Statements on the death of Congressman Dick Zimmer

“Dick Zimmer was an exemplary legislator at both the state and federal levels.  Scrupulously honest, he epitomized public service.  New Jersey was very fortunate indeed to have him as a native son.  Heidi and I extend our deepest sympathy on his passing to his wonderful wife, Marfy, and to their accomplished sons, Carl and Benjamin, and their families.”

CONGRESSMAN CHRIS SMITH 

“Dick Zimmer was an extraordinary lawmaker and colleague.  He not only served in both the New Jersey Assembly and State Senate, but served three terms with distinction in Congress representing the people of the 12th district.  In the 1970s, he served as Chairman of Common Cause and led the effort to enact the Sunshine Law to enhance government transparency, was a passionate defender of democracy and the need for free, fair and transparent elections.   In the NJ Assembly, he sponsored New Jersey’s first farmland preservation law. A member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, Dick Zimmer was a principled fiscal conservative and was the author of the federal Megan’s Law to protect children from predators.  My wife Marie and I extend our deepest condolences to Dick’s wife Marfy and his family.”

GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY 

“Tammy and I are saddened by the passing of former state legislator and Congressman Dick Zimmer, a committed public servant who dedicated his career to fiscal responsibility, child safety, and government transparency. As a good government advocate, he successfully pushed for campaign finance reform, government consolidation, and stronger financial disclosure requirements for elected officials at the state level. And as a member of Congress, he played a pivotal role in the passage of Megan’s Law, historic bipartisan legislation to keep kids safe from sex offenders. Congressman Zimmer will be remembered for his integrity, bipartisanship, and commitment to fighting government waste. Our prayers are with his wife Marfy, his two sons Benjamin and Carl, and grandchildren during this difficult time.”