[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 17, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JOHN RENNA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM J. MARTINI

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 17, 1996

  Mr. MARTINI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to a very 
special individual from the Eighth Congressional District of New 
Jersey.
  It is often said that those who put the most into life get the most 
out of life. No one exemplifies this axiom better than John Renna. Mr. 
Renna has dedicated his life to public service, and all those he has 
served are certainly better off for it. In a time when the truly good 
people of this world often go unnoticed, it is in fact people like John 
Renna who deserve recognition. For his years of dedicated service, it 
is my honor to pay tribute to a man who has been synonymous with 
assisting the communities of Essex County.
  John Renna has been a true public servant since his days with the 
U.S. Army 50 years ago. Since that time, John has worked his way 
through our State's highest offices, becoming the New Jersey 
Commissioner of Community Affiars in 1982. In addition to serving under 
former Governor Tom Kean, John has had two stints as the Republican 
Chairman of Essex County, from 1977 to 1985 and from 1986 to 1996. I 
commend him for honorably and gracefully performing his jobs throughout 
his professional career.
  The virtue and integrity with which John Renna went about his 
professional duties carried over into his active involvement within the 
community. As a member of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, UNICO 
National, and Project Heartbeat, John Renna has continually given our 
community his best. The greatest good we can do is not just share our 
riches with others, but to reveal their riches to themselves. 
Throughout his life, John Renna has done exactly that.
  The highest service we can provide is willingly assisting others, not 
out of compulsion, but always out of compassion. Throughout his 
distinguished personal and professional life, John Renna has always put 
others ahead of himself. For a career of dedicated service to our 
community, I am honored to pay tribute to John Renna.

                          ____________________