JUSTIN ROSS: I am writing to tell you that after 10 amazing years representing you in the Maryland House of Delegates that I will be retiring on November 9th to spend more time with my lovely wife, my 4 beautiful children, and to concentrate on giving back to Prince George’s County as a private citizen and as a member of the business community. Words cannot possibly express the gratitude I feel for the opportunities that you have given me. Representing my hometown in the legislature over the past decade has truly been a dream come true.
Together, we have been part of some important political battles back in Prince George’s County, as well as some truly historic votes in Annapolis. I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the most committed neighborhood activists around, as well as serving with some of the most honorable public servants, Democrats and Republicans. The experience was a true gift, in every sense of the word, so please allow me just a couple of thoughts that I would like to share.
In November of 2001, when my wife and I returned from our honeymoon, we immediately set out for the campaign trail. We were newly married, had just bought a house in College Park and were preparing to run for an open seat that was vacated by then Delegate Rushern Baker (what ever happened to that guy :-)). We hit our first doors in February of 2002 and I spent countless hours handing out our “Justin Ross” pens at the Hamilton Street, Route 450, and Greenbelt Safeway’s. That campaign consisted of 50,000 pieces of literature, 10,000 pens, at least 1,000 yard signs, enough red Ross t-shirts to outfit a small city, 100 volunteers for the Greenbelt Labor Day Parade (including FDR’s grandson Jim Roosevelt), 1 new district map in the middle of the campaign, and 1 awesome victory party at Lasick’s Restaurant. Since then, I have had the pleasure of attending Berwyn Heights pancake breakfasts, lead Fourth of July Parades in University Park, attend National Nights Out with Beacon Heights and Templeton Knolls, listen to live music at Summer Jams in Hyattsville, attend “New Carrollton Days”, go caroling in Riverdale Park, barbecue with my friends in Kingswood, and last but not least visit the Greenbelt Golden Age Club (I love you guys!!) I have had the pleasure of helping organize civic associations, assist with immigration issues, court new business to our community, tour flooded basements, meet with crime victims in their time of need, and help encourage and support kids on their way to college.
Although some of it was difficult it never felt like work. After 10 years of working for, with, and alongside Prince Georgians, I know today what I have known my whole life; that we are a proud, hardworking, and resilient group of people. I am grateful to have represented constituents, who are thoughtful, well informed, and passionate about their community. My decision to retire was not an easy one but it was made easier in knowing that, together, we have made a great deal of progress for Prince George’s County.
Let me say a couple of “thank you’s” before I wrap this up. First, I want to say thank you to my wife Nancy, without you none of this would have been possible. I want to thank my children Caroline, Andrew, Jackson, and Katherine for being my living reminders of why we need a society that strives for a better tomorrow. I want to thank my Mom, Dad, sister Abby, and the rest of my family for supporting me in this endeavor (and walking in A LOT of parades). I want to thank Brad Frome, Ryan Duffy, Gia Franzone, Kim Mayhew, Nick Leonardi, Walter Moody, and everyone else that has worked in my office on behalf of the 22nd District. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Senator Paul Pinsky, and Delegates Ann Healey and Tawanna Gaines for being great partners for our district. Finally, I want to thank the citizens of the 22nd District. 10 years ago, I asked for your vote, but what you gave me was your trust, love, and support. It was a truly amazing experience and from the bottom of my heart I want to say thank you, I love you, and I’ll never forget it.
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