Late Congressman John H. Adler

Floor Speech

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Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend the late Cherry Hill, New Jersey resident, Congressman John H. Adler at the John H. Adler Memorial Park Dedication.

The late Congressman John Adler grew up in Haddonfield, New Jersey where his father owned a small dry-cleaning store, attended Haddonfield public schools and graduated from Haddonfield Memorial High School. He went on to attend Harvard University where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Government, and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. John met his wife Shelley in law school and after they graduated, they returned to South Jersey and settled down in Cherry Hill.

In 1988 Adler began serving on the Cherry Hill Township Council where he passed the Township's ethics ordinance, was committed to strengthening Cherry Hill schools and improving health care. In 1991, Adler ran for a seat in the New Jersey Senate, representing New Jersey's Sixth Legislative District and won the election. He served as a New Jersey State Senator from 1992 to 2009. During his time in the New Jersey Senate, Adler served on the Judiciary Committee as Chair, the Environment Committee, and sponsored vital legislation designed to address key environmental and health related issues, including the Smoke-Free Air Act that banned smoking in most public places. He also championed major ethics reforms, support for children and adults with disabilities and laws that made our state and communities safer.

In 2008, Adler ran for the State of New Jersey's Third Congressional District seat and won the election. This was the first time a Democrat held that seat in over one hundred years. He was sworn into office in January 2009 and served on the Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Veteran's Affairs. During his tenure he spearheaded legislation to support our veterans and seniors, protect women's healthcare, help working families, protect consumers, and end the Great Recession.

In 2011 Adler suddenly passed away. He is survived by his wife Shelley, and their four sons, Jeffrey, Alex, Andrew, and Oliver. In 2011, Shelley Adler started the John H. Adler Memorial Fund for Veterans' Affairs at Harvard University, which supports interdisciplinary research and programs intended to promote effective governmental policy as it relates to veterans.

On November 2, 2019 the Camden County Board of Freeholders will dedicate the John H. Adler Memorial Park at Challenge Grove to commemorate Adler's life and dedication to public service.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring the late Congressman John Adler, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, a dedicated public servant who fought tirelessly for the people of New Jersey for more than two decades.

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