[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 74 (Wednesday, June 10, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1084-E1085]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO SAMUEL SPINA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 10, 1998

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
introduce you to a remarkable man, Samuel Spina, the Mayor of the 
Township of West Orange, New Jersey. Sam and I have worked together for 
many years. His colleagues and I agree that he has always been 
considered to be one of the most dedicated and conscientious public 
servants in our great state.
  Born and raised in West Orange, Sam attended local schools and 
received his degree from Seton Hall University. Following graduation, 
Sam served our country in the United States Marine Corps. After 
completing his service commitment, he returned to marry his high school 
sweetheart, the former Joan Coen. Settling in West Orange, they raised 
seven children, and have more recently been blessed with six 
grandchildren.
  Mayor Spina began his distinguished career in public service in 1970 
when he was elected to the West Orange Township Council, receiving more 
votes than any other candidate in that open election. In May 1978, Sam 
was elected Mayor for the first time. In 1982, Sam became the first 
candidate for Mayor to run unopposed in the history of West Orange. 
Clearly his talents and keen insight into public policy were not lost 
on the electorate. After being elected to an unprecedented fifth term 
in 1994, he continues to serve in that position to this day.
  The citizens' appreciation of Sam's service and the recognition from 
his peers have been unparalleled. He was elected to serve as the 
President of the New Jersey Conference of Mayors in April 1988. Mayor 
Spina took the office to which he was elected seriously, making a 
concerted effort to educate the people of the Garden State on the 
fundamentals of local government. In 1991, he was elected Chairman of 
the Essex County Conference of Mayors.
  In addition to his respected political career, Sam has been extremely 
active in the West Orange community. Known throughout Essex County as a 
man who gives freely of his time, he frequently can be seen at Our Lady 
of Lourdes Church. He is also dedicated to recognizing and promoting 
the interests of our seniors and disabled citizens, often organizing

[[Page E1085]]

activities devoted expressly to them. Mayor Spina is also a valued 
member of the World Wildlife Fund, Common Cause, the West Orange Animal 
Welfare League, and GASP.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, the citizens of 
West Orange, and Sam's friends and family as we recognize Mayor Samuel 
Spina's valuable contribution to the community.

                          ____________________