Bill Pascrell

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, the efforts of the bipartisan task force have given us a very real chance for meaningful campaign finance reform. I am committed to seeing that this opportunity is not lost. It is incumbent upon this Congress that we honestly address the many flaws in the current system by which we finance our campaigns. Whether we want to admit it or not, the fact is that our campaign finance system is jeopardizing our credibility. We should not fool ourselves into believing that the problem is only the illegal activities that occur during campaigns. Quite to the contrary, the real problems stem from what is allowed under the law. Madam Speaker, our bill takes the bold and important step of banning soft money. In the last election cycle we witnessed an explosion in the amount of soft money. Democrats and Republicans combined to raise more than $260 million, and by 2000 it will be a billion dollars.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time, and rise in support of the rule and the Mollohan-Shays amendment. Mr. Speaker, we have never performed a census that did not contain an undercount. As long ago as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson lamented the inability to perform an accurate census. As a result, the Census Bureau has constantly reviewed the practices and worked with scientists to develop the most accurate census possible. Years of work and years of scientific advancements have led this Census Bureau and the National Academy of Sciences to conclude that using sampling in addition to enumeration is the best possible option for an accurate census. We spent in 1995 as a Nation $33 million to test the value of sampling. Where is the logic in appropriating $33 million to test the science of sampling, and then throw out the results afterwards? There is no logic. It is convoluted. In my own City of Patterson, NJ, the census did a sampling and increased in 1995, because there were three cities involved, 8,000 the number of people there. Think of how many people are undercounted throughout America. Think in those areas where there are overcounts as well. The experiment of 1995 proved quite clearly the value and necessity of sampling. We cannot count noses by simply counting noses. Some have argued that sampling is unconstitutional. The counsels of three separate administrations have ruled to the contrary.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the momentous occasion of the 125th anniversary of New Jersey's North Jersey Herald and News. The Herald and News had its beginning in 1872. Debuting as a weekly newspaper, the Herald and News has a storied and remarkable history which has impacted the people of northern New Jersey. For more than 125 years, the Herald and News has stood as a symbol of the character of its loyal readers. The commitment and dedication shown by its founders and its ability to adapt to a changing world have made the newspaper an important part of Passaic County's history. The Herald and News has always maintained a respected, balanced, and detailed coverage of the people and events which have been brought to life on the pages each day. The Herald and News is more than just a newspaper--it is an institution in the everyday life of northern New Jersey. It has a heritage unique in the annals of American journalism and American history. The men and women who make the newspaper today are proud of its glorious traditions and continue to build on this impressive legacy. Mr. Speaker, I would like for you to join me, our colleagues, the men and women of the Herald and News, and the people of northern New Jersey in recognizing the North Jersey Herald and News' 125th anniversary. As we celebrate the 125 years of its service to the community, it is only proper that we extend our heartfelt congratulations on a remarkable tradition and best wishes for continued success and prosperity well into the new century.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to the amendment offered by the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Goodling]. Mr. Chairman, I have listened to those who oppose national testing. They have attempted to claim that the new national test will lead to a national curriculum. They argue that the tests are really just another intrusion into education by the Federal Government and an attempt by Washington to usurp control of education on the State and local level. Nothing could be further from the truth, Mr. Chairman. The establishment of a reading test for fourth graders and a math test for eighth graders is not an attempt to create a national curriculum. The tests are meant only to serve as a way of ensuring that students all over America are receiving the type of education they deserve. We are not talking here about history or interpretive studies. We are talking about the very basic skills needed to survive in America today, reading and math. That has nothing to do with history; it has nothing to do with revisionism. It has to do with the very basic skills that we need to survive. These tests are based on generally accepted standards that students should know. As a former local official and as a mayor, I recognize the importance of keeping control of education at the local level. I support national testing because it assists local school boards in States to measure how well they are doing their job without undermining their ability. I have heard others argue that we should be dedicating greater resources to improving our schools and then to the classroom. I agree with that premise. I do not, however, believe the two are mutually exclusive. In fact, national testing will provide us with a better picture of where we need to better target our resources. Let me be clear on this issue: National tests will improve the education that our students receive by providing parents and educators with the knowledge of how their students' individual achievements rank in comparison to widely respected national-international standards by an independent commission of educators and scholars, not the Federal Government. National tests will focus attention on the need to improve basic skills. The tests will provide teachers and