Wimberly on Senator Ron Rice’s Retirement Announcement

          (TRENTON) – Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly (D-Bergen, Passaic) issued the following statement on Senator Ron Rice’s retirement:

“I write this message balanced with inspiration, thankfulness, and humility to acknowledge Senator Ronald L. Rice’s retirement. Senator was an instrumental person in the development of the State of New Jersey, our country, Newark, the surrounding communities, and my career. His courage to speak truth and justice has shaped my outlook as an Assemblyman and urged me to be a more compassionate leader with an ethical charge.

“As the Chair of the Black Caucus, Senator Rice entrusted me with an opportunity to share our community perspective as the chair of the Cultural Affairs Committee. I recognized the weight of this responsibility and was thankful for the exposure early in my career. This assignment has taught me to be well-versed in the interest of the community, and to represent our committee as forward-thinking, actionable, and sustainable. There is no playbook on how to navigate the arena of politics, but I’m fortunate to take lessons from Senator Rice and his candidacy over the past decade.

“Senator Rice’s demonstration of love for the community was undeniably an internal calling. He connected people who shared in the vision that we can achieve so much together. His commitment to corrective moments and giving young and seasoned people the opportunity to be mentored is an effort we can all continue to make when we hold positions of leadership in our communities.

“Senator Rice’s legacy reminds us that the course of our lives is flexible but we must be present in all that we do, guided by a moral compass that steers us on a path of equity and justice. We should all strive to reach new heights together. With immeasurable gratitude, I thank you Senator Rice for your commitment to our communities and wish you a restful retirement.