(pictured: Kevin Williams, Jane Kunka, United Water and BPW member; Jon Runyan, John Adler,Ken Fitzpatrick, Chairman of the Toms River/Ocean County Chamber of Commerce. Photo courtesy Business & Professional Women of Southern Ocean County website)
Like many others I was stunned and saddened to learn about the passing of former Congressman John Adler Monday at the age of 51. I first met him in 2008 when he was campaigning for the 3rd District seat that had been held for many years by Jim Saxton.
Adler, a Democrat was running against Chris Myers and I emceed a candidates forum for the Toms River-Ocean County Chamber of Commerce (pictured above). Right off the bat I was impressed by him and despite coming to a Republican stronghold in Ocean County he was clearly comfortable and promised to represent the area if elected. He was and in just two years did as promised, opening an office in Toms River and serving his constituents. Adler might have been a Democrat but he often disagreed with President Obama and his own party which probably did not sit well with party leaders. I spoke with him on the phone a couple of times and he was always pleasant and insisted that I not hesitate to reach him if I or the Chamber of Commerce had any concerns. He appeared at a candidate’s forum we hosted this past fall when running against Jon Runyan and as he usual handled himself quite well. Adler lost a hard-fought election and returned to private life as an attorney before being hospitalized three weeks ago with an infection around his heart which would ultimately claim his life. When he campaigned he often spoke about his father, who owned a dry cleaning business in South Jersey and died of heart problems while Adler was in high school. Now the Harvard College and Law School graduate leaves behind four sons and his wife Shelly.
On a totally unrelated note…what a shame such a great NCAA Basketball Tournament ended with one of the ugliest games you will ever see. Sure Connecticut and Butler played great defense but the offense and shooting was just dreadful, especially from the Bulldogs. Butler made just 12 of 64 shots…that’s a record-low 18.8% as they lost 53-41. Part of the problem is they play these basketball games in huge football stadiums and it’s almost unfair to the players. Despite last night’s game it was a wonderful tournament, filled with great finishes and tremendous performances. Starting with the Big East Tournament the Huskies won 11 games over 27 days and are deserving champions.
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