parents and students a very clear picture of where students should be in their education at specific points. This picture will help guide parents and teachers. Mr. Chairman, there are those in the Congress, many of my good friends, who oppose these tests on the grounds that they fear that children in under-funded school districts will fail at a higher than average rate. I understand that fear, but believe that these tests actually make the argument for the tests. The tests will serve as proof that we need to better direct our funding, and direct and provide a guide for which districts are most in need of funding, and our children can compete. To say that tests are simply going to prove failure is absolutely wrong. We send the wrong message to those children. As a former educator, I think it is insulting to those kids if we say, ``The more we test you, the more we will know you fail.'' That is wrong, that is absurd. There is no science to back that up. In the end, we must understand that we do not live in 50 different bubbles, as the gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Obey] pointed out.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention a true humanitarian, Msgr. Vincent E. Puma of Paterson, NJ. For the past 13 years, Monsignor Puma has operated Eva's Kitchen and Sheltering Programs, a haven for underprivileged citizens who need food to eat and a place to sleep. Monsignor Puma recently decided to step down from the helm of this worthwhile organization but will leave behind a legacy which has greatly enhanced the community of Passaic County. Born in Brooklyn, Monsignor Puma has lived in New Jersey his entire adult life. He attended Saint Mary's Seminary and Immaculate Conception Seminary, and was ordained in 1951. Monsignor Puma worked as a pastor in Clifton and Paterson before starting work at a mission in Dover, NJ. He returned to Paterson in 1962 to organize a network of churches for Spanish-speaking residents. Eventually the church gave Monsignor Puma a parish in Paterson, however, the stay was not long as he left his post as pastor to begin helping the poor and destitute. In 1982, Eva's Soup Kitchen was founded in the basement of a former convent. Today, Monsignor Puma's organization serves 160,000 meals per year. In addition to providing food for those in need, Eva's Kitchen organizes shelters for men and women, halfway houses for the drug- addicted, and a clinic for the poor. Constant fundraising by Monsignor Puma has led to the tremendous growth of the organization, which employs a staff of 35 full-time and 30 part-time employees. Volunteers from more than 110 churches and organizations also help in providing staff for Eva's Kitchen. The ultimate tribute to Monsignor Puma's relentless work is the new $7 million headquarters that serves as the hub of Eva's operations. On August 1, 1997, Monsignor Puma will step down and hand over the reins to his successor, the Reverend John T. Catoir. Although he will no longer be in the forefront leading Eva's Kitchen and Sheltering Programs, Monsignor Puma will continue to be an integral part in the continued success of the Eva's Kitchen program. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, Monsignor Puma's family and friends, and the State of New Jersey in recognizing Msgr. Vincent E. Puma's outstanding and invaluable contributions to the less fortunate in our society.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the momentous occasion of the 1997 Puerto Rican Day Parade of Paterson's 25th Silver Anniversary. The parade will take place on Sunday, August 24, 1997 in Paterson, NJ. The Puerto Rican Day Parade of Paterson was established and incorporated in 1972. The goal of the parade was to revitalize and maintain the rich cultural diversity that portrays a spiritual, family- oriented people. For more than 25 years, thousands of Puerto Ricans and other Hispanic groups traditionally spend a weekend to reflect upon the beauty of traditional songs and dances, to be sensitized by colors and fashions, and to partake of traditional food and drink. The parade and its week- long activities have historically fulfilled its intended purpose of allowing for the next generation to observe contributions made by the Puerto Rican-American community to improve the city of Paterson and make it a better place to live, work, and educate the next generation. On Sunday, August 24, 1997, the parade will celebrate its 25th anniversary and over 100,000 people from all corners of the metropolitan area will share in the festivities. The 3.5 mile-long parade will commence in the heart of the city of Paterson and proceed through the historic downtown shopping district. The celebration, as always, promises to be energetic, uplifting, and quite spectacular. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, the Puerto Rican-American community, and the State of New Jersey in recognizing the Puerto Rican Day Parade of Paterson's 25th Silver Anniversary and commending both its organizers and participants who constantly enrich the cultural flavor of our diverse community.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, my colleague Mr. Fattah, and I would like to call to your attention James Arthur Hughes of Philadelphia, PA, who recently passed away. James, known to those affectionately as ``Jim,'' was born on October 21, 1925, in Whitetown, NC, to Willie Arthur and Carrie Alice Coles Hughes. A man of deep and quiet faith, Jim spent his early years in the fellowship of Smith Chapel Baptist Church. After serving his country in the service of the U.S. Navy during World War II, Jim worked and resided in Harrisburg, PA, where he directed a vocational school for tailors and seamstresses. After moving to Philadelphia, Jim became a lifelong member of Calvary Episcopal Church where he was confirmed in the faith in 1955. Jim believed that education was the key to the future and to success. He continued his post-high-school education at Pioneer Business School and Temple University where he specialized in finance and mortgage lending. His talents for banking and finance were put to good use as Jim became vice president of the Carver Loan and Investment Co. He subsequently joined Berean Federal Saving