Colin Byrd, 24, will join the six incumbent city council members for the next two years. As the results came in and the gathering did the math of who did and did not make it at the election night event at the Greenbelt Firehouse there was calm but also many disappointed faces. There were no cheers, but some appeared relieved.
Of the two questions, voters enthusiastically supported borrowing funds to repair the dam at Greenbelt Lake, while only a slim majority offered 16-year-olds the privilege of voting.
Emmett Jordan is likely to remain the mayor since he earned the highest vote count of 1,779 and Judith “J” Davis will likely remain the mayor pro-tem with 1,609. Byrd received the third highest vote count at 1,392. The offices of mayor and mayor protem will be determined at the council organizational meeting on Monday, November 13 at 7 p.m.
During his acceptance speech and in interviews Byrd said he was “humbled and honored” to be elected. He spoke of collaboration with the council and representing all of Greenbelt. Byrd’s slogan for the campaign was “Vote for Byrd. Your voice will be heard.” But the youngest candidate made a point of expressing that even if a person didn’t vote for him he will make a point of being “open to everyone’s opinion who comes before council.” Jordan and Byrd both talked about working together as well as being grateful for the trust and faith of the community. See more on the election in the paper by clicking here.