Assemblywoman Oadline D. Truitt

TRUITT TAKES OATH AS NEW ASSEMBLYWOMAN
Will Bring Passion For Education, Community Service As Legislator Representing Four Essex County Communities

(TRENTON) - Veteran school librarian and community leader Oadline D. Truitt of Newark took the oath of office today during a swearing-in ceremony in the State Assembly Chambers in Trenton. Truitt takes the seat for the unexpired term of the late-Assemblyman Donald K. Tucker, who was elected posthumously in the November 8 general election. Tucker passed away October 17 and his name could not be removed from the ballot.

TRUITT TAKES OATH AS NEW ASSEMBLYWOMAN
Will Bring Passion For Education, Community Service As Legislator Representing Four Essex County Communities

CONTACT:
Erin Gold
(609) 292-7065

(TRENTON) - Veteran school librarian and community leader Oadline D. Truitt of Newark took the oath of office today during a swearing-in ceremony in the State Assembly Chambers in Trenton. Truitt takes the seat for the unexpired term of the late-Assemblyman Donald K. Tucker, who was elected posthumously in the November 8 general election. Tucker passed away October 17 and his name could not be removed from the ballot.

"It is an honor and privilege to represent the residents of the 28th Legislative District," said Truitt (D-Essex). "It is my intention to build on Assemblyman Tucker's record of advocacy and work on the issues of primary concern to working families: education, health care, and property taxes."

Assemblywoman Truitt will represent the 28th Legislative District alongside Assemblyman Craig A. Stanley. The district includes Belleville, Bloomfield, Irvington, and portions of Newark.

Speaker of the General Assembly, Joseph J. Roberts, Jr., praised Assemblywoman Truitt's longtime leadership and advocacy in her district, and commended her passion for education and community service.

"Oadline Truitt has dedicated her life to public service, and to ensuring that children have the tools they need to lead successful and fulfilling lives," said Speaker Roberts (D-Camden). "She will bring a unique skills set and valuable experience to the General Assembly."

Truitt, 65, is recognized as a community leader in Newark and has contributed greatly to the city over the past 30 years. She has served as a member of various organizations, including Women for Affirmative Action, the Donald Bradley Civic Association, the New Jersey Librarian Association, Women's Clubs, Inc., the Obsidian Civic Club, the New Jersey Education Association, and the School Superintendents Advisory Committee, among others.

Truitt currently serves as Chairwoman of the School Leadership Council/Educational Improvement Plan, and as a Peer Leadership Advisor at University Middle School in Irvington. Additionally, she serves on the Newark South District Police Community Relations Committee, and represents Newark's South Ward as an Essex County Committeewoman.

Truitt is the recipient of numerous awards for her community service, including the University Middle School Appreciation Award and the Donald Bradley Community Service Award in 2001, the Irvington Township Council Woman of the Year Award in 2002, and the Newark Police Department Citizenship Award in 2005.

Truitt has served as the School Librarian/Media Specialist at University Middle School in Irvington for the past 20 years. Her responsibilities include teaching everyday life research skills and integrating technology skills into the students curriculum. Prior to her current position, she served as the School Librarian at Irvington High School, and began her career in education as a teacher's aide at Bragaw Avenue School in Newark.

Truitt, a life-long resident of Newark, earned an A.S. in Elementary Instruction from Essex County College in 1976, and a B.S. in Elementary Instruction/Associate Media Specialist from Kean College in 1980.

The Assemblywoman and her husband, Barney, have three children.
--30--