[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 163 (Thursday, November 29, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2169]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF BRENDAN BYRNE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARGE ROUKEMA

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 29, 2001

  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a dedicated 
public servant--an exemplary leader and a friend to the people of my 
State of New Jersey. Governor Brendan T. Byrne will be honored later 
today at the ``Evening with the Governors'' 2001 Good Scout Awards of 
the Northern New Jersey Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
  This is a most special occasion for me since Governor Byrne and I 
both call West Orange home. But we share more than a common hometown. 
We share a love of New Jersey and a devotion to its people. Governor 
Byrne has turned this dedication to New Jersey into a career of 
tremendous public service. On Thursday, we will honor the Governor for 
his work.
  His outstanding career first began with service to our great country 
in the United States Army Air Corps as the youngest squadron navigator 
in his bomb group. After returning to civilian life, Governor Byrne 
combined law and public service as Deputy Attorney General and Special 
Prosecutor in Passaic County. Later, he was appointed as Assistant 
Counsel to Governor Robert B. Meyner and subsequently named the 
Governor's Executive Secretary.
  At the age of 34, Byrne was appointed by Governor Meyner as Essex 
County Prosecutor, becoming the youngest prosecutor in New Jersey's 
largest county. He was reappointed to a second term by Governor Richard 
J. Hughes. After serving as President of the New Jersey State Board of 
Utility Commissioners as well as serving on the Superior Court, 
Governor Byrne quickly rose to Assignment Judge for Morris, Warren and 
Sussex County.
  With nearly 20 years of work for the state of New Jersey, Byrne took 
his service to the next level and was elected Governor of New Jersey in 
1973 by the largest plurality in New Jersey history. To their 
discredit, his critics ``One-term Byrne'' was reelected to a second 
term in 1977.
  Mr. Speaker, Governor Byrne worked hard to do what was best for our 
great state. His pride in his state and understanding of its residents 
were visible in all that he did. He has always understood that 
principle of public service--that what matters most is helping real 
people solve the real problems of real life.
  Clearly, this is evidenced in Governor Byrne's career in New Jersey 
and his heartfelt commitment to its residents. I commend Governor Byrne 
for his service, which is sometimes difficult, but as we can all 
attest, always rewarding.
  While some may disagree with Governor Byrne on his policies, no one 
can disagree that he has truly served the people of New Jersey.
  I am honored to call this good man a friend.

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