Today we mourn the loss of a towering figure in Garden State governance: former Governor Richard ‘Dick’ Codey, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 79 after a brief illness. Codey, a Democrat from Essex County, served as New Jersey’s 53rd governor from 2004 to 2006, stepping in during a turbulent time following the resignation of Jim McGreevey. But his legacy spans decades–from his early days in the state Assembly in 1974, to his long tenure as Senate President, where he championed mental health reform, ethics in government, and fiscal responsibility. Codey’s no-nonsense style and sharp wit made him a beloved, if sometimes controversial, staple in Trenton. In 2012, he famously posed as a homeless man to expose poor conditions in state facilities, leading to landmark legislation. Joining us now to reflect on his life and impact is our host, Laura Jones, who covered Codey for over two decades as a political reporter before taking the helm of this show. Laura, thank you for being here during this difficult time.