Charles Otto, a farmer who represented the Lower Shore in the Maryland House of Delegates since 2011, has died. He was 61.
“He didn’t say much,” remembered Del. Wayne Hartman, his Republican colleague representing Worcester County in the House, “but when he said something, it was usually very relevant and spot-on. When he talked, people listened. Whether you’re a Republican or Democrat, people relied on him, because he was one of just a few true farmers” in the General Assembly.
Hartman (R-38C) said his fellow legislators used to gently tease Otto by editing his face onto the state seal – the one showing a farmer and a fisherman side by side – with Otto, naturally, as the farmer.
“I don’t know if we could ever get somebody to fill his shoes with the knowledge that he brought of agriculture,” Hartman added.
Two days before his death on Oct. 17, Otto had declared his candidacy for a fifth term in the House. His District 38A included Somerset County, a portion of Wicomico County and, ever since a 2014 redistricting, about a third of Worcester County.
In the House, Otto served as deputy minority whip. His committee assignments included Environment & Transportation and Environmental Matters. He was the chair of the Somerset County delegation and previously had chaired the Eastern Shore delegation from 2015-18.
Other Republicans in the legislature recalled Otto as a tireless advocate for his constituents and a steadfast voice for farmers, rural communities, and small businesses.
“A rarity in politics, Delegate Otto was never someone who was in love with his own voice,” House Republicans said in a statement. “He was unceasingly generous and hilariously funny. We were lucky to know him, to serve with him, and to call him our friend.”