Local Reaction to the Death of Congressman Donald Payne

U.S. Congressman , at the age of 77 after a brief battle with colon cancer. He represented Maplewood as well as other towns in Essex County.

Throughout Tuesday, reaction poured in state- and nationwide. Locally, the Community Coalition on Race as did Assemblywoman Mila Jasey (Payne represented her home district throughout his entire congressional career). Said Jasey:

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Congressman Payne and my sincerest sympathies go out to his entire family.

“His contributions to others reached every level imaginable. He was a tried and true son of Essex County, but his public service had a lasting impact on the residents of New Jersey, the citizens of the United States and countless others around the world.

“His early career as an educator helped him understand, as he would often say, that education is the key to success.  What I was struck most by was his deep and abiding belief in the power of education to change lives.

“Congressman Payne was a transformative figure and he will be sorely missed.” 

On Tuesday night, the Maplewood Township Committee offered a moment of silence to Payne at the opening of its regular meeting. Later in the meeting, Committee members agreed to send a resolution of appreciation and sympathy to Payne's family. Members also paid tribute to Payne individually.

Mayor Vic DeLuca remembered Payne from his early days in Newark politics, while Jerry Ryan called Payne a "sweet man." Both recalled that Payne was frequently in the meeting room at Maplewood Town Hall where the Committee was convened Tuesday night -- showing up often for January 1 reorganization meetings over the years.

Deputy Mayor Kathy Leventhal also recalled that Payne was a frequent visitor to Maplewood. She remembered him as an educator who "loved to talk and explain." She said she would miss his Christmas cards which featured his many grandchildren.

Marlon K. Brownlee said that he was impressed that Payne was not solely focused on his jurisdiction but globally, adding, "He was a class gentleman." Brownlee expressed his personal shock at losing Payne after just having seen him at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day event in January. "He and his family are in my prayers," said Brownlee.

India Larrier said, "Congressman Payne set a very high bar for public service." She called him "savvy, principled, compassionate and a mentor to so, so many people." Larrier extended her condolescences to Payne's family and to his staff.