Codey Tribute: Rosy Bagolie

Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie  released the following statement on the death of former Governor Richard J. Codey:

“Spanning a 50-year career in New Jersey politics, I’m sure many will have amazing stories to share. Here is mine.

“My connection to Senator Codey began long before I ever entered politics.

“When my son was diagnosed with autism and had just turned three, Governor Christie had changed the law, moving children out of DDD and into PerformCare. Overnight, the early intervention services that had been helping my child were gone, and I felt completely lost. Desperate and overwhelmed, I walked into Senator Codey’s office with a stack of medical records, evaluations, diagnoses, and a lot of tears, begging for my son’s case to be heard so he could continue receiving the services he needed. That feeling is one every parent of a child with special needs knows all too well.

“In true Senator Codey fashion, he hugged me and told me he would take care of it. And he did. That hug meant everything. He was a formidable politician, but an even better human, and that is the part of him I will always remember.

“Just last year, I called him about mail still being delivered to his former office, an office I now occupy. He said he would send someone. Instead, he came himself. He picked up the mail and then spent over an hour speaking with a room full of interns. I know that is an experience they will never forget.

“It was also an honor to prime legislation alongside Senator McKeon to designate the State House Complex Welcome Center as the Governor Richard J. Codey Welcome Center, a small but lasting tribute to a man who gave so much to our state.

“We have lost a truly good man.

“My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his memory be for a blessing.”