Senate Confirms Madison's Holden for Seat on Board of Public Utilities

The New Jersey State Senate late Monday night confirmed former Madison Mayor Mary-Anna Holden for a seat on the Board of Public Utilities.

The BPU is a powerful state regulatory body overseeing energy, telecommunications, cable TV, sewers, and water. It also runs the state’s clean energy program.

The five-seat board under state law must be composed 3-2 in favor of either party, this time in favor of the GOP under Christie. Holden’s nomination would fill a vacant seat.

Holden was at the capitol most of Monday, but left before Senate confirmation came at about 11:30 p.m. Holden in an email to Patch said she was "thrilled." But she added her elation was short-lived after hearing of the death of good friend and longtime Assemblyman Alex DeCroce of Morris County, right after the legislative session.

DeCroce had represented Madison when it was part of the 26th District.

"This is a huge loss," Holden wrote. "What a dedicated public servant. He did so much for Madison when he was our Assemblyman and even when he wasn't. If not for his intercession we would never have gotten the ball rolling on rehabbing the and he always made sure the funding wasn't cut off until it was complete."