Bank, the oldest African- American owned savings and loan institution in the country, where he became vice president and managing officer. Although he officially retired in 1992, Jim continued to work with Berean as a consultant. Further, Jim also served as the president and CEO of the Eden Cemetery and was special assistant to the controller of the city of Philadelphia. Jim was a man of extraordinary vision and energy. He was a founding member and first African-American to serve on the board of governors of the State System of Higher Education in Pennsylvania, serving for more than 13 years. His love for education was further evidenced in his work as a member of the council of trustees for Cheyney University for the last 14 years. Jim was also a member of the Penndelphia Scholarship Foundation, a college scholarship fund for the disadvantaged. Jim's service and love for his community was also evident through his work as a member of the NAACP, the West Indian Benevolent Association, and the Philadelphia Urban League. He also served as president of the South Saint Bernard Street Improvement Association. Jim was known and highly respected for his financial acumen, but his true passion was golf. He was an initial investor and fervently served as a board member and past president of the Greater Philadelphia Golf and Country Club, the first African-American owned 18 hole championship golf course in the country. Jim was past president and club champion of the Del-Vay Golf Club, an officer with the Freeway Golf Club, member of the Just Golfer Golf Club, and a former member of the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Negro Golf Association. Jim also co-founded and was vice president of the Hughes, Jones, Oglesby Golf Foundation, which was founded to instill the love of golf in other young African- Americans. Jim was the loving husband of Ann E. Adams Hughes, the proud father of the Honorable Vincent Hughes, State Senator of Pennsylvania and his stepdaughter Veda Diallo, the proud father-in-law of the Honorable Renee Cardwell-Hughes, as well as the proud grandfather of Ariell and Alek Hughes. Mr. Speaker, we ask that you join us, our colleagues, Jim's family and friends, and the State of Pennsylvania in remembering James Arthur Hughes' outstanding and invaluable contributions to the community.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention Mark S. Levenson of Clifton, NJ. Mark was born and raised in Boston, MA and graduated from Maimonides Day School. He is a cum laude graduate of Brandeis University where he majored in economics and political science and was a recipient of the William Mazur Scholarship. During and after college, Mark worked in Washington, DC, completing a tenure with Congressman Robert F. Drinan; the late Speaker of the House, Thomas P. ``Tip'' O'Neill, Jr.; Senator Edward M. Kennedy's Energy subcommittee of the Joint Economic Committee; and the Urban Institute think tank. Mark received his J.D. from New York University School of Law in 1982 where he served as research editor on the ``Annual Survey of American Law.'' He has been a practicing attorney in New York for the last 15 years, specializing in domestic and international real estate transactions and corporate advisory matters. Mark has worked on major projects in the United Kingdom, India, the Czech Republic, Canada, Australia, Latin America, and throughout the United States. He is currently a partner with the firm of Kronish, Lieb, Weiner and Hellman, L.L.P. in New York City and is a member of the board of directors of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Corporate Real Estate Executives and the American Bar Association's Real Estate, Probate and Trust Law Section's Environmental Aspects of Corporation Subcommittee. Mark is the honorary president of Congregation Adas Israel Synagogue having served as president for the previous 3 years. He is recording secretary of the Jewish Federation of Greater Clifton-Passaic and is a member of the executive committee; he chairs the Federation's young leadership development program and serves on the YM-YWHA Program Services Committee. Mark also is a member of the executive committee of the New York Regional Board of the Anti-Defamation League. He was a recipient of the 1994 Young Leadership Award of the Federation and has received several other awards for his charitable and volunteer work. Mark has always been involved in giving back to the community. Prior to moving to the Passaic-Clifton area, Mark served as treasurer and then vice-president of the Young Israel of the West Side, New York, as co-chair of the UJA-Federation of Jewish Philanthropies of New York, Young Lawyer's Division, and as founding chair of the UJA Lawyer's Division Specialty Task Force Subcommittee on Corporations. He was also a member of the UJA Lawyer's Division Steering Committee. Mark is a pro bono arbitrator in the New York City Civil Court System and serves on the U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, Mediation Panel. He is married to Eta Krasna Levenson. Professionally, Eta is assistant director of Yachad/The National Council for the Jewish Disabled, but she also serves as vice-president for education of Congregation Adas Israel, chair of the Jewish Family Services Advisory Council, director of the Hand-In-Hand charitable organization, and as trustee of the Federation. Mark and Eta are the proud parents of Eric, Hadassa, and Jessica. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, Mark's family and friends, and the congregation of Adas Israel in recognizing Mark S. Levenson's outstanding and invaluable service to the community.