[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7021]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       ``EXTRAORDINARILY EWING'' OFFERS VALUABLE LESSON IN CIVIC 
                             RESPONSIBILITY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 1999

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call the attention of my 
colleagues to a remarkable example of community service and civic 
responsibility that is occurring in my Congressional District in 
central New Jersey.
  Two years ago, alarmed at low voter turnout, local parent Candace 
Mueller, of Ewing, New Jersey, formed ``Extraordinarily Ewing'' a group 
of PTA members, parents, business people and taxpayers committed to 
getting the word out about the importance of participating in school 
board elections and being involved in local education issues.
  This community-based effort to educate citizens about the importance 
and responsibility of voting, and in taking part in other matters 
relating to local elections, has been a remarkable success. Since the 
program was started, voting turnout has increased and residents have 
taken more interest in issues like the local school budget. The effect 
of this involvement has been contagious, leading to a more informed, 
more involved citizenry, regardless of their position on the issues.
  At the urging of the citizens of ``Extraordinarily Ewing,'' today in 
Ewing has been designated ``Take Your Child to Vote Day.'' The 
campaign, which urges parents and guardians to take twenty minutes out 
of their busy schedules to go to the polls with their children to vote 
is an important lesson in civic responsibility. By seeing their parents 
voting, young people understand very clearly the importance of being 
involved in their community and its decisions.
  The efforts of ``Extraordinarily Ewing'' have been recognized by 
Ewing Mayor Al Bridges, the Town Council and by County Executive, 
Robert Prunetti. ``Extraordinarily Ewing's'' efforts have also been 
spotlighted by the Ewing Weekly Times and The Trenton Times.
  Mr. Speaker, at a time when voter participation and involvement is on 
the wane, the efforts of ``Extraordinarily Ewing'' are a refreshing 
reminder of the importance of being involved. The efforts of these 
parents and business people offer a valuable lesson in civic 
responsibility for all of us.
  I hope that my colleagues will join me in recognizing this group and 
these efforts.

                          ____________________