Rich Constable facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rich Constable
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| Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs | |
| In office 2012–2015 |
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| Appointed by | Chris Christie |
| Preceded by | Lori Grifa |
| Succeeded by | Charles Richman |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Richard E. Constable III
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| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence | South Orange, New Jersey |
| Alma mater | University of Michigan University of Pennsylvania Law School |
Richard E. Constable III is an American lawyer who has held important jobs in government and business. He was the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs from 2012 to 2015. Before that, he worked as a federal prosecutor and was also the Deputy Commissioner for the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Today, Rich Constable works as a chief strategist for MSG Entertainment, focusing on government relations and community projects.
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Early Life and Schooling
Richard Constable grew up in East Orange, New Jersey. He went to Seton Hall Preparatory School.
He then attended the University of Michigan. In 1994, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He graduated with high honors. In 1997, he received his law degree and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.
Working in Law and Government
After finishing law school, Constable worked for Justice Alan Page of the Minnesota Supreme Court. Justice Page is also famous as a former NFL player.
From 1998 to 2002, Constable worked as a lawyer in New York City. Later, Chris Christie hired him to be a federal prosecutor in Newark. For eight years, Constable worked for the United States government. He handled cases involving public officials and financial crimes.
In 2010, he joined the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. He became the Deputy Commissioner, helping to manage the department's daily work. He helped make the department more efficient. Constable also taught law at Rutgers School of Law–Newark and Fordham Law School.
Leading the Department of Community Affairs
In 2011, Governor Chris Christie chose Richard Constable to lead the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA). This department helps New Jersey's towns and cities. Governor Christie said he chose Constable because of his leadership and honesty.
The New Jersey State Senate approved Constable's appointment in 2012. Even though Constable is a Democrat, he said he was working for Chris Christie, his friend, not just a Republican governor. When Constable left the role in March 2015, Charles Richman took over.
Helping with Affordable Housing
As the DCA Commissioner, Constable led the NJ Council on Affordable Housing (COAH). This council works to make sure there are enough affordable homes for people in the state. In 2014, the council voted on new rules. These rules aimed to add about 110,000 affordable homes across New Jersey by 2024.
After Hurricane Sandy
On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused a lot of damage in New Jersey. Governor Christie chose Commissioner Constable and the DCA to lead the efforts to help families. The DCA helped people find temporary and permanent homes.
The department also managed billions of dollars in federal funds. These funds were used to rebuild homes, businesses, and public buildings.
In 2013, the DCA hired a company called Hammerman & Gainer Inc. (HGI). This company helped manage the RREM program. This program gave grants of up to $150,000 to homeowners. These grants helped people repair and rebuild homes damaged by Sandy. Constable said it was important to choose the company with the lower bid.
The RREM program faced some challenges at first. Constable worked to fix these problems. By April 2014, he stated that the main concerns about the program had been resolved.
