Maplewood Mayor Reacts to Lautenberg's Death

Local leaders reacted Monday following the news that

"Our state and nation will miss Frank Lautenberg," said Maplewood's Mayor Vic DeLuca. "He was an unapologetic liberal who worked on key issues that mattered to people. He got smoking off our trains and airplanes, pushed through tough gun control measures, and fought for stronger toxic waste regulations."

DeLuca said when he met up with Lautenberg in 1992 at the March for Women's Lives, the senator was "as strong as ever in support of women's reproductive health and rights." DeLuca continued, "He cared deeply about New Jersey and had a special bond with Paterson. I want to thank the Senator for all that he did. He leaves big shoes to fill."