Statements on the retirement of Senator Steve Oroho

SENATE PRESIDENT NICHOLAS SCUTARI

“I will miss Steve Oroho and his work on bi-partisan issues to improve the quality of life in New Jersey. We worked closely together on the Senate Budget Committee for years when he served as the Ranking Member of the Minority Party.

 “We did not always agree on every policy issue, but we worked in a collaborative and respectful way on significant solutions to many of New Jersey’s most formidable challenges, including property tax relief, economic development, making full pension payments, renewing the Transportation Trust Fund with more funds going directly to counties and municipalities for local projects, the elimination of the estate tax and other actions to promote fiscal responsibility and economic opportunity.

“We developed a strong bond and a deep friendship that I will always value.

“While I am disappointed by his planned departure and will miss working with him in a bi-partisan manner, I respect his decision to do what is best for himself and his family.”

REP.  TOM KEAN, JR.

“It was a great honor to serve alongside Steve in Trenton for 14 years. His knowledge of the state budget, economics, and simply how to get things done in the chamber were invaluable. New Jersey, especially Sussex County, is better off thanks to Steve’s tireless work.  I wish him the very best in this next chapter.”

SENATE REPUBLICAN BUDGET OFFICER DECLAN O’SCANLON

“While I am deeply saddened that Steve has decided not to seek re-election, I’m happy the decision is based on good fortune in the rest of his life, a desire to spend more time with family and on his successful business. I’m lucky to have served with one of the smartest, most classy & dedicated public servants I’ve ever known. New Jersey is a much better place for having had Steve at the policy table. Those of us that got to serve with him are much better people and public servants for having had his mentorship.  I will be forever grateful.”

SENATE BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN PAUL SARLO

“I will miss Steve Oroho and his work on bi-partisan issues to improve the quality of life in New Jersey. We worked closely together on the Senate Budget Committee for years when he served as the Ranking Member of the Minority Party.

 “We did not always agree on every policy issue, but we worked in a collaborative and respectful way on significant solutions to many of New Jersey’s most formidable challenges, including property tax relief, economic development, making full pension payments, renewing the Transportation Trust Fund with more funds going directly to counties and municipalities for local projects, the elimination of the estate tax and other actions to promote fiscal responsibility and economic opportunity.

“We developed a strong bond and a deep friendship that I will always value.

“While I am disappointed by his planned departure and will miss working with him in a bi-partisan manner, I respect his decision to do what is best for himself and his family.”

ASSEMBLY SPEAKER CRAIG COUGHLIN

“Senator Oroho is a true statesman who has been a stalwart leader in his 16 years of service to the people of New Jersey. While we may not always agree, as Senate Minority Leader, he always comes to the table in the spirit of bipartisanship. I’m happy to call him a friend and have respected his approach in the interest of New Jersey.

“I respect and recognize the weight of his decision not to seek re-election. His intellect on fiscal matters and refreshing desire to work across the aisle will be sorely missed.”

ASSEMBLYMAN HAL WIRTHS

“Like so many, I’m saddened that Steve will not be continuing his tenure in the Legislature beyond this year. Our district and state was very well-served by his knowledge, commitment and steadfast ability to get things accomplished. Steve was fair and would work with anyone who shared an interest on any given subject.

“I’ve greatly enjoyed our time working together in the State Legislature and going back to when we first served together on the Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders. No one was more skilled on budgetary issues and from a good government perspective, our state will miss not having his eyes on State Budget matters come next year.

“But what I most treasure is our friendship and I can at least take a bit of solace from today’s news in knowing that we’ll both have some more free time next year to enjoy things we’ve been missing.”

ASSEMBLYMAN PARKER SPACE

“Steve has enormous respect in Trenton and throughout District 24, and especially our home county of Sussex. He leaves very big shoes to fill.

“Steve’s news today is a sad day for our district and our Republican Party.”

STATE SENATOR JON BRAMNICK

“Steve is a person of integrity and class. I am his biggest fan. I wish him only the best.”

STATE SENATOR ANTHONY BUCCO

“I am saddened by Senator Oroho’s decision to not run again, but I understand his desire to focus on his family and grandchildren.

“He is a great leader for our caucus and party, and a great friend to me personally. I wish him the best.”

UTILITY AND TRANSPORTATION CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DAVID RIBLE

“I had the privilege of working with Steve Oroho in the Legislature but, more importantly, have had the privilege of calling him a friend for many years. He is a man of unassailable character and conviction who represents the best of what we need in our public servants.

“Senator Oroho has been a champion for infrastructure in New Jersey, fighting to ensure the Transportation Trust Fund did not go bankrupt and was also properly funded. He stood up for what was right, in the face of immense pressure, because that’s just the kind of person he is.

“While we are saddened that we will not have one of our strongest allies in the Legislature after this year, we look forward to working with Senator Oroho during that time to make New Jersey a better place. We also thank him for everything he has done for the construction industry and for our state.”