Here - the indian head highway area action council, inc.

William “Bill” Cavitt was born in Wichita, Kansas. After graduating from
Pius X High School in 1958, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served from 1958
to 1960 and at the end of his tour of active duty; he joined the United States Naval
Reserves. In 1964, Bill received his undergraduate degree from the University of
Nebraska. It was doing his college days he married Sarah, his wife of 43 years.
His post graduate work required relocating to Washington, DC in 1966. Bill worked for
the federal government for over 34 years. During his tenure with the federal government,
he served as the Director, Import Policy Division for the Department of Commerce.
During his federal government career, Bill received the “Silver Medal” for his
outstanding role as the Director. In 1977, the Cavitts moved to Prince George’s County.
In 1995, his second career started: Community Activist.
The Cavitts joined the Indian Head Highway Area Action Council (IHHAAC) in 1990,
and he was the Council’s most current President.
Bill was instrumental with the
transformation of South County from a rural tier to become a highly sought after location
for economic growth. Bill recently wrote, “IHHAAC began life in 1964 as the Indian
Head Highway Area Action Council, Inc. A group of civic association officers and
activists came together with the goal of protecting and maintaining the low-density of the
Indian Head Highway (MD 210) corridor. Today we call that ethic smart, sustainable
growth.” Bill believed in smart growth and spent over 25 years protecting the interest of
all Prince Georgians.
It was clear Bill was willing to give his time to oppose legislations which did not benefit
the County’s interest. Bill became the voice of reason not only for South County, but
also his opinion was well-respected throughout Prince George’s County. He spent
countless hours galvanizing other community groups to fight sprawl, misuse of
government spending, pursued and obtained funding for Route 210 and Oxon Hill Road,
encouraged certain local vendors to improve their stores and testified at numerous
Council hearings. In essence, he held political leaders and developers accountable. Teena
Green described Bill as “the consummate community activist…” A shining example of
Bill’s hard work is the National Harbor.
Some have described National Harbor as the “Crown Jewel’ of Prince George’s County.
Before it became the “Crown Jewel,” National Harbor was a concept for Prince
Georgians for more than a decade. Bill met with invested parties on numerous occasions
to ensure the finish product would reflect a sterling gateway into Prince George’s County.
It was Bill who helped choreograph the design of National Harbor by demanding firstclass retailers and demanded changes to the original blueprint. The Cavitt’s “Board
Room” held countless meeting with political and business leaders on growth and
monetary policies, quality of service provided, and the inclusion of the local workforce.
Joe Henson said it best, “he did not work to be a consensus builder.”
Richard Krueger called Bill “a true leader, gaining County-wide recognition for
IHHAAC as a regional organization using its powers for the good as well as against the
bad. Bill believed in challenging political leaders in open forums, the use of the news
media and at his dinner table. Sidney Gibson stated, “Bill always asked insightful
questions that got to the point of the matter. He did not mind speaking the truth to those
in authority or asking the tough questions.”
Archie O’Neil viewed Bill as “a leader and a very special friend who challenged County
leaders to keep Prince George’s County at the forefront of their decision-making and to
make sound decisions which will benefit the masses.”
William “Bill” Cavitt died on Tuesday, January 6, 2015. He leaves behind Sarah, his
wife, partner and best friend for the past 43 years. Equally important, the County has lost
a devoted son and a community servant who was committed to the betterment of all
Prince Georgians. We will miss his leadership, his candor and friendship. Even in death,
Bill continued to think of others as he requested his remains be donated to the Anatomy
Board of Maryland to advance medical education and research study. Please join us as
we celebrate the life of William “Bill” Cavitt at the following location on Sunday,
January 18, 2015, at 3pm followed by light refreshments at Bayne Hall:
St. John’s Episcopal Church at Broad Creek
9801 Livingston Road
Fort Washington, Maryland 20744
Note: In lieu of flowers and cards, donations may be made to: www.dictionaryproject.org

Download Report