October 07, 2002 at 5:14 PM
my heart goes out to caroline klocko.
eighteen years old, her father came to visit her at college and was killed. now i suddenly don't think my life is all that bad. why does disaster have to strike before i realize how blessed i am?
and the shootings today...
i don't want to go anywhere anymore.
that's it.. i'm grabbing a shovel and building my own underground shelter.
here's the article from The Capital, front-page today:
Councilman Klocko dies in Utah crash
By MELISSA MONTEALEGRE, Staff Writer
County Councilman John J. Klocko III, 45, was killed Saturday morning in a two-car collision in rural Utah on his way to a mountain biking camp.
The accident occurred at 10:20 a.m. Mountain Standard Time when a driver traveling southbound on Interstate 15 near Cedar City fell asleep at the wheel, crossed the median and struck Mr. Klocko's northbound van, according to Trooper Larry Orton of the Utah Highway Patrol.
Police have not filed charges against the other driver, 19-year-old Victor J. Torres of Los Angeles, but an investigation is continuing.
Karen Klocko said her husband was traveling alone to Moab to attend a mountain biking camp and see some land in the southern part of the state he inherited from his father.
At the time of the accident, Mrs. Klocko was visiting the couple's 18-year-old daughter, Caroline, a freshman at the University of Wisconsin. The couple has two other children, MaryKatherine, 15, and Elizabeth, 13.
Word of Mr. Klocko's sudden death shocked the close-knit Crofton community he called home, as well as political leaders who served with him during his eight years on the council.
Barred by term limits from seeking a third term, the Crofton Republican had planned to focus on his family and law firm after leaving office.
"This is the epitome of taking someone in the prime of his life," said attorney Rich Trunnell, former president of the Crofton Civic Association. "John was someone who did very good things for District 7. He was an exceptional businessman and an absolutely great guy. I'm devastated."
Councilman Cathleen M. Vitale, one of Mr. Klocko's closest allies on the council and a fellow attorney, said he was one of the finest people she knew.
"The only thing I would like to say is to ask county citizens to keep Karen and the girls in their prayers," said Ms. Vitale, R-Severna Park. "John was a tremendous man who did tremendous things, but the first thing in his heart was his family."
Shocking loss
County Executive Janet S. Owens echoed those sentiments yesterday.
"John's death is a shocking loss to the county," she said. "My heart goes out to Karen and their three girls, who were the center of his life."
Mr. Klocko's death marked the third time a sitting councilman has died in office.
In January 2000, Cliff R. Roop, suffered a fatal heart attack during a council meeting, also at the age of 45. Wallace "Chunky" Childs died of a heart attack in 1984.
"I can't think of any other time in charter government where two members have been lost in a single term," said Council Chairman Bill D. Burlison, D-Odenton. "It's a very sad thing."
Although he often tussled with Mr. Klocko, the chairman called his colleague a "bright, young, seasoned member of the council."
"The council issues our compassion for Mr. Klocko's family, wife and children. We're deeply grieved by what has transpired."Something he loved
When Mr. Klocko flew out to Las Vegas on Wednesday, he was on his way to doing something he loved -- biking on the rough trails and abandoned desert roads that make up Utah's Moab-Green River area.
As Mr. Torres' Nissan Pathfinder crossed the median Saturday on Interstate 15, he hit Mr. Klocko's rented Dodge Caravan just above the front bumper area. Mr. Klocko was killed instantly, Trooper Orton said.
Both drivers were wearing their seatbelts and were likely traveling at or just under the 75-mile-per-hour speed limit, the state trooper said. No alcohol was involved.
Mr. Torres was taken to Valley View Medical Center in Cedar Creek after suffering cuts, bruises and lacerations to the face and back. He was listed in good condition.
Mr. Klocko was taken from the scene to the Southern Utah Mortuary in Cedar Creek. He will be cremated there and his remains will be flown back to Maryland, Mrs. Klocko said.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Robert Evans Funeral Home in Bowie. Funeral arrangements have not been finalized.
The County Council canceled its meeting tonight, Ms. Vitale said. The council will decide within the next few days whether to reschedule that legislative session.
It was unclear this morning whether the council will seek a replacement for Mr. Klocko for the remaining two months of the current council term.
Terry Gilleland, chairman of the county Republican party, said it would likely recommend Ed Reilly, the GOP candidate from Crofton, if asked. But that decision is up to the council, he said.
"The consensus was let's put the politics aside and remember John," Mr. Gilleland said. A lifetime of work
Crofton and south county voters elected Mr. Klocko to office in 1994, as a community leader intent on tightening land use laws, getting a library built in Crofton and helping secure funding for a high school.
He scored two for three, as the sponsor of bills tightening the county family conveyance law and establishing zoning where houses and small businesses could co-exist. Just last month, Mr. Klocko helped open the Crofton library.
Constituents and colleagues alike said he leaves a legacy of service, from work done both in and out of office.
Bob Scott, president of the Greater Crofton Council, praised Mr. Klocko for founding the group in 1988 and formulating the group's goals of unifying the Crofton communities.
The group, which Mr. Klocko led as president from 1988 to 1990, represents more than 20 community associations in Crofton.
"When he founded the organization, he set the basic patterns," Mr. Scott said. "He was a great leader and great source of inspiration for me."
Del. Virginia P. Clagett, D-West River, who represented District 7 on the Council Council from 1974 to 1994, said south county benefited greatly from Mr. Klocko's leadership.
"He knew a lot of the issues here. He did his homework. He did so much for so many people. He's going to be missed," she said.
County Clerk of Court Robert Duckworth, who knew Mr. Klocko since the councilman was a teen-ager, said he will be best remembered as a man of principles.
"He always told you what he thought and he never veered off track," Mr. Duckworth said. "You can't ask for anything more than that." ------
Staff Writer Scott Burke contributed to this story.
mmontealegre@capitalgazette.com