W. Cary Edwards facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
W. Cary Edwards
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|---|---|
| Attorney General of New Jersey | |
| In office January 21, 1986 – January 19, 1989 |
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| Governor | Thomas Kean |
| Preceded by | Irwin I. Kimmelman |
| Succeeded by | Peter N. Perretti Jr. |
| Member of the New Jersey General Assembly from the 40th district |
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| In office January 10, 1978 – January 12, 1982 |
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| Preceded by | C. Gus Rys John A. Spizziri |
| Succeeded by | Nicholas Felice |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 20, 1944 Paterson, New Jersey or Ridgewood, New Jersey |
| Died | October 20, 2010 (aged 66) Oakland, New Jersey |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Lynn Cozzolino
(m. 1970) |
William Cary Edwards (born July 20, 1944 – died October 20, 2010) was an important politician from New Jersey. He served as the state's top lawyer, known as the Attorney General, from 1986 to 1989.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Cary Edwards was born on July 20, 1944. He grew up in Fair Lawn, New Jersey and later in Elmwood Park, New Jersey. He graduated from St. Luke's High School.
He then studied business at Seton Hall University, finishing in 1967. After that, he earned his law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1970. He became a lawyer in New Jersey that same year.
Political Career
In 1970, Cary Edwards married Lynn Cozzolino. They moved to Oakland, New Jersey in 1974. A year later, he was elected as a councilman in Oakland.
In 1977, Edwards was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly. This is part of New Jersey's state government. He served three terms there and became an assistant leader for his political party.
Serving the Governor
Thomas Kean was a mentor to Edwards in the Assembly. When Kean became Governor of New Jersey in 1982, he chose Edwards to be his chief legal advisor.
Governor Kean later appointed Edwards as the Attorney General. Edwards was sworn into this important role on January 21, 1986.
As Attorney General
As Attorney General, Edwards worked to make the Department of Law and Public Safety stronger. He started new programs to fight crime and created a special team to combat organized crime. He also worked on improving the state's Division of Motor Vehicles.
Edwards was involved in efforts to keep the public safe. He helped create a special task force with federal agencies. This team worked to solve serious cases and improve public safety.
Later Political Efforts
Edwards ran for Governor of New Jersey in 1989, but he did not win his party's nomination. He tried again in 1993, but also did not win.
In 1995, Edwards started his own law firm. He worked there until 2008.
In 1997, he was appointed to the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation. This commission looks into government issues. In 2004, he became the chairman of this commission.
Death
Cary Edwards passed away at his home in Oakland, New Jersey on October 20, 2010. He was 66 years old and had been battling cancer. He was survived by his wife and their two daughters.
