“I want to congratulate Governor Dick Codey on his legacy as the longest serving legislator in New Jersey history. More importantly, I want to thank him for his enormous service to our state. He is the rarest of politicians – a gentleman guided by compassion, who stepped up with a steady hand when New Jersey needed him most and made it his mission to improve conditions for some of our most vulnerable. New Jersey will never forget his leadership as both a Governor and a legislator who embraced bipartisanship and never shied away from the tough decisions. Tammy and I wish him and Mary Jo all the best for health, happiness, and many years of enjoyment with their grandchildren.

“Like Governor Codey, Senator Sam Thompson is also bidding goodbye to the Legislature after more than 50 years of public service to his adopted home state. While he will forever be remembered as the genteel Senator from Middlesex County, many often forget he began his career within state government as a Research Scientist for the Department of Health in 1972. He later moved on to the Turnpike Authority and played an integral role in a number of transportation milestones, including the establishment of EZ-Pass and the Secaucus Interchange. Tammy and I thank him for his dedicated public service and wish him all the best in the next phase of his life – whether it’s retirement or law school.

“I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the many other lawmakers who are bidding goodbye today after decades of service to the people of New Jersey. Each has left a mark in their own unique way and I wish them all the best in their next endeavors.”