[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 81 (Tuesday, June 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1268]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING JAMES T. PHILLIPS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 2, 2009

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments 
of Mayor James T. Phillips, who has committed the past five years of 
his life to being the mayor of the Township of Old Bridge. Under his 
leadership, Old Bridge has thrived and become a vibrant home to many 
New Jersey citizens. On May 3, 2009 his accomplishments earned him the 
Hubert H. Humphrey Friend of Labor Award, presented by the Middlesex 
County AFL-CIO.
  Every year since 1983, the Middlesex County Central Labor Council has 
recognized a prominent individual who has followed the example of U.S. 
Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey's dedication to human and civil 
rights. As a leader and key proponent of labor unions and their 
interests, Humphrey furthered the rights of laborers across the nation. 
Mayor Phillips has followed in his footsteps as a strong advocate for 
labor who has furthered the cause of labor unions and civil rights.
  The Honorable James T. Phillips has become a valuable leader and 
advocate for the state of New Jersey. The mayor began his career in 
1995 as the Middlesex County Treasurer, as well as serving on the 
Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders. His involvement with the 
County Board led to the acquisition of a 2,500 acre plot of land 
designated for public open space. In addition to acquiring this land 
for open space he created the Middlesex Co. Old Bridge Waterfront Park, 
which maintains a healthy and protected community forest.
  The influence of Mayor Phillip's hard work and his active presence in 
the area extends throughout the Township of Old Bridge. Mayor Phillips 
is a member of the Old Bridge Township Housing and Redevelopment 
Agency, which has founded two important residences: the Maher Manor and 
the Chuck Costello Home. The Maher Manor is a 100-unit complex that 
provides senior citizens with health, wellness and recreation 
activities. The Chuck Costello Home offers independent living for 
seniors with more than 60 units of housing.
  Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in 
congratulating Mayor Phillips on this achievement and thanking him for 
his service to the community. His accomplishments will continue to 
benefit and inspire my constituents and future generations.

                          ____________________