New Jersey State Sen. Richard Codey announced Monday he will retire at the end of his current term after 50 years in office. He’s the longest serving legislator in state history and also filled in as governor after the resignation of Jim McGreevey in 2004.
Codey, 76, who runs a funeral home in Boonton, said he is not leaving because of health reasons, even though it was recently reported he has missed a few legislative voting sessions and did not attend the state funeral of Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver on Saturday.
Cody is known for his blunt style and sense of humor.
“Now, listen, before you get any ideas, no, I am not dying … but if you or someone you know is, please call Codey Funeral Home in Caldwell or Codey & Mackey in Boonton. (What, you thought I was gonna stop telling jokes on this of all days?)”, Codey posted on his Facebook page.
Codey won a rare contested primary in June after his legislative district was combined with the district of his Democratic ally in Essex County, State Sen. Nia Gill, D-Montclair.
Now it will be up to the Essex County Democratic Committee to pick who will run in November for the seat. The committee is made up of elected officials and grassroots district leaders from across the county, but it does not hold conventions or open votes. Instead, the decision will be made by the committee’s leadership.
“Governor Codey is the quintessential New Jersey public servant. He has been a fighter for the people of our state for a half century – as a staunch champion for individuals with mental illness, as a leader who made our communities and schools safer, and as a stable, steady hand when the State needed it,” Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said in a statement on Monday. “Through a half century of service, he always looked out for the people who put him in office and he always stayed true to himself – including his unique sense of humor. Public service is about creating a better future for everyone around you. Indeed, at every…
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