[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 135 (Tuesday, September 13, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1606-E1607]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN RECOGNITION OF MR. THOMAS TIGHE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 13, 2011

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Thomas Tighe, 
a resident of Sayreville, New Jersey and an outstanding member of the 
community. On September 10, 2011, members of the Plumbers & Pipefitters 
Local Union Number 9 will honor Mr. Tighe at the Annual Dinner Dance in 
New Brunswick, New Jersey. His commitment to serve the members of the 
community is truly worthy of this body's recognition.
  Mr. Tighe is an active member in the Middlesex County community. Tom 
began his career in 1971 serving a five-year apprenticeship in the 
United Association of Plumbers & Pipefitters with Local 270 in Perth 
Amboy, New Jersey. Over the last forty-one years, he proudly served as 
an Executive Board Member and Trustee for the Pension, Welfare and 
Surety Fund for the United Association of Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 
9. In 1994, Tom was elected President of Local 9. The following year he 
became the first United Association organizer in the State of New 
Jersey and held this position until his retirement in 2011. In 2000, 
Tom was also appointed head of the newly formed New Jersey Building 
Trades Organizing Committee. Consequently, he was reappointed to head 
the Mega Base Organizing Committee to regain union work at the old Fort 
Dix, McGuire Air Force Base and Lakehurst Naval Station in South Jersey 
in 2005.
  Mr. Tighe currently serves as the Local 9 delegate and president of 
the Middlesex and Somerset Counties AFL-CIO Labor Council. In 
affiliation with the New Jersey and national AFL-CIO, members of this 
organization continue to support and represent labor and trade unions 
in their pursuit for social and economic justice in the workplace. 
Through his role as President, Mr. Tighe has encouraged and motivated 
his members to become involved in the legislative process through 
activism and awareness. Since 2009, Tom has served as President and 
admirably represents all the union members in Middlesex and Somerset 
counties.
  In conjunction with his professional responsibilities, Tom served as 
President of the Middlesex County Ancient Order of Hibernians and is 
the past president of the David B. Kelly Chapter, Division I of the 
Ancient Order of Hibernians in South Amboy, New Jersey. Since 1997, Tom 
has served as a member of the Sayreville, New Jersey Planning Board and 
Vice Chair for the past three years. He currently serves as the vice 
president of the Middlesex County College Board of Trustees and Trustee 
Ambassador for the New Jersey Council of County College. He is also the 
Treasurer of the Kiddie Keep Well Camp for underprivileged children in 
Middlesex County. A former scoutmaster, Tom is currently a committee 
member for Boy Scout Troop 97 and was recently named the recipient of 
the prestigious 2009 Boy Scouts of America Man of the Year Award. Tom 
is happily married to his wife Diane for twenty-nine years. Together, 
they have two sons, Ryan and Daniel, who are currently attending 
college.

[[Page E1607]]

  Mr. Speaker, once again please join me in congratulating Mr. Thomas 
Tighe for receiving the honor bestowed by the Plumbers & Pipefitters 
Local Union 9. Mr. Tighe continues to provide outstanding services to 
the members of the community and the constituents of my district.

                          ____________________