Edward Howard McNamara[1] (September 21, 1926 – February 19, 2006) was an American politician who served as the county executive of Wayne County, Michigan from 1987 until 2002. A member of the Democratic Party, McNamara previously served as the mayor of Livonia, Michigan from 1970 until 1986, and as a member of the Livonia City Council from 1962 until 1970.

Edward H. McNamara
Wayne County Executive
In office
1987–2002
Preceded byWilliam Lucas
Succeeded byRobert A. Ficano
Mayor of Livonia
In office
1970–1986
Preceded byHarvey W. Moelke
Succeeded byRobert McCann
Personal details
BornEdward Howard McNamara
(1926-09-21)September 21, 1926
DiedFebruary 19, 2006(2006-02-19) (aged 79)
PartyDemocratic
Bust of McNamara in the McNamara Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Airport

McNamara was mentor to many leading Democrats, including Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who was Wayne County corporation Counsel under McNamara, prior to becoming Michigan Attorney General and later being elected as Michigan Governor. McNamara also played a key role helping the election campaign of Kwame Kilpatrick for mayor of Detroit in 2001, whose father, Bernard Kilpatrick, was McNamara's Chief of Staff while county executive.

He is probably best known for overseeing the $1.6 billion expansion of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. The expansion included two new runways and the new Edward H. McNamara Terminal, which was named in his honor.

McNamara died on February 19, 2006.[2]

References

edit
  1. McNamara, Edward H. "Edward H. McNamara papers". quod.lib.umich.edu.
  2. "Ed McNamara dies at age 79". The Michigan Daily. February 20, 2006.