[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6978]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   IN RECOGNITION OF MR. KIRAN DESAI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 10, 2011

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Kiran Desai, 
former Chairman of the Old Bridge Township Zoning Board of Adjustment 
and member of the Township Planning Board. Kiran is being recognized by 
the New Jersey State Planning Officials Organization as a recipient of 
the 2011 Achievement in Planning Award for his continued service to the 
residents of Old Bridge, New Jersey. Kiran continues to demonstrate 
significant contributions to the planning and development of Old Bridge 
and is therefore deserving of this body's recognition.
  Kiran served as the Chairman of the Township's Zoning Board of 
Adjustment from 2000 to 2010. A humble, thirty year resident of Old 
Bridge, Kiran excels in his professional endeavors as a result of his 
personal relationship with the local residents and neighbors. During 
his tenure, Kiran has evaluated hundreds of applications and has most 
notably opposed larger residential developments and retail complexes 
not suited for the area. Kiran's steadfast determination and clear 
mission has assisted in balancing the rights of developers with the 
needs of Old Bridge's large, diverse and growing community. He also 
proudly continues to place particular emphasis on protecting local 
environmentally sensitive areas. In January 2011, Kiran transitioned 
from the Zoning Board of Adjustment to the Old Bridge's Township 
Planning Board where he spearheads the initiative to review the 
Township's master plan.
  In addition to his professional experience, Kiran has also been 
active in several other civic organizations. He has served on the 
Economic Development Corporation and is the former Treasurer of the New 
Jersey Democratic State Committee. He currently serves as a 
Commissioner and Secretary of the Old Bridge Municipal Utilities 
Authority.
  Kiran is also very active in the Indian community and various 
organizations dedicated to preserving cultural roots and further Indian 
strides within the American community. Kiran is a founding member of 
the India Cultural Association of Central Jersey and has served as 
President of Vraj of North America. He is also founding President of 
the Chh Gaam Patidar Samaj of North America and continues his 
involvement with countless other cultural organizations. As a result of 
his outstanding efforts, Kiran was recently awarded the Ellis Island 
Medal of Honor, an annual award presented to an individual for their 
contributions by immigrants to the United States.
  Mr. Speaker, once again please join me in congratulating Mr. Kiran 
Desai, the 2011 recipient of the New Jersey State Planning Officials 
Organization's Achievement in Planning Award. Mr. Desai's professional 
accomplishments and community and cultural involvement should be an 
inspiration to us all.

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