Helmy Departure: More farewells

The following statements were issued on the departure of George Helmy as Gov. Phil Murphy’s chief of staff:

State Sen. Vince Polistina

“Sad to see that one of the most decent honest and honorable people I’ve had the pleasure to serve with leaving his post.  George Helmy’s positive impact on Atlantic County and the state will be felt for many years to come.  Best wishes to George and his family on his next chapter.”

State Sen. Christopher J. Connors

“George has proven himself to be an effective communicator & demonstrated an understanding for the Executive Branch to work in tandem with the Legislature. He conducted himself with great integrity & has my best wishes in his future endeavors.”

State Sen. Declan O’Scanlon, Jr.

“George Helmy is a class act. Always accessible and genuinely interested in helping get things done. He treated folks on both sides of the aisle with respect. A man of his word, and a friend that will be missed in this critical role. Good luck in the new one George!”

State Sen. Joe Cryan 

“Serving as chief of staff to the governor is not a part-time position and George did a difficult, thankless job very well in bridging the space that sometimes exists between the Governor’s Office and the Legislature.  His service to government is best exemplified by his efforts during the unprecedented global pandemic and his constant availability during that difficult period.  I wish him all the best in whatever he does next and am sure that wherever he goes, they will be better for having him.”

Senator Doug Steinhardt

“George Helmy brought a level of class to an institution that seems to be at perennial recess. While we don’t often agree on matters of policy, we share a passion for government and statesmanship that makes him unique and effective.”

Senator Joseph Pennacchio

“I feel a personal sense of sadness that George (Chief) Helmy will be leaving his duties in Trenton. I will miss professionalism and tenacious approach to public service. George has left a mark on New Jersey State government that will last for years. There was no stronger advocate for the Governor’s policies during his tenure. What ever feelings I may have for his departure are tempered by the fact that he is taking on his tremendous skill sets to a agency whose scope of public service in certain respects is even larger than the State Government that he is leaving. I wish him the best of luck with his continued service to the Port Authority and any new endeavors he may choose going forward.”

Senator Nellie Pou

“George Helmy has been an incredible partner and resource for the Legislature, especially throughout the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic and our recovery. George used his immense talent and knowledge of policy then and always, to promote the most effective outcomes on behalf of the people of New Jersey.

“As Chair of the Commerce Committee, it was a pleasure to work with George to strengthen consumer protections and promote sensible reforms. Though his talents and contributions will be missed, he leaves a legacy of service in Trenton.”

Former Senator Loretta Weinberg

“George Helmy will be missed in government. He was a terrific chief of staff and acted with integrity and honesty. We wish him well.”

Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald

“New Jersey has been fortunate to have George at the helm at some of our most crucial moments.  As Majority Leader, I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with George, and I can attest to his deep understanding of our state’s complexities, his exemplary leadership, and his genuine approach to policy. I’m proud to call George a friend. Our great state is a better place as a result of George’s tenure with Governor Murphy, and on behalf of the residents we all serve, I want to thank George for his commitment and dedication to New Jersey.”