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention Linda Ann Alimi of West Essex, NJ. Linda received her bachelor of science from Boston University in 1965 and received her master of arts from Montclair State University in 1977. She graduated summa cum laude and was elected to Phi Kappa Phi, the National Honor Society. Ms. Alimi has coached the women's field hockey team of West Essex High School for 32 years. She clinched conference titles 25 out of 27 years--1970-79, 1981, 1983-95, and 1996, Essex County titles 5 times-- 1974, 1975, 1987, 1990, 1991, and North Jersey sectional titles 19 times--1971-76, 1978, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1987, 1989, 1991-93, and 1996. West Essex has been ranked the No. 1 women's field hockey team in New Jersey 3 times--1984, 1992, 1993, and the No. 2 team in the State 4 times--1987, 1989, 1991, and 1996. She also coached the women's junior Olympic field hockey team to a gold medal in 1992. Such a dynasty can only be explained by tremendous coaching. Linda is the recipient of many prestigious awards including the 1987 Merit Award from the Governor's Council on Fitness and Sport; the 1987 Gold Award, Franklin Life Insurance and Scholastic Coach magazine, Select Circle Coaching Award; the 1989 Garden State All Sports Foundation Award; the 1989 NJSIAA Executive Award; the 1989 Coca-Cola and Madison Square Garden Network Spotlight Award; the 1990 Outstanding Coaches Award for Field Hockey from the National Federation Interscholastic Coaches Association for the State of New Jersey; and the 1990 Boston College Sargent College Special Merit Award for Coaching Excellence. Linda was also the recipient of the 1994 Women's Sports Foundation Budget Car Coaches Award. Linda was inducted into the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association's Hall of Fame in 1985 and received the Boston University Harry Clevarly Award for Coaches Excellence that same year. She was inducted into the West Essex Regional High School Hall of Fame in 1991 and was named New Jersey's Winningest Field Hockey Coach in 1994 with an unprecedented 422 victories, 53 losses and 40 ties. Ms. Alimi was also named the Winningest Field Hockey Coach in the U.S.A. in 1996 for her amazing 457 victories. Linda received the Honor Award for Outstanding Leadership in Sports from the New Jersey Association for Girls and Women in Sports in 1996, and was the recipient of the 1996 Pathfinder Award presented by the National Association for Girls and Women in Sports. She was inducted into the NJSIAA Hall of Fame on December 2, 1996, placed in the National Federation High School Sports Record Book in 1997 and previewed in Sports Illustrated's Faces in the Crowd on March 17, 1997. On top of being an exceptional coach, Linda Alimi is a member of numerous committees and involved in a number of activities. She has served as vice president of the West Essex Education Association 1987- 88; been liaison committee chairperson to the board of education 1987- 88; and was the originator and president of the North Jersey Field Hockey Coaches Association from 1974-85 and county representative from 1985-96. Linda was certified as an instructor in 1982 under the American Coaches Effectiveness Program, Level I and is presently the clinician and chairperson for the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association. Ms. Alimi was a member of the New Jersey Governor's Council on Fitness and Sport from 1986-88, and the winner of the Garden State All Sports Foundation Award in 1988. She served as a member of the U.S. Field Hockey Association board of directors from 1988-92, on the NJSIAA Field Hockey Committee from 1989-96, and on the USFHA Futures Committee in 1994. Linda presently serves on the National Federation Field Hockey rules committee. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me, our colleagues, Linda's family, friends and teammates in recognizing Linda Ann Alimi's outstanding and invaluable service to the community.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention John Petroll, deputy mayor of West Orange, NJ. John has dutifully served the township of West Orange for decades. He began his service to the township of West Orange as a police officer and always was conscious of giving back to the community. He was a special police officer at Rock Spring Country Club and at Midlantic Bank, and has served as president of New Jersey Special Police Association. John has been the deputy mayor of West Orange for the past 19 years, celebrating his 20th year at townhall this month. At 87 years of age, he walks to and from work every day, arriving as early as 6 a.m., to begin working for the citizens of West Orange. John sorts through the mail, organizes schedules and gets the offices ready for the late-comers. John, together with the clerks in the administration office, put together the ``West Orange Outlook,'' a monthly informational packet outlining special activities and events. The township's recycling center relies on John to field telephone calls from residents with questions and problems, and municipal officials depend on him to arrange special weekend meetings. His favorite duty by his own admission is community advertising--maintaining the announcement sign in front of the township hall. John is also the township's resident historian. According to Murray Palent, council president of the West Orange Town Council, ``John is a permanent fixture in West Orange'' and ``is always there when you need him, always willing to lend anyone a hand.'' West Orange Mayor Sam Spina has stated that John, ``is a loyal, dedicated, trustworthy friend, someone this entire town can count on. He takes care of so much for us, and we are very lucky to have him.'' His generosity to people, organizations, and causes is well known, as well. Throughout the years, John has been a good friend of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Alva Edison, Charles Edison, and former Governor Brendan Byrne. John has two children, John and Robert, three grandchildren, Karen, Bryan and Kevin, and four great-grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, John's family and friends, and the township of West Orange in recognizing John Petroll's outstanding and invaluable service to the community of West Orange.