ESSEX COUNTY FREEHOLDER BRENDAN W.

GILL
HALL OF RECORDS 465 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., BLVD. ROOM 552 NEWARK, NJ 07102
Email: BGILL@FREEHOLDERS.ESSEXCOUNTYNJ.ORG

For Immediate Release Monday, October 29, 2013 Contact -- Office of Freeholder Brendan Gill: (973) 621-6457 Babatunde Odubekun: (862) 902-3946

STATEMENT FROM ESSEX COUNTY FREEHOLDER BRENDAN GILL ON THE PASSING OF ESSEX COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN PHIL THIGPEN
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Essex County Democratic Chairman Phil Thigpen. Chairman Thigpen has been a dear friend and mentor to me throughout my career, and today I join his family, friends, and colleagues in mourning the loss of a great man. In addition to his tenure as a Democratic Party leader and elected official, Phil Thigpen was a key leader in the generation that moved communities and mindsets across our state and our country in a great, progressive leap forward over the past 50 years. Throughout my time in public life, rarely have I come across a personality as exacting and affable as Phil Thigpen. Without him, I would not have had the opportunity to serve, and for his guidance and friendship I am forever grateful. As fellow Seton Hall graduates, I am especially proud to share an alma mater with Chairman Thigpen. Much like his political career, however, his accomplished college track & field career while he attended Seton Hall is a difficult act to follow. Phil Thigpen was a true gentleman and leader whose presence will be dearly missed. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the Thigpen family during this most difficult time. ###

Brendan Gill represents the municipalities of Bloomfield, Belleville, Glen Ridge, Nutley, and Montclair on the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders. He also serves as Chairman of the Montclair Democratic Party. For more information, visit BrendanWGill.com or essex-countynj.org/freeholders