U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly served Virginia’s 11th District since 2009, when he was also a founding member of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC).
The coalition works to advance policies that address climate change, promote clean energy innovation and domestic manufacturing, develop renewable energy resources, create family-sustaining clean jobs, protect our nation’s air, water, and natural environment, and promote environmental justice.
Today, the coalition, or his “Green Dogs,” as Connolly lovingly referred to them, are mourning their founding member. SEEC Co-Chairs Reps. Doris Matsui, Mike Quigley, and Paul Tonko and Vice Chairs Reps. Don Beyer of Virginia, Suzanne Bonamici, Sean Casten, Mike Levin and Chellie Pingree said they have lost a leader, a mentor and a dear colleague. Connolly, 75, died Wednesday after sharing in November that he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
“As one of his first actions as a newly-elected member of Congress, Gerry signed up to be a founding member of SEEC, because he knew that one of our primary responsibilities as elected officials is to deliver a world that is better and brighter than we found it. He also knew sometimes that requires being a tenacious fighter for that world we want to see, which is why his preferred way to refer to SEEC was the ‘Green Dogs’,” the SEEC said Wednesday.
Connolly believed that clean air, clean water and a habitable planet are the basic rights for all humans, not just for the privileged.
“On a national scale, he was a tireless advocate for our clean energy investments that delivered affordable energy to the communities he represented, while also championing local efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay and expanding environmental protections within the Potomac watershed. As a longstanding member, as well as recent Ranking Member of the Oversight Committee, he brought his clear-sighted vision for the importance of protecting the environment to his accountability work, to make sure the federal government lived up to its obligations as a good steward of our one and only planet.”
The SEEC said their hearts are with Connolly’s loved ones and devoted staff “and all those who have had the joy in experiencing the kindness, wit and humor he brought to the halls of Congress. We promise to remain vigilant Green Dogs to honor Gerry’s legacy.”
Condolences poured in from colleagues, including U.S Sen. Mark R. Warner of Virginia, who said he was heartbroken because he also called Connolly his friend.
“I’ve known Gerry for more than 35 years. To me, he exemplified the very best of public service. Just this past Sunday, I was honored to join his wife Smitty, daughter Caitlin, and the Fairfax community in celebrating his decades of service. While Gerry couldn’t be there in person, his presence was felt throughout the room. He was there in spirit, as he always is when people come together in the name of service and progress.”
According to Warner, Connolly was a fighter with a sharp mind, boundless energy and a deep commitment to Northern Virginia.
“He met every challenge with tenacity and purpose, including his final battle with cancer, which he faced with courage, grace and quiet dignity,” Warner said. He added that his thoughts are with Connolly’s wife and daughter. “We have lost a giant in Virginia public life, and he will be deeply missed.”
U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, who represents Virginia’s 4th District, said that Fairfax County, the Commonwealth and the nation have lost a dedicated public servant.
“Gerry embodied public service, devoting decades of his life to serving our nation: as a congressional staffer, member and Chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and Congressman,” McClellan said Wednesday.
Connolly’s faith was in action as a servant leader, he loved his neighbors and the government by, of and for the people.
“He passionately provided a voice for the voiceless as he sought to ease any suffering he saw. No matter the challenges facing him or his constituents, he never lost his sense of humor or the twinkle of joy in his eyes,” she said.
During her time in elected office, she found Connolly to be “a defining and passionate voice in Virginia politics. I am grateful to have been able to call him a friend, mentor and colleague. I will always treasure our talks on the House floor and will miss him greatly.”
McClellan extended her condolences and prayers to Connolly’s wife, daughter, friends, loved ones and congressional staff. She said she hoped they would be comforted by memories and the knowledge that he made lives better.
“He has earned his rest. Godspeed, Gerry.”
Related stories:
‘More fired up than ever’: House energy coalition reaches milestone of 100 members in 15 years
Share
Rebecca Barnabi