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call your attention to Mr. Lawrence Eugene Doby of Montclair, NJ, the first African-American to play baseball in the American League. Mr. Doby was a leader in breaking down the color barriers both in baseball, and outside the stadium walls in our society. Mr. Doby first played for the Cleveland Indians on July 5, 1947. Now, as we approach the 50th anniversary of that momentous day, it is fitting that we pay tribute to this great civil rights pioneer and honor his many achievements. Mr. Doby was born in Camden, SC, on December 12, 1923. In 1938, he and his mother moved to Paterson, NJ, where he immediately demonstrated his great athletic prowess. At Eastside High School, he lettered in no less than four sports--baseball, basketball, track, and football. Upon his graduation from high school, Mr. Doby enrolled in Long Island University on a basketball scholarship. He later transferred to Virginia Union College, but had his education interrupted when he was drafted into the Navy in 1943. Mr. Doby began his path to eventual stardom after receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy in 1946, when he joined the San Juan Senators in Puerto Rico and played there for several months. Later in 1946, Mr. Doby joined the Newark Eagles in the Negro National League as a second baseman. In his first year on the Eagles, Mr. Doby had a .348 batting average and earned a spot on the Negro American League All- Stars team. He also led the Eagles to the World Series, where they defeated the Kansas City Monarchs in a seven-game series. During the early part of the 1947, rumors began spreading that Mr. Doby had been chosen to be the Jackie Robinson of the American League. These rumors became reality on July 5, 1947, as Bill Veeck of the Cleveland Indians officially purchased his contract from Effa Manley, the owner of the Newark Eagles. Mr. Doby played in the American League for a total of 13 seasons. He spent nine of those with the Indians, three with the Chicago White Sox, and one, his last season, with the Detroit Tigers. His baseball career as a player ended on May 7, 1960, due to a torn ligament, fractured ankle and several other injuries. Throughout his career, Mr. Doby had amassed an astounding record, including a .283 batting average; 253 home runs; 969 runs; and a .983 fielding average. He also broke down several additional color barriers by becoming the first African- American to play in the World Series, hit a home run in any World Series, and win a major league home run title. Despite his many commitments and extensive traveling, Mr. Doby managed to find time to raise a close-knit family. On August 19, 1946, he married his childhood sweetheart, Helyn Curvy, also from Paterson. Together, they raised five children, six grandchildren, and four great- grandchildren. After his career as a player ended, Mr. Doby by no means gave up on his commitment to the sport of baseball. Instead, he entered the second phase of his career, as a manager. In 1971, he became a full-time batting coach for the Montreal Expos. He would later serve as coach for the Cleveland Indians; manager of Zulia, a team in Maracaibo, Venezuela; and serve in a number of other scouting and coaching positions in the Major League. He became manager of the Chicago White Sox in 1978, becoming only the second African-American manager in Major League history. Mr. Doby was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox in 1987. He also received recognition from the State of New Jersey, as the State legislature declared July 15, 1987, ``Larry Doby Day,'' and Mr. Doby was presented with the Governor's Award. In addition, Baseball Commissioner Peter Ueberroth appointed Mr. Doby to serve on a special committee to help find ways to further integrate Major League baseball. Despite his great accomplishment, Mr. Doby has remained modest and endearing, a true gentleman. Mr. Doby always give thanks to God for giving him the talent to help integrate baseball and American society, to Mr. Veeck for giving him the opportunity to use that talent, and to his wife. Helyn, for holding together their family while he was away. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, Mr. Doby's family and friends, the Township of Montclair and the city of Paterson in recognizing Lawrence Eugene Doby for his outstanding and invaluable service to the community, to baseball, and to America.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Roukema of New Jersey and I would like to call to your attention Gene Meyers of Hawthorne, New Jersey. Gene is a lifelong resident of Hawthorne and graduated from Hawthorne High School. He is a founding member of the Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce and was a catalyst in making it one of the largest Chambers in North Jersey. He served in many capacities with the Chamber of Commerce including President and has been integral in implementing the Chamber's goal of making Hawthorne a more vibrant community. Gene has been President and CEO of Hawthorne Chevrolet for three decades. Hawthorne Chevrolet was founded by his uncle, Fred C. Meyers in 1927, and Gene built the company to be the success it is today. The company is one of the largest Chevrolet Dealerships in the State of New Jersey and ranks in the top 60 in the country. Gene has also been the President and CEO of Paramus Auto Mall since 1995 and has served as President of the Tri-State Dealers Association, an association of Chevrolet dealers in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Gene further prioritizes community through his involvement with the Hawthorne Boys and Girls Club. He serves as a member of the Board of Directors and calls Bingo every Sunday night. Even though he has been successful, he has not forgotten what is important. Gene is President of the Hawthorne Republican Unit. Gene and his wife Florence are the proud parents of Mark, Cindy, Steven, Ron and Scott, and they have three grandchildren, Steven, Michelle and Jamie. Mr. Speaker, we ask that you join us, our colleagues, Gene's family and friends, and the Borough of Hawthorne in recognizing Gene Meyers' outstanding and invaluable service to the community.