newjerseynewsroom.com

Among Democrats stung by their party leaders through redistricting

BY TOM HESTER SR.

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Assemblywoman Joan Quigley (D-Hudson), who was shifted out the 32nd District she has represented for 16 years by her own party in the redistricting process, announced Wednesday that she will not seek re-election.

Quigley, of Jersey City, said she decided not to seek election to an eighth run again because Democratic leaders in her new district have selected an as yet unidentified candidate to replace her on the ballot.

"It was a wild ride in a rough arena, and I enjoyed every minute of it," Quigley said.

Under the new legislative district map approved Sunday, Quigley was moved from her Jersey City-West Hudson County oriented district with Sen. Nicholas Sacco (D-Husdon) and Assemblyman Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson) and placed in the 32nd District. The map was approved by the five Democrats on the Redistricting Commission and court-appointed tiebreaker Rutgers Prof. Alan Rosenthal.

Sacco and Prieto plan to run with Assembly candidate Angelica Maria Jimenez, the West New York Board of Education vice president, in the 32nd District.

Two of the Democrats who approved bumping Quigley from her district were Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver (D-Essex) and Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Cryan (D-Union.)

Wednesday, they had only praise for Quigley.

“New Jersey is a better place because of Joan Quigley, whose steady hand has helped guide our caucus,” Olivedr said. “Her tireless work to protect public safety, improve insurance coverage for those with mental health problems, promote health education and protect patient rights will stand strong for years to come. She has been a strong advocate for her constituents and a fine example of what it means to a public servant.”

“Each and every New Jerseyan can thank Joan Quigley for making their lives better,” Cryan added. “Her energy, intelligence and passion for excellent public policy has been unmatched, and her ability to help build a consensus around Democratic values has been amazing to watch. Whether it be her efforts to improve access to health care or enhance adult education services, Joan Quigley has always had one goal in mind – making a better future for New Jersey.”

The Democratic-approved map places Sen. Richard j. Codey (D-Essex) in a more Republican district and led Sen. John Girgenti (D-Passaic) and Assemblyman Jack Conners (D-Burlington) to announce their retirements from the Legislature.