THIS region needs more citizens like David R. Blumberg. He is one of those people who, year after year, gives of his time and energy for causes that make a difference in others' lives.

On Tuesday, he steps down as chairman of the city's Republican Party after 16 years. It's a thankless task, given the lopsided number of Democrats in Baltimore, but Mr. Blumberg has worked mightily to lay the groundwork for an alternative political voice in the city. He's been a voice of moderation in state party affairs, defending the city elections board against unfounded charges of voter fraud in 1994. One longtime goal, single-member councilmanic districts, has now been embraced by Democratic Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke.

But community involvement means more than keeping a two-party political system alive. The 42-year-old Mr. Blumberg, who runs the busy Pratt Library branch at the city detention center, has been a board member of Santa Claus Anonymous since 1980 and has been president of the annual drive to raise $400,000 to give impoverished kids $10 gift certificates for Christmas.

He's been president of the Baltimore Junior Chamber of Commerce, which is involved in the Special Olympics and Our Daily Bread. He is in line to chair the Kiwanis Clubs of Greater Baltimore, which support the Johns Hopkins Children's Center and local charities. He's in his third and last term as president of the Roland Park Civic Association.

Societies work best when people help their fellow citizens. Baltimore is a better place because of contributors like Mr. Blumberg.

Bright Lights spotlights people who make a difference in the quality of life of this area. It appears periodically in this column.

Pub Date: 11/15/98