[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 160 (Monday, October 24, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1903]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO SENATOR JOHN A. GIRGENTI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 24, 2011

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the 
deeds of an outstanding American and public servant, Senator John A. 
Girgenti, who will be recognized on Monday, October 24, 2011 for his 
many years of service to his community and to New Jersey's Legislature.
  John A. Girgenti was born in Paterson on August 8, 1947. He attended 
Hawthorne High School then continued on to Seton Hall University. After 
receiving a B.A. degree in Political Science, cum laude, in 1969, he 
completed his M.A. in Government and Public Administration from St. 
John's University.
  Senator Girgenti was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in 
1977, and re-elected six times. While in the Assembly he served as 
Chairman of the Municipal Government Committee and Deputy Majority 
Leader. As an Assemblyman, John sponsored legislation that created the 
Victims of Crime Compensation Board, successfully imposing the first 
``tax on crime.''
  In March of 1990, John Girgenti was chosen by district Democrats to 
fill the State Senate seat left vacant by the death of Frank X. Graves, 
Jr. He was sworn into the Senate on April 5th and was elected to his 
first full-term in the Senate on November 5, 1991. Since then he has 
been re-elected five times.
  During his time in the legislature Senator Girgenti has sponsored 
many important pieces of legislation that have become law. He was one 
of the first State Senators to call for enhanced fingerprinting 
requirements for state employees involved with domestic security 
following the attacks on 9/11. Senator Girgenti has also fought to 
update and modernize New Jersey's background check laws so 
municipalities can identify potential threats before it is too late.
  Following the Seton Hall University dormitory fire in 2000 Senator 
Girgenti was instrumental in putting forth legislation that mandates 
and provides funding for sprinkler installation in New Jersey college 
dormitories. He has also sponsored other landmark legislative measures 
that include Megan's Law, Amber Alert and the Paterson Urban Enterprise 
Zone Program. The Senator spearheaded the reinstatement of the Paterson 
Motor Vehicle Agency and was the momentum behind it's re-opening in 
2008.
  In response to the growing gang problem in New Jersey, Senator 
Girgenti has helped formulate pragmatic legislative solutions to 
eliminate criminal street gangs. He formed a ``Gang Task Force'' in 
2006 composed of experts from government, law enforcement, education, 
local clergy and recreation to review and evaluate legislative measures 
aimed at circumventing gang activity.
  The Senator has also fought to create the State Public Safety 
Interoperable Communications Coordinating Council, which would allow 
first responders (police, firefighters and emergency workers) to 
communicate between agencies on a single assigned radio frequency. 
Senator Girgenti also pushed for increased aid to the New Jersey 
National Guard.
  Senator Girgenti is currently the Chairman of the Law & Public Safety 
Committee and Vice Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He also 
serves on the Senate Transportation Committee. On April 5, 2011 Senator 
Girgenti announced that he will not seek re-election to the Senate in 
2011. His leadership in the state will be missed by his colleagues and 
his constituency.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves so much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to working with and recognizing the 
efforts of dedicated public servants like John Girgenti.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, John's wife Rose, 
their family and friends, the members of the New Jersey State 
Legislature and me in recognizing John A. Girgenti's outstanding 
service to his community and the entire State of New Jersey.

                          ____________________