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Del. Justin Ross (D-Prince George's) is retiring, according to a statement from county officials.
County Executive Rushern Baker's office announced the decision by the 22nd district representative on Thursday, calling it "a loss for Prince George's County."
Ross was elected in 2002 and has served as a delegate and Deputy Whip in the general assembly.
"His energy and passion for Prince George’s County impressed anybody he met in the county or around the state and region," Baker said. "I will miss having his voice in Annapolis and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. I know that he will remain an active and engaged leader in our county and throughout our communities.”
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley called Ross a "tireless advocate for Prince George's County."
"He fought so that every child can have a quality education," O'Malley said in a statement. "Justin’s leadership helped us pass marriage equality in Maryland, and his commitment to creating a better future for everyone will have a lasting impact in our State. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
tcmitssr
8:20 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
So which Greenbelt City Council member will be the first one to announce her or his "willingness" to serve as Ross' replacement?
I've got two in mind already who will be racing to be first, one female and one male.
tcmitssr
8:29 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
BTW - Even as a member of the rare breed of Greenbelt's conservative Republicans, I've always believed Del. Ross to be an outstanding example of a what an elected official should be.
I'll go so far as to predict this is a pause in his political career, not a finish. One step further, I think he will be the eventual successor to Steny Hoyer as the 5th District Congressman - likely in 2014.
Scot Brown
1:41 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
And such a cutie patootie. Bummer. One less reason to read the Hyattsville Gazette or go the the Maryland Day Parade. No Justin Ross. :-(
Michel Cavigelli
8:06 am on Friday, November 16, 2012
My understanding is he has strong ties to the development community. Has this impacted his voting record to favor development that might not meet the goals of smart growth?
Michel Cavigelli