[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 11, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MAYOR MATTHEW CAPANO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 11, 1997

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an individual who has 
given of himself to make his borough a better place to live. I am 
speaking of Matthew Capano, former mayor of the borough of West 
Paterson.
  Matthew Capano's dedication to West Paterson and his fellow citizens 
is exemplary. Mayor Capano is a lifelong resident of West Paterson. The 
mayor has demonstrated his dedication to West Paterson through his long 
service to the West Paterson Democrat Club, including serving the club 
as president. Mayor Capano served his borough as a council member for 
the borough from 1987 until 1992. Matthew Capano took this worthy 
dedication to service even further during his term as mayor from 
January 1, 1994, to December 31, 1996.
  As mayor, Matthew Capano conducted himself with a single goal, 
embodied in his motto: ``West Paterson first!'' Mayor Capano had a 
number of impressive achievements during his term as mayor. Mayor 
Capano brought financial stability to West Paterson by refusing to 
increase municipal taxes. He united all borough departments, 
organization, and residents into the single goal of working together 
for the good of West Paterson. The West Paterson Municipal Alliance 
became a model for the rest of Passaic County as a result of Mayor 
Capano's dedication to efficiency. Mayor Capano advanced his belief in 
efficient and responsible government by transforming the police 
department and the Department of Public Works; this transformation 
greatly improved their ability to respond to the needs of the people of 
West Paterson.
  All who know Mayor Capano are honored by his service to the borough 
of West Paterson. I know that Mayor Capano's wife Donna and children 
Gina, Sarah, Matthew, and Rebecca are as proud of his accomplishments 
as we all are. Matthew Capano's service has been remarkable, and I 
congratulate and thank him on behalf of all the citizens of New Jersey.

                          ____________________