[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 44 (Friday, April 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E555]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF CALVIN D. WEST

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 6, 2006

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dear friend and 
someone who has served the people of Newark and my state of New Jersey 
nearly his entire life--Mr. Calvin D. West.
  Calvin has served our state since he returned home from his time in 
the military more than fifty years ago. Elected to the Newark City 
Council in 1966, Calvin was the first African-American at-large-
councilman in the city of Newark's history. His leadership and advocacy 
on behalf of the people of Newark and our state has been remarkable, 
and his more than fifty years of public service serves as an example 
for us all.
  A true champion of the civil rights movement, Calvin helped Newark 
through the 1967 civil disobediences. He has continued to play a 
crucial role in the rebuilding of Newark and in bringing together the 
diverse communities that make the city so great. He has advised 
Presidents going back to John F. Kennedy, a long succession of New 
Jersey governors, including his service as Executive Director of the 
Governor's North Jersey Office for the past five years. Throughout his 
time in public service he has been a dedicated and tireless advocate 
for children and those in need.
  On a personal level, Calvin's generosity and kindness has touched the 
lives of so many in Newark and across New Jersey. His work with the 
Boys & Girls Club of Newark, the Newark Preschools Council and other 
educational institutions and nonprofit organizations in the community 
has given countless young people the opportunity to be mentored by 
someone who understands their struggles.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to call Calvin my friend and I wish him the 
very best as we celebrate his fifty years of public service. The people 
of Newark and our state can only hope that we can continue to benefit 
from his service, his expertise and his good will for many years to 
come.

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