THAT Peter G. Angelos should be The Sun's Marylander of the Year was not in doubt. The question was which year. Measured by professional accomplishments and contributions to his city and region, he is the Marylander of this decade.

He served on nonprofit boards. He and his wife, Georgia, donated a parking lot to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation. They underwrote -- or helped underwrite -- a score of events and activities in Baltimore, including the Baltimore Symphony Gala and the School for the Performing Arts' production of "The Nutcracker." They and their foundation gave money as in previous years to causes and institutions known only to beneficiaries.

Much of Mr. Angelos' influence is, beyond argument, for the good. An outsider's observation is that he tries to make things be as he remembers that they were -- or should have been. He even intends to replicate the electric sign of news bulletins on a long-demolished Baltimore Sun building, because such a sign should be.