[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 52 (Monday, April 13, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO LARRIE WEST STALKS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. DONALD M. PAYNE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 13, 2015

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues here in the House of 
Representatives to join me as I rise to pay tribute to Mrs. Larrie West 
Stalks, and the many contributions she made as a dedicated public 
servant in Essex County.
   Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Mrs. Stalks had an extensive 
career in public service and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of 
others in her community. In 1974, Mrs. Stalks was elected as Essex 
County Register of Deeds and Mortgages and served four consecutive five 
year terms. In her fourth term she was the only African-American 
Constitutional Officer serving on a County level in New Jersey.
   As a trailblazer, she served as Director of Health and Welfare and 
Executive Secretary of the Newark Central Planning Board, where she 
became the first African American appointed department head and cabinet 
member in the history of Newark municipal government. In 1984, Mrs. 
Stalks achieved another first, when she was elected President of the 
County Officers of the State of New Jersey. Following her election, she 
also served on the National Association of County Officer's (NACO) 
Human Services Steering Committee. Mrs. Stalks was then appointed to 
the Board of Directors of NACO which represented 48 states.
   During her tenure in municipal government, she developed and 
supervised federally funded anti-poverty programs and instituted 
Newark's first mobile health unit program, which served as a national 
model. She then founded the Municipal Career Women of Newark and became 
a mentor for numerous women who worked in government. Mrs. Stalks 
spearheaded the development of 426 units of affordable housing and a 
shopping mall. She also chaired the Long Range Planning Advisory Budget 
Committee for St. Michael's Hospital.
   A staunch democrat, her previous home at 41 Rector Street in Newark 
was affectionately referred to as ``The House for Democrats.'' Mrs. 
Stalks resided in the Village of South Orange Township for the past 40 
years but she always proudly said, ``I am Newark first!'' Mrs. Stalks 
had numerous awards reflecting her civic activities, professional 
affiliations and political involvement.
   Mr. Speaker, I know my fellow members of the House of 
Representatives agree that Mrs. Larrie West Stalks was an integral part 
of the growth and development of Essex County. This tribute recognizes 
her life's work, her stellar career and her personal commitment to 
improving the lives of her fellow man.

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