Atlantic County Commissioner and longtime local leader Ernest Coursey has died.
Coursey announced in January that he would not seek re-election due to health concerns.
The lifelong Atlantic City resident started his political career 34 years ago, when he became Atlantic City’s Third Ward councilman.
He shared a close relationship with Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, and most recently had served as his chief of staff.
Small could not immediately be reached for comment.
NJ Gov. Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy said in a statement that Coursey "gave his heart and soul" to Atlantic County, fighting for the city's future and for his neighbors.
"From lowering local taxes to improving public safety to supporting the construction of new community assets - like the National Aerospace Research and Technical Park and Stockton University's campus in Atlantic City - he worked relentlessly to bring opportunity and prosperity to Atlantic County's workers, businessowners, and families," Murphy said. "True to Ernie's reputation as a 'people person,' he was not just an upstanding public servant - he was an outstanding friend. He was a man of deep faith, an avid fisher, and a devoted husband and father. We will always be grateful for the kindness and generosity that Ernie and his wife Leslie showed us over the years."
Others weighed in on the loss and Coursey's impact.
"I am terribly saddened by the passing of my friend Ernest Coursey," Atlantic County Democratic Chairman Michael Suleiman said in a statement. "Ernest had a gifted political mind and a solid pragmatism to him that made him an effective public servant. He exemplified Otto von Bismarck's maxim that 'politics is the art of the possible.'
"The fact that he earned the respect of Republicans and Democrats alike, despite having strongly-held beliefs, is a testament to his many years of goodwill, constituent service, and dedication to Atlantic County," he continued. I will miss Ernest's sense of humor, political savvy, and friendship."
Coursey's constituency expanded to Margate, Ventnor and Longport following redistricting that included Downbeach towns in District 1 with Atlantic City.
“It's a new territory for me and there are things we can work on together,” he told the Longport Board of Commissioners following his re-election. "My ministry is to help the little people and be their voice in county government.”
He was able to earn the respect of leaders in those towns.
"Commissioner Coursey was a dedicated public servant for our community," Ventnor Commissioner Lance Landgraf said. "While we may have disagreed on topics and matters related to our community, Ernie was always a gentleman. He will be missed by many in and remembered fondly by those who knew him."
Margate Mayor Michael Collins extended condolences to the Coursey family.
"Ernest leaves a legacy of service through his leadership and commitment to the people of Atlantic City and Atlantic County. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time," he said.
Longport Mayor Patrick Armstrong said the borough is mourning his passing.
"I never met Ernest myself but knew he represented his constituents very well," Armstrong said. "He was a people person. We are all thinking of his family during this loss."
Ventnor's mayor also talked of the good working relationship.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Commissioner Ernest Coursey," Tim Kriebel said. "He was a dedicated public servant whose open-door approach and support for Downbeach communities, including Ventnor, were truly appreciated. His presence and advocacy will be deeply missed."
Coursey was the lone Democrat on the Board of Commissioners, but was able to each beyond political barriers, Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson agreed.
"He’s been a good friend for years, even though he was on the other side of the aisle," the Republican leader told BreakingAC. "He always voted what was in the best interest of the people he represented. He was a decent guy and a true family man dedicated to his constituents."
Despite struggling with illness that left him in pain and exhausted, Coursey continued to work toward resolution to benefit his constituents, Levinson recalled.
He credited Coursey with finally reaching a settlement with the state in the eight-year battle over the payment-in-lieu-of-taxes legislation.
The PILOT fight ended up bringing in $59 million to Atlantic County.
"I said it when he was alive, and I’ll say it now: If it was not for Ernest, that PILOT would not have been settled," Levinson said. "You want to talk about effectiveness? I mean how much more effective can you be?"
Coursey at the time told BreakingAC that he used the advice of his friend and boss, Small.
“As Marty Small often tells us, relationships matter,” Coursey said.
He also credited everyone who came to the table.
“This was a group effort. It wasn’t a ‘me’ thing, it was a ‘we’ thing ,” Coursey told BreakingAC at the time. “At the end of day, it was taxpayer’s money just being wasted (on litigation).”
He also gave an inkling that he knew it would be one of his last contributions on the political stage.
"Getting this across the finish line was a nice tick off the box," he said.
"I am deeply saddened regarding the passing of Ernest Coursey," former Longport Mayor Nicholas Russo said. "I personally will always remember him as being an honest, ethical and dedicated public servant who always advocated, and stressed the importance of quality education for our local youth."
Coursey leaves behind his wife, Atlantic County Executive Superintendent Leslie White-Coursey, and two sons.
(Downbeach.com's Nanette LoBiondo Galloway contributed to this report.)
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