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the loving memory of Bernice Ivy of Paterson, NJ. Bernice was born in Pavo, GA on October 11, 1928 and departed this life after a long illness on Thursday morning June 12, 1997. She was third eldest of nine children born to James and Dora Thompson. In 1928 while still an infant, her family moved to Florida where Bernice was raised and educated, attending Carver High School of Delray Beach, FL. In 1946, Bernice married James Henry Ivy, Sr. of West Palm Beach, FL and 13 children were born from their union. The couple resided in Florida a few years before moving their young family to Paterson, NJ in 1954. It was there that they first began their work in the ministry pastoring a small church--the Church of God on River Street, Paterson. With fervent spirit, the young couple became well-known in town as they ministered in meetings on the streets of Paterson, proclaiming Christ and evangelizing the lost to the Kingdom of God. Later, they joined Faith Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, renamed Gilmore Memorial Church of God in Christ, pastored by the late Bishop Clarence and Dr. Arlene Gilmore. They were faithful members for 29 years. In 1962, Bernice's interest in hair care led her to pursue an education in cosmetology, enrolling in the Scotts Beauty School of Newark, NJ. Later, she obtained gainful employment at the North Jersey Training School for the mentally handicapped for nearly 25 years. Failing health forced here retirement in 1989. In November of 1990, Bernice and her husband James relocated back to Delray Beach, FL, where they moved their church membership to Sutton Chapel Church of God in Christ. Bernice returned to Paterson in July 1996 for vacation, but failing health prevented her return home to Florida. The Reverend and Mrs. Ivy had one of the biggest families in their church. It was common knowledge that their trusted station wagon usually made two trips on Sunday. As a loving wife, wonderful mother, daughter, sister, and friend, Bernice leaves to mourn a husband of 50 years, the Rev. James H. Ivy, Sr.; three sons--Collious and Timothy Ivy of Paterson and Calvin Ivy of Boston; six daughters--Paulette Williams and Bernice La Vonda Lockhart of Florida, Vanessa Dale Wilder, Alicia Marie Ivy, Kathy Ann Kuykendall, and Denise L. Coba, all of Paterson; 33 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; 3 daughters-in law--Donna Ivy, Elaine Ivy, Velda Ivy; 5 sons-in-law--the Rev. Jerry Wilder, the Rev. James Kuykendall, Bill Coba, Reggie Lockhart, and Jerome Williams; her mother--Dora Thompson; 1 aunt--Dinah Mae Hayword; 4 sisters--Pearline Famon and Juanita Tripp of Paterson, Carol Pittman of California, and Willie Mae Wilson of Florida; 1 brother--Danny Thompson of Paterson; 8 sisters-in- law--Ella, Colinthia, Agnes, Jewel, Janie, Elmora, Shirley and Dorothy; 5 brothers-in-law--Sonny, Raymond, George, Eddie and Chuck; nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, Bernice's loving family and friends, and the city of Paterson in remembering the kindness of Bernice Ivy and extolling her memory.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention Michael A. Bravette of Cedar Grove, NJ. Michael was born on September 19, 1926 in Newark, NJ to Pasquale and Philomena Bianco Bravette. One of two children, he was raised in the city of Newark and attended the city's Barringen High School. During World War II, at the age of 18, Michael entered the U.S. Navy. He served as an electronic technician's mate, third class aboard the heavy cruiser U.S.S. Bremerton, CA-130, flagship of the Seventh Fleet in the Pacific Theater of Operations and earned five medals for his bravery and valor. In 1949, Michael graduated from the Newark College of Engineering, now known as N.J.I.T., with a bachelor of science in electrical engineering and a master of science in management engineering. He was a founder and an officer in the fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi and earned a Student Council Pendant Award, for his service as a class officer and in other campus activities. Michael's first professional position was as a material handling sales engineer who sold the largest single contract in the history of the company--overhead traveling cranes for maintenance on the then-new Tappan Zee Bridge. A retiree since 1989, Michael was employed for over 30 years in marketing with both the Kearfott-Singer Co. and subsequently, the Plessey Co., as manager for advertising and customer relations. While at Kearfott-Singer, he cochaired their first successful motivation program, was the communications chairman for the zero defects program and served as president of the company's Toastmasters Club. During his many invaluable years of service, Michael was listed in Who's Who in America, Finance and Management. One of the highlights of Michael's career was touring the company's facilities for 2 days with Apollo 13 astronaut, Fred W. Haise, Jr. He also prepared presentations and tours for astronauts Terry Hart and Mark Lee, Senator Bill Bradley, Congressman Jim Courter and Congresswoman Marge Roukema. In 1964, Michael was appointed by then New Jersey Governor Richard J. Hughes as a tercentenary toastmaster lecturer for the New Jersey Tercentenary Commission. In this capacity, he was able to speak before several groups and was the guest speaker for the township of Cedar Grove 4th of July celebration held at the Memorial High School stadium. For his services, Michael was awarded by Governor Hughes a New Jersey Tercentenary Medal. Michael is and always has been an active member of his community. He has been a parishioner of St. Catherine of Siena church since its construction and currently serves as one of the church's neighborhood ambassadors. Michael served as president of the Holy Name Society in 1960 and again in 1966. Under his leadership, membership in the society increased from 40 to 250. Also, Michael served as cochair of the 1965 fundraising drive which doubled the weekly donations to the church. For several years, Michael was assistant coach and manager for Little League baseball and football in Cedar Grove. He also was a member of Cedar Grove's Democratic County Committee. Michael remains active in the Cedar Grove Elks Lodge No. 2237 having served as exalted ruler and as chairman of the trustees. He was the public relations district chairman for the New Jersey State Elks Association 1975-76. He actively served on membership, handicapped children, housing, Memorial Day services, Flag Day, Mother's Day services, and investigation committees. He also served as the lodge's justice of the forum. In 1989, Michael joined the Cedar Grove chapter of UNICO National and served as the chapter's