Stanley Van Ness dies
By Matt Friedman, PolitickerNJ.com ReporterStanley C. Van Ness, New Jersey's first Public Advocate, died on Friday. He was 73.
Van Ness, who lived in Brielle, also worked as a public defender and counsel to Gov. Richard J. Hughes. He was a partner at the law firm Herbert, Van Ness, Cayci & Goodell.
Public Advocate Ronald Chen issued a statement today praising Van Ness as the model of what a public advocate should be.
“He was a dedicated and passionate advocate on behalf of individuals who lack legal resources or political clout,” said Chen. “He took on some of the most controversial issues of his times, including the need for affordable housing, the rights of the individuals with disabilities and mental health clients, and the public’s access to the state’s beaches, and won over and over again because of his legal acumen and the great team of professionals that he built at the Department.”
Contributors
Wally Edge
If Paul Sarlo becomes the new Senate Judiciary Chairman when John Adler leaves for Washington in January, Senate President Richard Codey will ... >
Bob Torricelli
There's nothing more difficult to see than the history before your eyes. It sometimes takes generations to understand the significance of ... >
Michael Patrick Carroll
OK, he didn't say precisely that, but when the Chairman of the Budget Committee informs us that governmental spending is the key to prosperity, ... >
Debbie Holtz
The Star Ledger got it right last April when it gave a thumb's-up to the NJN management plan to wean “the state's only public ... >
Steve Lonegan
The sub prime mortgage melt down and its ensuing financial “crisis” has tested the mettle of all of us who believe in and support the free ... >
Dr. Joseph Marbach
I am pleased to report the results from the first national poll conducted by Environmental Studies Program in the College of Arts and Sciences at ... >
Rob Tornoe
To view a larger version of this cartoon, click here. >
Michael P. Riccards
The media, which loves headlines and knows little history, is trying to sell President Elect Obama as another Franklin Delano Roosevelt. But that ... >
Joey Novick
Whenever I get the chance to visit my parents in Florida when working a comedy gig down there, it’s like living in a “Seinfeld” episode. They ... >
Juan Melli
In an election year driven by a hemorrhaging economy and an electorate hungry for an end to divisive politics, 7th Congressional District candidate ... >
Carla Katz
A couple of weeks ago, my mother, Angelina Katz, did her second debate on behalf of Barack Obama. A debate? My mother? If you knew her, you’d be ... >
Patricia Quattrocchi
Former State Senator Wayne Bryant got a smack on the back of the head from a jury of his peers today when they found him guilty of all eleven charges ... >
Hot Topics
| Politicker INTERACTIVE | |
 |
Lawmaker Profile Follow the funding of your representatives |
 |
270 to Win See how Obama got to the magic number |
Most Active Stories
- Bryant guilty on all counts
- Lonegan gubernatorial announcement coming next month
- Wilson not certain whether he’ll stay on as GOP State Chairman after June
- Merkt calls for Wilson's resignation
- Governor reacts to Christie news
- Quinnipiac: Corzine 42%, Christie 36%
- After running as a local Obama, Hawkins runs early into the hard edge of Orange
- Obama bundler says he lost $25 billion of N.J. pension funds
- If it's Corzine v. Christie, both sides get ready for the worst
- Mallet defeats Curley, Monmouth Freeholder Board becomes Democratic-controlled
- Correction: Weiner departure was not his own idea
- Torricelli on COAH
- Two N.J. super delegates go to Obama; Norcross backs Obama; key Clinton supporters endorse Obama
- At energy policy meeting, Rose fights with cabinet and walks away
- Sixteen Democrats are on Norcross' short list for Andrews House seat
- Roughneen in court today on signature challenge
- Jackson will be Corzine's new Chief of Staff
- New Jersey's Most Powerful Law Firms
- Jersey City councilman makes it rain in Washington
- Torricelli on deer hunting
Recent Posts From Inside Edge
Quote of the Day
"What's been happening in the markets has brought out so many emotions. ... We are feeling it too. Our job is to be level-headed and cool and to run the portfolio. I think we are going to turn this around." -- An optimistic William Clark, the director of the state division of investment, after losing $25 billion in pension funds since July.
Recent Press Releases
In the News
Read the expanded Wake Up Call, our summary of today’s news media coverage.
Today’s Must Reads:
Christie's legcy― THE BERGEN RECORD
Corzine for Treasury? Don't Bet on It.― WASHINGTON POST
Immigrants still in New Jersey― THE BERGEN RECORD
Now it's the Dems' chance to be dumb― PAUL MULSHINE
Corzine likely to go nowhere― THE DAILY RECORD
SILENT ON CHARGE; LIPSKI TELLS OF ALCOHOL BATTLE― STEVEN LIPSKI
Reclaiming the narrative of an enlightened nation ― CORY BOOKER
Syndicate
Nice guy but ..
Much of his agenda did not have the support of the public which is a strange position for a public advocate to take. For example, his support for the Mt. Laurel decision led to suburban sprawl and has been counter-productive. If it had public support, why did it have to be enacted by judicial fiat instead of the legislative process.