[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 148 (Monday, November 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1905-E1906]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH N. DIVINCENZO, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 15, 2010

  Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attention 
the deeds of an outstanding individual, Mr. Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., 
who will be recognized on October 23, 2010, by the Columbian Foundation 
for his many years of service working to reform Essex County's finances 
while improving its facilities.
  Joe first entered into public office in Essex County as a member of 
the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, a position which he held 
for 13 years. For eight of those 13 years, Joe served as the President 
of the Board. In 2003, Joe took office as the fifth Essex County 
Executive, a position which he continues to hold after being re-elected 
in 2006.
  In the seven and one-half years since he took office, Joe has 
drastically changed the face of Essex County. He has successfully 
reduced government inefficiency by cutting expenditures and eliminating 
unnecessary contracts.
  With the money that he has saved through these calculated spending 
cuts, Joe has been able to fund improvements to the community. He 
opened an Environmental Center, aided in the expansion and improvement 
of the Turtle Back Zoo, guided the restoration of the historic 
Courthouse, and revamped the Government Complex.
  In addition, Joe has worked to assist the community through the 
construction of a new correctional facility in Newark, a new 
psychiatric hospital center in Cedar Gfove and a new prosecutor's crime 
scene investigative headquarters.
  Another commitment Joe has followed through on has been to clean up 
and expand the county's parks, playgrounds and preservation areas to 
improve the common space for all citizens.
  Joe has also been dedicated to the issue of ethical reform. He 
established an Ethics Board and created the position of Inspector 
General to ensure that there is a high standard for ethical behavior in 
local government and businesses within Essex County.
  Joe has been an outstanding leader in the community whose actions as 
an Essex County Executive have changed the county for the better. I 
know he will continue to strive for the same goals in the future.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to working with and recognizing the 
efforts of dedicated community servants like Joseph DiVincenzo, Jr.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, the residents of 
Essex County, the Columbian Foundation, Joe's family and friends, and 
me in recognizing Joe DiVincenzo's outstanding service to his 
community.
    

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