“Tammy and I are saddened by the passing of former Newark Mayor and State Senator Sharpe James.

 “Sharpe was a fixture of New Jersey politics for nearly four decades. During his long tenure as mayor of Newark, he fought to revitalize the city’s economy and played a key role in making vital cultural institutions—like the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the Prudential Arena—a reality. And today, thanks in part to Sharpe’s many years of fierce advocacy, Newark continues to enjoy a historic economic renaissance. Whenever the two of us spoke, his deep affection for the city of Newark was always clear.

 “We are sending our prayers and heartfelt condolences to every member of the James family.”