What Folks Are Saying  About Rose Marie Heck
 

"Assemblywoman Rose Heck has been an outstanding  advocate for victims of domestic violence and child abuse.  Her deep concern for all  people is evident in so much of her work -- including the many hearings she set up and  chaired as a forum for communication and problem solving, and the many important bills she  sponsored and tirelessly promoted until they were passed into law.  She is a truly  exceptional leader who knows how to make great things happen for people." 

Debbie Donnelly
Director, Alternatives to Domestic Violence
###


"My first impression of Rose Heck was 'wow!'  As a representative for the New  Jersey School Counselor Association, I had been invited to participate in a planning  session for three regional 'Children's Summits' offered during the past year.  When I  entered the room, the planning work had already begun and at the center of it all was a  dynamic, passionate woman whose only concern was that the needs of New Jersey's children  be met by this group of professionals.  Her vigor and direct manner swept me onboard.    Assemblywoman Heck's 'take no prisoners' style, propelled by her deep concern for  the welfare and success of our state's children, won me over as I realized that her goals  reflected that of the professional school counselor membership of the New Jersey School  Counselor Association:  to meet ALL needs of ALL children.  It has been an honor  and a privilege, both personally and professionally, to have participated in the  child-directed work of this remarkable woman." 

Janet Carlson Giardina, Past President
New Jersey School Counselor Association
###


"I particularly admire Assemblywoman Heck for her courageous decision to hold  hearings (contrary to the wishes of the Governor) relative to the ability of an  under-funded child welfare system to protect neglected and abused children in our State.    Her decision to do what was right led to the appointment of the Blue Ribbon Panel  and subsequent reforms in the system.  Although there is still work to do,  Assemblywoman Heck was responsible for focusing attention on the plight of children,  particularly those in the foster care system.  I appreciate her ability to understand  complex issues, her unpretentious demeanor, her warmth, and her sense of humor.  And  above all, I appreciate her advocacy for children and women and her courage to do what is  right, even if this means going against the party line."

Angela Estes
Executive Director
Robins' Nest Inc.
###


"Assemblywoman Rose Heck is one of the most committed individuals I know regarding  children's issues.  It is truly an honor to have met her.  Without her passion  and vision, New Jersey would never have had the regional diagnostic centers for child  abuse and neglect.  Her dedication to this population is outstanding and she is an  exceptional leader."

Julia DeBellis, M.D., F.A.A.P.
Medical Director
The Audrey Hepburn Children's House
The Northern Regional Diagnostic Center for Child Abuse and Neglect
Hackensack University Medical Center
###


"Assemblywoman Heck reminds me very much of Governor Ruth Ann Minner in that they  both have simple messages that the common person can understand, they don't flinch and  they get the job done.  Rose Heck was the person who got Assembly recognition for the  Young Consumer program.  While the program was deserving of it, she spent time and  energy to get it done without any fanfare.  I also had the opportunity to sit at a  table with her at Salem Community College where a good part of the discussion dealt with  family values.  Rose Heck is someone I would trust with the keys to my home."   

Mr. Jean Pillet
Schools to Careers
###


"I met Assemblywoman Heck through the Christine Todd Whitman Series.  She was my  mentor.  I thoroughly enjoyed our visit and found her to be a woman who was very easy  to talk to.  To me, she is reachable.  I found her to be able to truly listen to  me.  We had a conversation, not just a meeting.  I feel privileged to have had  the opportunity to meet and work with Assemblywoman Heck." 

Joanne Marone
Administrator of County of Salem Mental Health Board
###


"Rose Heck advocates the rights of women and children with an overwhelming sense of  passion and dedication.  She represents every man, woman and child of the State of  New Jersey with a remarkable respect for their individual rights.  Rose Heck is a  public servant with courage, empathy and the highest sense of integrity.  She has  been a pioneer in New Jersey in the area of victims' rights.  Due to her efforts, New  Jersey has become a national leader in the area of domestic violence and children's  rights.  Without her, we would be a decade behind.  One of the most important  experiences in my life has been the opportunity to work with Rose Heck on behalf of those  individuals less fortunate.  I have never met a person who was not deeply moved by  the incredible compassion of Rose Heck.  No person is unimportant and no cause is  insignificant to Rose Heck.  She gives boundless meaning to the words 'fairness,  compassion and respect.'" 

Richard Pompelio
Pompelio & Pompelio, Attorneys at Law
Sparta, NJ
###


"Rose Heck has been a champion of the cause of domestic violence.  Women  and children in New Jersey are safer and receiving priority services due to Rose's  efforts."

Elaine Meyerson
Shelter our Sisters
###


"Rose is truly a champion of crime victim's rights.  She has worked  tirelessly to support legislation, programs and agencies that serve victims of violent  crimes.  As the director of a rape care program, I am grateful to Rose for her  commitment, dedication and outstanding efforts." 

Lydia Pizzute
Bergen County Rape Crisis Center, YWCA of Bergen County