[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 101 (Thursday, July 28, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 28, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    IN TRIBUTE TO CHARLES R. MATHEWS

                                 ______


                           HON. MARGE ROUKEMA

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 1994

  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, our communities and our country have 
always relied on the contributions of individuals who rise above and 
beyond the call of duty to make a difference in the lives of others. I 
pause today to join the town of Newton, NJ, in paying tribute to one 
such hero, Charles R. Mathews. On July 1, Charlie Mathews retired after 
serving as an elected municipal official in the town of Newton for over 
40 years.
  Since 1952, Charlie Mathews has dedicated his energies and efforts to 
improving the quality of life in the town of Newton. He began his 
service as town clerk, registrar of vital statistics, and court clerk. 
During his first years in office, Charlie clearly demonstrated his 
desire to serve the public good. In 1956, when the residents of Newton 
adopted a new, council-manager form of government, Charlie Mathews was 
instrumental in helping the town to adjust to the growing pains 
associated with changing the form of government. At the same time, he 
also assumed the duties of finance director. Charlie served Newton in 
these offices for a total of 8 years before he resigned to enter 
private business.
  In 1962, Charlie Mathews decided to return to public service in the 
capacity of elected office. That year, Charlie won his first 4-year 
term on the town council. The following year he accepted his first term 
as mayor. In the 30 years since, Charlie Mathews was reelected to 4-
year council terms a total of eight times and also served as mayor 
eight times.
  Whether in elected office or appointed position, Charlie has worked 
tirelessly to improve the quality of life for his friends and neighbors 
in Newton. He oversaw the development and improvement of housing and 
transportation services for the town's senior citizens. He was 
instrumental in the planning and construction of new recreational 
facilities, a municipal building and fire house. He encouraged the 
expansion of the region's education facilities including the relocation 
of the Sussex County Community College in the town of Newton. Charlie's 
dedication and abilities have been recognized throughout the State of 
New Jersey and in 1984 he was inducted as the president of the NJ State 
Leagues of Municipalities.
  Mr. Speaker, the people of Newton, NJ, owe a debt of gratitude to 
Charlie Mathews for his hard work and friendship. On Friday, July 29, 
they will gather to recognize and salute his 40 years of service. I ask 
my colleagues in the House to join with them and me in saying a simple 
``Thank you and Godspeed'' to Charlie Mathews. He has made us all 
proud.

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