The November 27 Greenbelt City Council meeting was filled with grief as members mourned the sudden passing of Councilmember Ric Gordon, who died the previous day. The meeting, which began with Mayor Emmett Jordan calling for a moment of silent reflection to honor the memory of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter then moved on to the sharing of a more local loss, appreciating and thanking Gordon for “doing the people’s work.” Members agreed to suspend rules and devote an abbreviated meeting to memories of their colleague. The remembrance began with a heartfelt video created by city staffers in tribute to his service to the city, sharing images of Gordon attending myriad events and functions.
Gordon was recognized for his passion and love for Greenbelt. Jordan saluted his tremendous impact on the city, recalling his determination to push the envelope and find ways of working with others. Councilmember Kristen Weaver said that his presence would be missed and suggested fellow councilmembers think about the things he did well and emulate him. Councilmember Silke Pope observed that we never know what the next day will bring and it is important to treat each other as if tomorrow will never come.
Other members reflected on Gordon’s ability to make others feel welcome, to make connections in the community and his willingness to help others. More than one councilmember recalled Gordon’s phone calls encouraging them to lend their support to efforts such as Cookies on the Bridge. Danielle McKinney, recently elected to council, shared how Gordon quickly made her feel part of the council “family,” and the other new member, Jenni Pompi, described Gordon as a “big cheerleader for each other.”
Former councilmember Judith Davis remembered just how happy Gordon was to serve on council. Jordan summarized these sentiments, noting how “incredibly difficult” the loss of Gordon will be to the city, county and state.
Community members in attendance attested to Gordon’s unceasing enthusiasm for his work as an elected official. He wanted to be everywhere that called for city representation, said one speaker. He was described as a shooting star, a comet, a connector among people. One participant felt that an important legacy of Gordon’s was the recent passing of the referendum granting the vote in city elections to residents of Greenbelt who are not citizens.
Councilmembers expressed condolences to Gordon’s wife, Carla, their children and other members of his family. They then moved to adjourn, agreeing that the long list of items in need of deliberation would wait until December 11.
For more about Gordon, read our article, “City Mourns Sudden Death Of Councilmember Ric Gordon.”