[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 25 (Wednesday, March 8, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E241]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN CHARLES S. JOELSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 8, 2000

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the 
deeds of a distinguished gentleman and the former Representative from 
my district, Charles S. Joelson of Paterson, New Jersey. It is only 
fitting that we recognize him, for he epitomizes caring and generosity 
of spirit.
  Charles Joelson was a man of diverse talents. In his early years he 
demonstrated scholarship. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelors 
of Arts degree from Cornell University in 1937. Later, he graduated 
from Cornell Law School in 1939.
  Charles had always been an active and involved leader. He was an 
Ensign in Naval Intelligence during World War II. Furthering his belief 
in civic participation, Chuck mastered the Japanese language. The time 
spent in the Navy instilled in Charles the attributes necessary for him 
to become a stellar force in the community. It was the small steps in 
the beginning of his career that taught him the fundamentals that would 
make him a role model to the people that he served.
  Known for a questioning mind and an ability to get things done, Chuck 
Joelson returned to law and politics after the war. First he served on 
the Paterson City Council. Then he became Deputy Attorney General of 
New Jersey. During the fifties he specialized in criminal law, and 
became a Prosecutor in Passaic County. Eventually, he became the 
Director of Criminal Investigation in the State Department of Law and 
Public Safety in Trenton. In 1960, Chuck led a successful campaign to 
become the United States Congressman for New Jersey's Eighth District.
  His Congressional tenure lasted for nine years. During his final 
term, he decided to leave Washington, so he asked Governor Hughes to 
appoint him to the Superior Court. The Governor quickly appointed him, 
and Charles spent fifteen years on the bench. He held a judicial 
position in the Chancery Division, as an assignment Judge in Passaic 
County. He then served his final years as a justice on the Appellate 
Division in Hackensack, New Jersey, where he demonstrated his writing 
skills before retiring in 1984.
  As the inheritor of the Joelson family legacy, Charles followed his 
father and Uncle into public service. His father, Judge Harry Joelson, 
was an advocate for the working people. His Uncle, Dr. Samuel Joelson, 
exemplified generosity and the love of humanity.
  Chuck continually touched the lives of the people around him. He 
championed needs in education, civil rights and legislation in the 
workplace. One of the five term Congressmen's greatest achievements was 
a 1969 piece of legislation that saved thousands of school libraries. 
His legislation appropriated $1 billion for public school libraries, 
remedial programs and guidance counseling.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, Chuck's family, 
friends and the State of New Jersey in recognizing the outstanding and 
invaluable service to the community of Charles S. Joelson.

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