[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 144 (Friday, November 8, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1980]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF ASSEMBLYMAN JOHN E. ROONEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARGE ROUKEMA

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 8, 2002

  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate 
an outstanding member of our community and of northern New Jersey--
Assemblyman John E. Rooney, who tomorrow evening will be honored for 
his contribution to one of New Jersey's most worthy not-for-profit 
organizations, the Spectrum for Living. I am privileged to have known 
John as a constituent, as a talented municipal leader and state 
legislator, and as a valued friend and counselor.
  Mr. Speaker, it is impossible to list all of the contributions John 
has made to New Jersey as a public servant over the last two decades. 
John has served with distinction as the Mayor of Northvale, and for 
almost twenty years has served as a Member of New Jersey's State 
Assembly. He has chaired the Northern Valley Community Development 
Program, served on the Bergen County Utilities Authority, and held the 
office of President of the Northern Valley Mayors' Association. At the 
same time, John has been an active member and dedicated supporter of 
American Legion Post 366, the Vietnam Veterans for America Post 1, and 
the Elks Closter Lodge 2304. The residents of Northvale--and indeed, 
all of the Thirty-Ninth Legislative District of New Jersey--have been 
well-served and well-represented by John, as have the many members of 
our New Jersey community who have benefited from John's active civic 
involvement.
  On November 8, 2002, John will be honored for his dedication, 
support, and contribution to Spectrum for Living. Spectrum is a not-
for-profit organization that provides barrier-free residential 
facilities, nursing, psychological, recreational, vocational/
educational, dietary, psychological, social and therapeutic services 
for persons with physical and developmental disabilities. Spectrum 
serves hundreds of people with disabilities, providing a environment 
where they are respected as individuals and given the freedom, 
responsibility, and opportunity to face and meet life's challenges. 
Spectrum provides the physical and emotional support that every 
individual needs to achieve his or her full potential.
  John's well-deserved pride in this honor is shared by his wife 
Martha, and their children Beth and Patrick.
  Mr. Speaker, through his decades of public service and good works, 
Assemblyman John Rooney exemplifies the American values that have made 
our country great. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives 
to join me in congratulating John on his achievements, and thanking and 
saluting him for his dedication and contribution to so many members of 
our New Jersey community.

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