Testa, Corrado to fill Cardinale committee vacancies

State Sens. Michael Testa (R-Vineland) and Kristin Corrado (R-Totowa) will take committee positions held by late State Sen. Gerald Cardinale, Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-West Deptford) announced Tuesday.

Testa will give take Cardinale’s seat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, while Corrado will cede her position on the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee to fill a vacancy on the Senate Commerce Committee.

“The passing of Senator Cardinale was a loss in many ways, including the wealth of experience he brought to the Judiciary and Commerce committees and the 39th District,” Sweeney said. “I expect Senator Testa, Senator Corrado and Senator Schepisi to ably represent the Senate Republican minority on the important work the Senate committees perform.”

Cardinale died last month at 86 after spending 54 years in public office, including 42 years in the legislature.

Republican committee people in the 39th legislative district appointed Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi (R-River Vale) to fill the vacant Senate seat.

Schepisi will enter the chamber with seats on the Senate Labor and Health Committees. State Sen. Tony Bucco (R-Boonton) is giving up his seat on the labor panel to clear the way for Schepisi.