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(CHERRY HILL) – Governor Jon S. Corzine today issued the following statement regarding the Ó£»¨ÊÓƵ Board of Agriculture’s nomination of Douglas H. Fisher as the new Secretary of Agriculture. Governor Corzine made the comments during a joint appearance with Fisher at the annual Ó£»¨ÊÓƵ Agriculture Convention.

"I am thrilled to be able to support Doug Fisher as the new Secretary of Agriculture. He has character, knowledge, and the ability to deal with the political process that invariably comes with this territory. I am thrilled to support him and you have made a great choice.

"There is no one who will work harder, and Doug is a man who knows how to get things done. You will be very happy with his appointment."

Fisher, 61, a real estate agent and small business owner, is currently serving a fourth term representing the 3rd Legislative District in the General Assembly, where he serves as a Deputy Majority Whip.  Throughout his legislative career, Fisher has established a reputation as a key legislator on measures to promote business and valuable natural resources.  He has sponsored landmark legislation to protect and preserve open space and farmland, led the state's legislative efforts on the gypsy moth, and waged a successful fight to protect the endangered red knot shorebird. 

The nomination was made by the State Board of Agriculture during a meeting Monday, which is subject to approval by the Governor.