Inquirer Editorial: John Adler

Former U.S. Rep. John Adler of Cherry Hill was as honorable and dedicated a public servant as our region has ever produced.

Adler died Monday at age 51 from complications of a bacterial infection. His death ended a highly productive career, and has deprived the community of a decent and caring leader.

The Democrat served only one term in Congress, winning New Jersey's Republican-leaning Third District in 2008, as Barack Obama swept into the presidency. Two years later, Adler lost the seat to a Republican, ex-Eagle Jon Runyan.

Adler made a more lasting mark in the state Senate, where he served for 17 years and rose to chair the Judiciary Committee. His wit, hard work, and integrity were well known in the Statehouse.

Perhaps Adler's most important contribution was his cosponsorship with Sen. Thomas H. Kean Jr. (R., Union) of the state's ban on indoor smoking. The landmark legislation benefits the health of all residents. Adler also was a champion of the environment, helping to pass numerous laws, including the state's "clean car" bill, which imposed tough anti-pollution standards in 2004. And as a member of the Cherry Hill Council, he wrote the township's ethics ordinance.

Former Republican Gov. Christine Todd Whitman called Adler "a leader who was willing to work across party lines for the good of his constituents." He did so with an abundance of cheerfulness and a sharp sense of humor.

For all of his contributions to a better civic life, Adler seemed proudest of his role as a good father. He and his wife, Shelley, have four sons. His passing is a loss as well to his larger family of admirers and former constituents.