[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 11 (Wednesday, January 20, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S127-S128]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        REMEMBERING CARL SHARIF

 Mr. BOOKER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the life 
and legacy of New Jerseyan and proud Newarker Carl Sharif, who passed 
away on September 30 at the age of 72. Carl was a dear friend and 
mentor to me at the dawn of my career in public service. He will be 
greatly missed by the city of Newark and by all who knew him.
  A son of Newark, Carl began his career as an aide to Mayor Hugh 
Addonizio in the 1960s, and he remained a dedicated public servant for 
the rest of his life. During times of great tumult and change, Carl was 
a steady presence in Newark, working from within its government to 
strengthen the city's spirit and foundation. In 1970, Carl helped to 
lead the campaign to elect Kenneth Gibson, the first Black mayor of 
Newark. He served as an aide to Mayor Gibson and as a member of 
Newark's school board, quickly becoming its president.
  Carl was incredibly generous with his time and with his tremendous 
political and institutional knowledge. He served as one of my earliest 
mentors in professional politics, and he led me through my first 
campaign for city council and my second campaign for mayor. It was Carl 
who insisted that the key to significant and lasting change in our city 
was through walking every street, knocking on every door, and talking 
with every Newarker. Carl reminded all of us that we were never to 
forget the people we were elected to serve, and I will be forever 
grateful for his wisdom, support, and advice through the years. I 
cherish all that he taught me, and I will do everything I can to honor 
his legacy through my work and life.
  Carl was committed to ensuring the best for Newark and all of its 
people. He devoted himself wholly to our city and its people, and they 
loved him in return. For his family, friends, our city, and our State, 
Carl leaves a legacy of public service and unwavering faith in the 
goodness of our community. As we reflect on this inheritance, I ask 
that my colleagues join me in honoring Carl Sharif's love for and 
service to his city and its people and in remembering his extraordinary 
life.

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