at several institutions. He began his college education at Howard University and later transferred to Morgan State University, where he studied from 1980 to 1984. He ultimately graduated from Sojourner-Douglass College in 1999, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration.

Before entering politics, Conaway worked in the construction industry for companies such as Monumental Paint Contractors and Allied Bendix Corporation. In 1986, he founded his own business, Frank M. Conaway Jr. & Associates Co., and also operated a replica kit-car business named F-Dreams, Inc. However, this venture faced challenges, particularly due to the impacts of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Following the closure of his businesses, Conaway transitioned to a career in sales, working as a representative for various companies, including Olan Mills, from 1989 until 2005.

Conaway's early career also included a significant incident involving allegations of racial discrimination. In 1992, he and his father accused Olan Mills of discriminatory practices related to scheduling employees for work at Black churches. This experience highlighted issues of race and employment that would later inform his political positions.

In addition to his business endeavors, Conaway is the author of a book that explores themes of spirituality and metaphysics, reflecting his diverse interests beyond politics.

Legislative service

Conaway's political career began in earnest in 1999 when he ran for the position of President of the Baltimore City Council but was unsuccessful in the Democratic primary against Sheila Dixon. His first successful campaign came in 2006 when he was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates for the 40th district. He was sworn into office on January 10, 2007, and has since been a member of the Judiciary Committee throughout his tenure.

During his time in the Maryland House of Delegates, Conaway has participated in various legislative sessions, contributing to discussions and votes on a wide range of issues. His legislative record reflects a commitment to addressing crime, economic concerns, and social justice.

Policy focus and district

Conaway's policy focus encompasses several key areas, including crime and policing, economic issues, gun policy, immigration, social issues, and taxation. His legislative actions have often aimed at reforming and improving public safety and community welfare.

In the realm of crime and policing, Conaway has been proactive. In 2010, he utilized campaign funds to distribute cameras to Baltimore residents, encouraging them to document crime in their neighborhoods. He has also supported significant legislative measures, such as voting to repeal the death penalty in Maryland in 2013 and introducing legislation that would require the attorney general to investigate police-involved deaths. Although some of his proposals received unfavorable committee reports, he successfully advocated for increased maximum payouts in police brutality cases, which became law under Governor Larry Hogan.

Conaway's approach to gun policy includes voting for the Firearm Safety Act in 2013, which implemented restrictions on firearm purchases and magazine capacities for semi-automatic rifles. More recently, in 2023, he introduced legislation aimed at increasing penalties for illegally carrying handguns, which was incorporated into a broader Gun Safety Bill that passed the Maryland General Assembly.

In economic matters, Conaway has shown a willingness to challenge budget cuts, notably voting against a significant reduction in the state budget in 2007. He has also supported initiatives to raise the minimum wage, voting in favor of a bill to increase it to $10.10 by 2017.

Conaway's stance on immigration has been more contentious. He was the only Democrat to oppose a bill that prohibited counties from entering into agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as other measures aimed at regulating private immigration detention centers. His votes in these areas reflect a complex perspective on immigration policy.

Socially, Conaway has supported progressive measures, including voting for the Civil Marriage Protection Act, which legalized same-sex marriage in Maryland in 2012. He has also voted to index fuel taxes to inflation to support state transportation projects.

In summary, Frank Conaway's legislative career has been marked by a diverse array of policy interests and a commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents in the 40th district. His background in business and personal experiences have shaped his approach to governance, allowing him to navigate complex issues within the Maryland General Assembly. As he continues to serve, Conaway remains a notable figure in Maryland politics, contributing to the ongoing dialogue around critical state issues.