Statement by Commissioner Johnson on the Passing of Former Congressman Bill Hughes

Oct. 31, 2019

(TRENTON) – New Jersey Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson released the following statement today on the passing of former Congressman Bill Hughes:

“Bill Hughes was a gift to South Jersey and the country. 

“Our oceans are cleaner, our communities are safer, and our economy is stronger because of his work. 

“He was my first boss in politics, and I count myself so fortunate to have seen firsthand and learned from the dignity and commitment he brought to his work in the halls of Congress.  He was legendary in his dedication to constituents – he responded to every letter, every phone call, every request with the same sense of urgency because he knew how much it mattered to the family in need, the veteran, the business owner. 

“He knew how to fight like hell to get things done in Congress and still be friends with those on the other side because there was always a new issue to work on together tomorrow.   

“Our country is so much better for his service and a host of former staffers like me will do our best to try to live up to his legacy. My condolences to the Hughes family.”   

                — Carole McGeehan Johnson, NJ Commissioner of Human Services