“Governor Florio was a dedicated and determined legislator, a principled and effective Governor, and more than that, he was my friend.  I mourn the passing of this honorable man and true public servant.

Jim and I cut our teeth together in South Jersey—he as an assemblyman and then Congressman, me representing Laborers Local 172. He was a man who was always available to answer questions or address concerns, and he challenged me to never settle for easy answers when the right answers were out there for those willing to work for it.  I was so honored when he appointed me to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority in 1990, a role I would continue for the next four decades.

Jim Florio leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. I offer my condolences to Lucinda and the whole Florio family.”

PHOTO CAPTION: Ray Pocino joins Governor Florio at the statehouse as he signs paperwork appointing Pocino as commissioner to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. 1990.

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Raymond M. Pocino is Vice President and Eastern Regional Manager for the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), representing more than 40,000 construction workers in New Jersey, New York City, Long Island, Delaware, and Puerto Rico.