[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 41 (Friday, March 22, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E420-E421]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MAYOR BERNARD KETTLER

                                 ______


                           HON. MARGE ROUKEMA

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 21, 1996

  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Woodcliff Lake 
Mayor Bernard Kettler on being honored with the annual Lincoln Award by 
the Woodcliff Lake, NJ, Republican Club. I can think of no better 
example of the solid American values of service to community, 
participation in local government, civic pride, and concern for fellow 
citizens. This award is certainly well deserved.
  Bernie Kettler served residents of Woodcliff Lake as a councilman for 
9 years and as mayor for 14 years. During his quarter century of public 
service, he provided outstanding leadership in the development of the 
town during a critical period of major growth and change. He 
distinguished himself throughout Bergen County as a respected and 
innovative leader. He represented his community with dignity, 
integrity, and pride. He was always a strong Republican, providing the 
leadership and optimism which contributed greatly to Republican 
victories and many years of successful Republican government.
  The Marine Corps veteran of World War II moved to Woodcliff Lake in 
1963 and soon became involved in local issues. He was sworn in to his 
first term as councilman in January 1967 and rose to the position of 
council president. He began his career as mayor in 1981. His 
administration was responsible for a beautification program, sanitation 
improvements, establishment of a recycling program, and many other 
contributions. He spearheaded a proactive stance on the difficult 
affordable housing issue that allowed Woodcliff Lake to meet its legal 
obligations while maintaining the character of the town. His efforts 
contributed greatly to Woodcliff Lake's position as a first-class and 
desirable community.
  Bernie also served as president of the Passaic Valley Mayors 
Association and participated in many regional initiatives such as the

[[Page E421]]

Joint Insurance Fund. He served on the Bergen County Solid Waste 
Advisory Committee and many other county-level panels.
  Bernie has also had an extensive and successful business career in 
the food industry. He introduced and established distribution of three 
national food brands and managed more than $50 million in sales volume 
on the east coast for some of the largest manufacturers in the United 
States.
  Speaking on a personal basis, Mayor Bernie Kettler has been one of my 
staunchest, most loyal, and truest supporters dating back to those 
first months when I first faced the formidable task of running for 
nomination as a candidate for Congress. We look back on them as the 
good old days but they were most challenging to all of us. Bernie 
became one of my most trusted advisors and supporters. I have always 
respected and valued his counsel.
  He is a graduate of Gettysburg College, where he received a 
bachelor's degree in economics and political science. He and his wife, 
Marie, make their home in Woodcliff Lake. They have three children: 
Thomas, Sarah, and Mary Jean, and one granddaughter, Kate.

                          ____________________