[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 71 (Tuesday, May 2, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  IN HONOR OF MAYOR DENNIS P. COLLINS, A DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVANT AND 
                            COMMUNITY LEADER

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 2, 1995
  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and honor to 
an outstanding individual, Dennis P. Collins, former mayor of the city 
of Bayonne. On May 3, 1995, the Bayonne Zionist District, Zionist 
Organization of America will hold their 63d annual American Zionist 
Fund Dinner. At the celebration, being held at the Bayonne Jewish 
Community Center, Mayor Dennis Collins will be honored by the 
organization.
  Mayor Collins has always been an outstanding citizen of the Bayonne 
community and of the United States. He was born in Bayonne where he was 
raised with 12 other siblings. After graduating from high school, he 
decided to enlist in the Armed Forces of the United States. He proudly 
and courageously served in the Army for a 3-year tour during World War 
II. Upon the completion of his tour, he returned to attend St. Peter's 
College and Rutgers University. He later received his real estate and 
insurance broker's license.
  In 1962, Mayor Collins decided to run for public office. He was 
elected first ward councilman and 4 years later in 1966 he was elected 
councilman-at-large. Thus began an illustrious career in politics that 
would eventually lead him to the mayor's office in the city of Bayonne. 
His great leadership qualities and outstanding dedication to the 
community were evident to the residents of Bayonne and elected him 
mayor of Bayonne in 1974. He went on to serve three consecutive terms 
in office, more than any other mayor in the history of the city of 
Bayonne.
  As mayor, Dennis Collins helped to turn Bayonne into a flourishing 
and prosperous city. He improved and expanded the public services and 
facilities. Mayor Collins was able to maintain the city's economic 
vitality in spite of a national recession.
  Mayor Collins played a dual role in the city of Bayonne. He not only 
was a leader of the community but he was also an active participant in 
various community organizations. He was a standard bearer of the New 
Frontier Democrats and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. He 
has participated in many veterans groups and has been a faithful 
parishioner of Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish. He has also been a 
member of various other organizations that are too numerous to mention 
here.
  There are no words to describe Mayor Dennis P. Collins, a dedicated 
leader, courageous countryman, outstanding citizen, devoted husband and 
father, and a friend to the people. Please join me in honoring Mayor 
Collins--one of the finest public servants in the history of Hudson 
County and excellent congressional staffer. I am proud to have him as a 
congressional staff member. He is a man of great respect and honor. I 
know he will continue to fight for the betterment, security, and 
prosperity of his community.


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