Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Passing of Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman released the following statement on the passing of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver:
I am devastated by the news of the passing of our Lieutenant Governor, my dear friend, Sheila Oliver.
I’ve been blessed to know and work with Sheila for many decades, dating back to my time in the Executive Branch and her work with the Newark Coalition for Low Income Housing. She was a fierce advocate for the economically disadvantaged, for equal opportunities, and was one of the finest examples of a public servant our State has seen.
Her legacy goes beyond her leadership as Lieutenant Governor, her Speakership, or her role as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. Her greatest legacy exists in the communities she fought for, her instrumental role in raising the state’s minimum wage, the women’s health services she championed to fund, and the affordable housing she advocated for.
Generations of New Jerseyans will benefit from her humanity and lifetime of public service.
Sheila and her family will be in my prayers.