Role Politician Name Joseph Minnick | Occupation Restaurant Owner Spouse(s) Barbara Minnick | |
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Died October 12, 2015, Timonium, Maryland, United States | ||
Joseph J. "Sonny" Minnick (March 16, 1933 – October 12, 2015) was an American politician from Maryland and a member of the Democratic Party.
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Background
Minnick was born in Dundalk, Maryland on March 16, 1933. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. Upon arriving home, he joined his brother Dan Minnick Jr. to take over the management of Minnick's Hollywood Inn, a family business founded by his grandfather in the early 1920s, now known as Minnick's Restaurant and Catering Business, Inc. Minnick's bar was raided on June 29, 2011 which seized five video devices believed to be involved in illegal gambling [1]. Minnick was not charged.
Minnick was active with both the Restaurant Association and with veteran's groups. Minnick was a strong supporter of small businesses in the State of Maryland. He died on October 12, 2015 from a blood disease.
In the Legislature
He served five terms in the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Maryland's District 6 in Baltimore County. Minnick was a member of the Economic Matters Committee. During long debates on the House floor, the Speaker will often recognize Delegate Minnick who moves the previous question, allowing the Speaker to terminate lengthy debates.
Legislative notes
For the past four years, Delegate Minnick has annually voted to support classroom teachers, public schools, police and hospitals in Baltimore County. Since 2002, funding to schools across the State has increased 82%, resulting in Maryland being ranked top in the nation for K-12 education.