Atlantic County Commissioner Ernest Coursey Dies; Leaves Behind Legacy of Service
Atlantic County Commissioner Ernest Coursey.
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
ATLANTIC CIITY – Officials from around the state paid tribute to four-term Atlantic County Commissioner Ernest Coursey, Jr., on died on Tuesday (Aug. 5) after receiving treatment for colon cancer for months.
Coursey served as the chief of staff for Mayor Marty Small, Sr., and was himself a former longtime council member in Atlantic City. He was remembered by Small, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and others as a man who passionately served his citizens and never let petty politics stand in the way of their needs.
“Today, the Great City of Atlantic City lost an icon,” Small said in a statement. “Ernest Coursey worked at City Hall for 39-plus years of stellar service, from the Clerk’s Office to becoming Deputy Mayor and then my Chief of Staff. He was also a longtime County Commissioner and longtime 3rd Ward Atlantic City Councilman.
“This is a major loss, and that is an understatement. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Coursey family and all of us here in the Great City of Atlantic City. Words can’t begin to describe the devastating loss this is to our organization.”
Coursey, who had been receiving treatment for colon cancer, announced in February that he would not be seeking another team for his District 1 Atlantic County commissioner’s seat, adding that he would endorse Pastor Collins Days to replace him.
“After careful consideration and discussion with my family and close friends, I have decided not to run for a fifth term of office due to health concerns,” Coursey said in a statement sent to Front Runner New Jersey in February.
“I wish to thank my constituents for the opportunity to represent them for the past 11 years. It has truly been an honor to serve the citizens and taxpayers of Atlantic County with pride and dignity.”
Atlantic City District 3 city councilman Kaleem Shabazz, the same district Coursey once represented, said the body will vote on Small’s recommendation at the August meeting to rename City Hall after Coursey.
Shabazz, the council’s vice president, said it would be fitting tribute for Coursey, who served at every level of city government before being elected Atlantic County commissioner.
“I am on city council in great part due to his insistence, being my campaign manager and associate. Ernest was the consummate government servant. He was community-minded and someone who was always compassionate. He was known for going that extra mile for his constituents and he will be missed.
“In this day and time where some people make it a sport of deprecating people who serve in government, Ernest Coursey is a good example of what is right about people who serve in government and what is right about public service.”
Murphy called Coursey “a dear friend” and will be remembered for someone who embraced his constituents like family.
“Ernie gave his heart and soul to Atlantic County,” Murphy said. “As a lifelong resident of Atlantic City, he always fought for the city’s future and, most of all, the future of his neighbors who embodied the community’s spirit and grit.
Murphy said Coursey fought to lower local taxes, improve public safety and supported 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,” the governor said. “True to Ernie’s reputation as a ‘people person,’ he was not just an upstanding public servant — he was an outstanding friend.”
Atlantic County Democratic Chairman Michael Suleiman said Coursey had a “gifted political mind and a solid pragmatism” 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,” Suleiman said.
“I will miss Ernest’s sense of humor, political savvy, and friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Leslie and their two sons.”
The Atlantic County Republican Party said in a statement that Coursey was “an exceptional individual who consistently put the needs of his community first. He was a devoted family man and friend, and his loss will be profoundly felt.”
State Sen. Vince Pollistina, whose district includes Atlantic County, along with Assembly members Don Guardian and Claire Swift added their condolences as well, calling Coursey “a devoted family man and friend” who “put the needs of his community first.”
New Jersey State Democratic Chairman Leroy Jones Jr. said that Coursey brought a “deep sense of service” to every position he ever held.
“[Coursey] fought tirelessly on behalf of his constituents,” Jones said. “He knew how to work across the aisle to deliver on the issues that matter most, while never compromising his values. His commitment to bettering the lives of his community never dampened, even in the face of his health struggles.”
New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin added that Coursey was “a dedicated public servant and a true son of Atlantic City. His love for his community was evident in everything he did. My thoughts are with his wife Leslie, their sons, and all who knew and loved him.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story may be updated with additional comments through the week.
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