Brendan Byrne

We celebrate the life of our fellow editor Governor Brendan Thomas Byrne. Our readers have had the benefit of his long public service. He was law clerk to Joseph Weintraub, later chief justice of New Jersey, and he was deputy attorney general, secretary to Governor Robert Meyner, Essex County prosecutor, president of the Public Utilities Commission, assignment judge, and private practitioner.

He was proud of his military service and being “Irishman of the Year.” His governing style reflected his experience. He both tackled legacy issues and embarked on a progressive legislative agenda that survives today. He paid particular attention to nominating outstanding justices, judges, and prosecutors.

Governor Byrne believed our readers are busy people. His editorials were short and to the point. Their content was vibrant and up to date on important issues. We will try to follow suit.