[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 52 (Thursday, April 15, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E666]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CONGRATULATING PETER AND FRANCES KENDALL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARGE ROUKEMA

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 15, 1999

  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate J. Peter Kendall, 
mayor of Oakland, New Jersey, and his wife, ``Fran,'' on being chosen 
as the recipients of the 1999 West Bergen Mental Healthcare's 
Distinguished Service Award. Mayor and Mrs. Kendall have given many 
years of exemplary public service to their community, both in the field 
of mental health and otherwise. This honor is certainly well deserved, 
and today I wish to add the recognition of the United States House of 
Representatives to that which they have received from West Bergen 
Mental Healthcare.
  Over the years, the Kendalls have been strong advocates of affordable 
mental health services for families in their community. Together, they 
have been actively involved with West Bergen Mental Healthcare in 
numerous ways, contributing generously of their time and talents.
  Mrs. Kendall has adopted ``doing for others'' as a personal 
philosophy. She divides her time between community service, her family 
and neighbors, a great talent for art and a never-ending interest in 
politics, people and participation. In 1994, her commitment to Oakland 
was recognized when she was chosen as the Oakland Women's Club as Woman 
of the Year. Fran has truly been a close, supportive friend to the 
community and all who know her.
  An awarding-winning artist, Mrs. Kendall has been honored at numerous 
art shows, including the CAA Interstate Show, the CAA National Juried 
Art Show, the Urban Farms Art Show, the Mid-Atlantic Juried Art Show 
and many others. Her work ``displays a highly individualized sense of 
color'' and has been featured in galleries throughout the area as well 
as in numerous corporate shows and private homes in the United States 
and abroad. Mrs. Kendall is actively involved in community activities 
including Oakland's 300th anniversary, ``First Night Oakland,'' and the 
Bergen County Women's Republican Club among others.
  When the New Jersey Conference of Mayors chose Mayor Kendall as the 
1998 Mayor of the Year, they acknowledged a treasure long recognized by 
the people of Oakland. Currently serving his second four-year term as 
mayor and in this 14th year of elected office in Oakland, Mayor Kendall 
is a dedicated public servant. Whether it is in the political, social, 
economic or family arena, no task is too great or too small.
  Mayor Kendall has brought his successful business experience to the 
benefits of Oakland, stabilizing taxes, reducing municipal staff, 
directing improvement projects, preserving open spaces and spearheading 
the building of the Oakland Senior Citizens Center. He is the chairman 
of the 300 anniversary celebration, initiated the ``First Night 
Oakland'' event and many others. Whether he is playing in a softball 
game to raise money for a sick child, working with students at Valley 
Middle School or playing Santa Claus, he is always there to help. In 
every way, Mayor Kendall has brought the people of Oakland together as 
a community and family.
  Mayor Kendall and I have worked together on many local projects over 
the years and he has always provided me with sound advice and counsel, 
and authoritative information.
  The Kendalls have lived in Oakland 22 years and have three sons--
John, Mark and Sean. John and his wife, Carla, have two sons, 
Christopher and Peter, while Mark and his wife, Rose, have three 
children, Biancia, Dalton and Madisyn.
  Peter and Fran Kendall are hard-working, dedicated public servants. 
Their efforts to improve the quality of life in their community are 
exemplary. Their dedication and generosity are known throughout 
Northern New Jersey. They are true friends to all the people all the 
time.

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