vice-president, and president. Currently serving as publicity chairman, Michael authored special biographical news releases for Michael A. Saltarelli when he was elected auxiliary bishop, Archdiocese of Newark in 1990 and James Troiano who was appointed a superior court judge in 1992. He also promoted the special UNICO Dinner Dance held in 1996, in honor of Bishop Saltarelli who left New Jersey to become bishop for the diocese of Wilmington, DE. As UNICO's membership chairman for 3 years, Michael nearly doubled the chapter's membership. He was appointed to the UNICO National Editorial Advisory Committee and the Gay Talese Literary Award Committee by the national president. He was honored by the Cedar Grove chapter as ``Man of the Year'' at the chapter' 10th Anniversary Dinner Dance in 1996. Michael is also a member of the Center for Italian and Italian-American Culture. Michael is married to Florence Beltram whom he first met in high school. They have three children and five grandchildren. Their daughter Robyn is married to Craig Sloboda and the two live in Milford, PA. The couple has two daughters, Randi, 15 and Ashley, 10. Their son Brian is a CitiCorp vice-president and lives in Cedar Grove with his daughter Larisa, 12. Their youngest son, Barry, is a cardiologist and lives in Voorhees, NJ with his wife Cindy and his twin sons, Christopher and Matthew, 7. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, Michael's family and friends and the township of Cedar Grove in recognizing Michael A. Bravette for his outstanding and invaluable service to the community.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, let us not surrender to the China lobby. I rise today to make known my strong support for House Joint Resolution 79, disapproving the extension of most-favored-nation trading status to Communist China. The debate that this body is now engaged in is of the utmost importance for American jobs today and the security of our Nation tomorrow. Let me say that I know my colleagues in this Chamber want nothing more than for our trade deficit with China to narrow, for human rights to improve, for the grave incidents of nuclear and weapons proliferation to cease, and finally, for democracy to take root in China. Let us be honest about this discussion. There is not a single Member in this body who does not want to achieve these laudable goals. But I have come to realize that the annual exercise of renewing China's most-favored-nation status has been a complete failure in its annual exercise of futility. In fact, continuing MFN treatment for China has been based upon a series of broken promises. First, we have heard that engagement is critical for the United States to achieve its economic goals with China. We ought to engage the American worker, that is what we need to engage, in America, to protect our jobs and stop shipping them across the ocean. We ought to visit China, but we should visit the shops and factories in our own districts back home where those folks have to work, where those folks need to be producing products that need to be sent to China, not to have a 35 percent duty or tariff on it, and ours a 2 percent, so China can send goods to us and we cannot send goods to them. Mr. Speaker, our argument is not with the Chinese people, it is with their authoritarian government. The China lobby which did us in in the end of the Second World War is alive and well in Washington, DC. We should make the decision for our workers and working Americans, instead of shipping jobs across the ocean.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, over the course of the next few days, the Members of this august body will be forced to weigh a great deal of information, withstand a tremendous lobbying effort from both sides of the issue, and eventually cast one of the most critical votes that we will take in this Congress. I am referring to the vote on extending most-favored-trade status to China. The outcome of this vote, Mr. Speaker, will say as much about where our priorities lie as any other dozen votes we will cast in the Congress, the 105th Congress. I am certain that there will be those who will take to this well over the next few days and claim that this vote is not really about anything exceptional. They will no doubt argue that we are already simply extending the same trade status to China that we do to 160 other nations. Such an evaluation of this debate is nothing short of sophomoric and fails to do little more than scratch the surface of the issue. In reality, the China MFN debate is about nuclear proliferation. It is about human rights. It is about small business in America, and it is about American jobs. We may in fact afford most-favored-nation status to nearly every other country, Mr. Speaker, but China is not any other Nation. China is very different and poses a far different set of issues to deal with as a package than any of the nations with which we have MFN status. China is one of the world's most dangerous proliferators of nuclear weapons. The Communist Chinese Government has, and is currently, engaged in the transfer of dangerous technology for nuclear weapons to rogue nations. The Chinese Government has provided Iran with advanced missile and chemical weapons technology. They have provided Iraq and Libya with materials used to produce nuclear weapons. They have provided missile-related components to Syria and given the Pakistanis the technology for nuclear weapons at the same time that Pakistanis get poorer and poorer. The Chinese Government has provided the nations with the least stable governments and that pose the greatest threat to the security of the Middle East, to our own security, with weapons of mass destruction. A vote in favor of MFN for China is a vote to condone nuclear proliferation by China. A vote in favor of extending MFN to China is also a vote to condone China's deplorable record of human rights abuses. The State Department Country Report on Human Rights for 1996 bluntly stated the Chinese Government continued to commit widespread and well- documented human rights abuses in violation of internationally accepted norms stemming from the authorities' intolerance of dissent, fear of unrest, in the absence