Adler’s passing shocks NJ legislators

The news of John Adler's death at the age of 51 today stunned New Jersey lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. They reacted with a flurry of official statements, mourning the loss of their friend and former colleague.

"We lost a great person today, said N.J. Senate President Steve Sweeney. "John Adler was a remarkable statesman, a dear colleague and a good friend. His commitment to public service and for doing what he believed was right is a testament to the kind of person he was.

"While we mourn his passing, John's life serves as a shining example to all those who seek to make a difference through public service," Sweeney said.

U.S. Rep. Jon Runyan (NJ-3), who successfully challenged Adler for his congressional seat, released the following statement: "May John rest in peace, and may those he left behind be comforted in the knowledge that his lifetime of public service to our community has left a lasting legacy for which they can be most proud.

"I valued and respected his leadership and his commitment to the people of New Jersey's Third District and indeed the entire state," Runyan said.

Said U.S. Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo: "Having served with John in both Washington and Trenton, I can attest that he was a good man who was deeply dedicated to South Jersey and those he represented. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Shelley, their sons and family."

St. Sen. Tom Kean Jr. (R., Union), co-sponsored the Smoke Free Air Act, which he co-sponsored with Adler.

"John was smart, passionate, energetic, and dedicated throughout his long career in public service," said Kean in a statement. "He was a friend to all of us in the Senate and a living reminder that it is possible to disagree with one another without being disagreeable. New Jersey is a better place having been served by John Adler. He will be missed."

Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D., Essex) noted the Smoke Free Air Act in her statement. "Every time we breath clean air at a restaurant, for instance, we can thank John Adler."

State Sen. Diane Allen (R., Burlington) said in a statement: "John spent the better part of two decades serving the people of New Jersey with candor and vigor. His intellect and energy was a benefit to his constituents and all who had the honor of serving with him. This is a great loss for New Jersey. He will be truly missed."

Former state Sen. William Gormley (R., Atlantic) worked side by side with Adler - literally - when they co-chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee in the early 1990s.

"He was a person blessed with incredible talent," said Gormley. "But it meant more to him to be called a good husband and father."

State Sen. Richard Codey (D., Essex) said: "It's stunning to me and all of his colleagues. Our hearts go out to his wife and children, who are still young and are going to grow up without their dad. That's incredibly tragic."

Gov. Christie, who campaigned for Adler's challenger Jon Runyan last year, called Adler's death a "an awful shock."

"Congressman Adler was a fine public servant and a good person," he said. "Mary Pat and I will be praying for his wife Shelley and their four sons during this sad and tragic time."

The Smoke Free Air Act was only one of several environmental concerns that Adler championed.

"John Adler was one of the most dedicated environmentalists on the Senate Environment Committee, serving as Vice Chair for many years," said the N.J. Sierra Club's Jeff Tittle. "He played a major role in passing every piece of environmental legislation. In addition, he has sponsored landmark legislation dealing with energy, global warming, open space, clean air, and clean water."

Tittle commended Adler for a stellar enviromental record, noting he was a key supporter of American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES), the first comprehensive clean energy legislation to pass the House of Representatives. Adler, said Tittle, was also one of the co-sponsors of the landmark Global Warming Response Act, considered the strongest global warming law in the nation. He also helped promote the use of renewable energy, especially solar, and more efficient use of energy technology.

Congressman Chaka Fattah (D., Pa.) said of Adler's death, "John Adler's sudden, untimely passing is a shock to all of us who served with him in the Congress and especially for those of us in the Philadelphia region. I extend condolences to all who loved and cared about him. John Adler was a friend, a colleague, a hard worker and an effective legislator in during his brief time in Washington. He will be missed."