NJ Governor Orders Flags Lowered To Mourn Dick Zimmer, Sponsor Of ‘Megan’s Law’

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Former New Jersey legislator and U.S. congressman Richard Alan “Dick” Zimmer is being mourned with a statewide flag-lowering order.

Zimmer – a Republican with deep ties to Essex County – died on Dec. 31. He was 81-years-old.

Over his political career, Zimmer became known for championing causes such as fiscal responsibility, lower taxes, child safety, environmental protections and government transparency.

Zimmer was born in Newark and grew up in New Jersey, spending his early years in Hillside and Bloomfield and later moving to Glen Ridge.

Gov. Phil Murphy has ordered U.S. and New Jersey flags to fly at half-staff from Friday, Jan. 16 until sunset on Saturday, Jan. 17 in mourning of the late congressman.

The governor’s office recapped some highlights of Zimmer’s career as a lawmaker:

“A graduate of Yale College and Yale Law School, he built a distinguished legal career before entering public service. He was elected to the New Jersey Assembly in 1981 and the State Senate in 1987. In 1990, Congressman Zimmer was elected to the United States House of Representatives, representing New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District for three terms from 1991 to 1997, where he advanced legislation, including Megan's Law which requires residents to be notified when a convicted sex offender moves into their neighborhood. In 2010, Governor Chris Christie appointed Congressman Zimmer as the chair of the New Jersey Privatization Task Force.”

“For decades, Congressman Dick Zimmer dedicated his career to fiscal responsibility, child safety and government transparency,” Murphy said.

“Throughout his time as a public servant, he successfully passed meaningful legislation aimed at helping New Jerseyans live safe lives,” the governor added. “We will honor Congressman Zimmer's legacy of leading with integrity, compassion and determination.”

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