[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 165 (Tuesday, December 14, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2133-E2134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN RECOGNITION OF MR. MICHAEL BLANDINA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 14, 2010

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Michael 
Blandina, a resident of Brick Township, New Jersey and dedicated member 
of the community. On October 30, 2010, Mr. Blandina retired from his 
position as Manager of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission in 
Lakewood, New Jersey. He is also recognized for his work with various 
political organizations in Ocean County, including the Brick Township 
Democratic Municipal Committee where he serves as Chairman. Today, I 
applaud Mr. Blandina, as his achievements should serve as an 
inspiration to us all.
  Mr. Blandina began his professional career as a Special Police 
Officer with the Brick Township Police Department in 1983. He valiantly 
served the constituents of Brick Township for seven years. In 
conjunction with his service as Special Police Officer, from 1985 
through December 1999, Mr. Blandina served in the Tax Assessor's 
Office. His outstanding abilities and commitment were evident as he 
soon rose to the position of Principal Assessing Clerk. After 
approximately fifteen years of service to the Tax Assessor's Office, 
Mr. Blandina soon accepted a position with the Administration 
Department where he assisted constituents with various local issues. 
His responsibilities also included coordinating media related events 
for the Township of Brick. During his tenure, Mr. Blandina also spent 
summers working in the Recreation Department, specifically assisting 
the Township Recycling Program. In June 2007, Mr. Blandina accepted a 
position as Manager of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission in 
Lakewood, New Jersey. Throughout his professional experience, Mr. 
Blandina's generosity has undoubtedly touched many lives and has helped 
countless people throughout central New Jersey.
  Mr. Blandina is also a valued member of various local and political 
organizations. Since 1983, he has proudly served on the Brick Township 
Democratic Committee, eighteen of those years as Municipal Chairman. He 
has also served as Democratic Finance Committee Chairman and has 
dedicated his time to assisting the Ocean County Young Democrats. 
Similarly, Mr. Blandina has assisted with the Ocean County Columbus Day 
Parade Committee, one of the largest parades and ethnic festivals in 
the state of New Jersey. His other affiliations include the Ocean 
County Saint Patrick's Day Parade Committee, The Girls Scouts of the 
Jersey Shore Awards Reception Committee, Brick Township Democratic 
Club, among others. Mr. Blandina continues to mentor, exemplifying 
confident leadership and management skills.
  As a result of his outstanding service, Mr. Blandina has been the 
recipient of numerous awards. He has received Brick Township Democratic 
Club's ``1999 Democrat of the Year'' award and the Columbia Civic 
League of Ocean County's ``1999 Man of the Year'' award. He has also 
been the recipient of the Heritage Festival Ball Committee's ``2003 
Outstanding Ethnic Leader'' award and Brick UNICO Chapter's ``2004 
Italian American of the Year'' award.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in acknowledging Mr. Blandina's 
multiple years of service to the Ocean County community. His dedication 
and commitment are positive examples of what steadfast determination 
and hard work can accomplish.

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