Codey, both on stage and on his way home to West Orange, reflected on his tenure as acting governor. Salahuddin, of Montclair, informed fellow Tyson School of the Performing Arts auditorium audience members about his leave status.
"This is my last act as acting governor," said Codey before presenting a Bible for Bowser to swear on. "At least my last for the next four years."
Codey was representing the vacationing out-of-state Gov. Jon S. Corzine. Codey, as State Senate President, has filled in for Corzine, James E. McGreevey and Christie Todd Whitman several times since 2001. He technically became the state's 53rd Governor from McGreevey's Nov. 15, 2004 resignation to Corzine's Jan. 17, 2006 inauguration.
Codey's pinch hitting, for two reasons, comes to an end Jan. 19. Monmouth County Sheriff Kim Guadagno is to be sworn in, with Governor-elect Christopher Christie (R-Mendham) that day, as the state's first lieutenant governor. Guadagno's duties include acting in case of Gov. Christie leaves New Jersey, becomes ill or otherwise incapacitated.
Codey is to meanwhile turn over his senate presidency, after 10 years' leadership, to Senate Majority Leader Stephen M. Sweeney (D-Bridgeton). His yielding was part of a state leadership agreement that has awarded the General Assembly Speaker's post to Assemblywoman Shelia Y. Oliver (D-East Orange).
"It's been an honor being acting governor and governor," said Codey on leaving the Tyson center, "at least for the next four years."
Salahuddin meanwhile said that he has been keeping tabs on Newark's public safety developments since stepping down July 24. He had cited health reasons for leaving the post that Mayor Cory A. Booker had appointed him for since July 1, 2006.
"Not a week goes by without my checking in," said Salahuddin. "I see police and fire officials at the Comstat headquarters (at 311 Washington St.) and at City Hall. I hope to be back in a couple of months."
Salahuddin's office has his name removed from the front door but has largely been untouched since July 24. He has been East Orange's deputy tax collector and director of property maintenance and code enforcement prior to becoming an Essex County Sheriff's investigator in 1997 and director of the county's juvenile detention center.
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