Menendez Statement on the Passing of Former Middlesex Freeholder Blanquita Valenti

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) issued the following statement on the passing of former Middlesex County Freeholder Blanquita Valenti:

“It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of former Freeholder Blanquita Valenti.  She was the first Latina to serve on the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, a champion for children and a gentle lady with an iron will.  In her 15 years on the Board, Blanquita helped create programs and services to support children, older adults and people living with disabilities, provide more affordable housing and tackle veterans’ homelessness in the county.  Her four decades of public service included more than 30 years as an educator, positions on several community boards and organizations in New Brunswick and throughout Central Jersey, and as an advocate on issues affecting the Latino community.  Blanquita has left her mark and will be sorely missed.  I express my sincere condolences to her family and all those whose lives have been impacted by her work and leadership.”