Political heavyweights from Bergen County – and from around the state – came together in the drizzle this morning to join former Senator Bob Gordon at the ribbon cutting of a new senior living complex, named in his honor.

Among the dignitaries in attendance: Senate President Sweeney (who made a lighthearted comparison of the two: ‘he’s small, I’m not; he reads, I don’t; he’s smart, I’m not’), AG Grewal, former Governor Florio, former First Lady Ruthi Byrne, Rep. Gottheimer, Senator Menendez (with new bride, Nadine), former Senators Kyrillos and Otoole, Assemblymembers Swain, Schepisi, Sumter, Johnson, Vainieri Huttle, and Calabrese, Senators Pou and Lagana, County Executive Tedesco, NJGOP Chairman Steinhardt, former Assemblymembers Eustace and Angelini, former Bergen Dems Chair Stellato, Hasbrouck Heights Councilman Hillmann, and PPAG’s Dale Florio.

Numerous county and local officials were on hand.

Receiving one of the biggest rounds of applause at the event – the former Senator’s wife, Gail Gordon.

Sweeney released the following statement on the event:

Senate President Steve Sweeney today praised former Senator Bob Gordon for his leadership in the Legislature and on the Board of Public Utilities and NJ Transit at the ribbon-cutting and unveiling ceremony for the “Senator Bob Gordon Senior Living Complex” in Fair Lawn.

“I am pleased to be here today to honor my good friend, Bob Gordon,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “When it came time to choose a Conference Chair for the Senate Democratic Caucus, Bob was the logical choice because he was one of the smartest people to serve in the Senate, and he pored over the details and policy in every piece of legislation.”

The new independent living facility named for Senator Gordon in Fair Lawn includes 84 one-bedroom apartments for adults aged 55 and older that offer ample living space accessible by stairs and multiple elevators that accommodate assistive devices. The community will be supported by an on-site superintendent.

Senator Sweeney praised former Senator Gordon for his work on the BPU and the NJ Transit Board.

“Bob has always worked across the aisle and has always demonstrated his independence, including going against his own party’s leadership,” Senator Sweeney said. “He is making a tremendous contribution on the board of NJ Transit.”

Former Senator Gordon thanked Senate President Sweeney for his friendship and support, and for giving him the opportunity to chair the Senate Legislative Oversight Committee.