or inadequacy of laws protecting very basic freedoms. Voting to extend most favored nation just days before China takes control of Hong Kong sends the wrong message, Mr. Speaker. Human rights, nuclear proliferation, these are important issues. But for thousands in my district in New Jersey, this is a debate about the future of their jobs. It is a debate about whether or not they will still have their jobs. Part of the reason for the loss of those jobs, Mr. Speaker, has been the incredible trade imbalance we have cultivated with China, Communist China. In 1996, our trade deficit with China ballooned to a record $40 billion. On the same rate, we will move to $50 billion. Where is the plus for the United States of America? Where is the plus for our families? We are on a path that will soon lead to China replacing Japan as the largest contributor to the overall U.S. merchandise trade deficit. Renewing Chinese most-favored-nation status means renewing a status quo in which the average Chinese tariff on U.S. goods is 35 percent compared to the United States tariff on Chinese goods as 2 percent. Is this what the State Department and those advocating MFN for China call engagement?

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the Honorable Nicholas M. Rolli, mayor of the Township of Verona, New Jersey. Mayor Rolli, a lifelong resident of Verona, was born on September 29, 1954. He has served on the Township Council since 1981 and served as mayor from 1987 to 1989 and 1991 to 1993. He additionally served as deputy mayor from 1993 to 1994. Mayor Rolli was selected to fill a vacancy on the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders when James Treffinger resigned to take the position of Essex County executive and was elected to fill that term on November 7, 1995. Mayor Rolli, who worked his way through college at a supermarket and as a musician, graduated from Seton Hall University in 1976 with a B.S. in accounting and is active in alumni affairs, giving back to the school which gave him so much. Mayor Rolli is the Director of Financial Communications for Philip Morris Co., Inc., the world's largest consumer packaged goods company. He has held this position since 1993. Previously he was the Manager of Financial Communications and prior to joining Philip Morris, Mayor Rolli was the Manager of Investor Relations with the Colgate-Palmolive Co. He is a member of the National Investor Relations Institute and the Association for Investment Management and Research. Mayor Rolli is the founder of the Verona Mayor's Charity Ball, a nonpolitical, nonprofit fundraising program aimed at supporting civic and youth programs in Verona. The program has raised over $20,000 in its first 3 years. Mayor Rolli is the President of the Italian-American Club of Verona and received the group's Distinguished Service award in 1991. He was named as one of the outstanding young men of America in 1988 and is a lector at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Verona. Mayor Rolli is a past trustee of the North Jersey Developmental Center, a volunteer position to which he was appointed by Gov. Thomas Kean. Mayor Rolli and his wife, Judy, are the proud parents of their two children, Deana and Mark, ages 12 and 9 respectively, who attend Verona public schools. Mr. Speaker, I would like for you to join me, our colleagues, Mayor Rolli's family and friends, the Township of Verona and the County of Essex in recognizing Mayor Nicholas M. Rolli's outstanding and invaluable service to the community.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Paterson Alumnae Chapter. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a sisterhood of college educated women of color committed to public service. The sorority was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C. on January 13, 1913 by 22 women. Chapters of the sorority reach throughout the United States, Germany, Korea, Haiti, and Liberia. Approximately 180,000 women have been initiated into Delta Sigma Theta and are sustained by the bond of sisterhood. The challenges and successes of more than 80 years have assured its members of the organization's endurance. The Paterson Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. was chartered on November 12, 1978. It was the 13th chapter chartered in the State of New Jersey. The founders saw a need for a public service organization in the city of Paterson. The chartering ceremony held at the Paterson Boys Club was conducted by past regional director, Chappelle Armstead. The Paterson Alumnae Chapter has maintained a consistent presence in the city of Paterson since its inception. Through its many projects and service activities, the chapter continually keeps an active interest in the welfare of the lives of Paterson citizens. The Paterson Alumnae Chapter was a key in the organization of the local chapter of the Northern New Jersey Tri-County Chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council whose primary purpose is to coordinate the activities of the eight historically black Greek-lettered sororities and fraternities. The Paterson Alumnae Chapter believes in coalition building and to that end, has worked with various community organizations on several service projects. A few of the projects and activities the Paterson Alumnae Chapter is involved with include a candidate's forum for local and State political candidates, an annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Celebration, a Kwanzaa workshop, Adopt-A-Black Business, a School America Literacy Project, and the 1997 Teen Summit. The current officers of the Paterson Alumnae Chapter are Linda G. Smith, president; Ada Downing, vice president; Sharon Briggs, secretary; E. Florine White, treasurer; and Pamela Davis, financial secretary. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, the members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., their family and friends, and city of Paterson in recognizing the Paterson Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Sorority, Inc.'s outstanding and invaluable service to the community.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time of the gentlewoman from California [Ms. Woolsey]. The SPEAKER pro tempore [Mr. Cooksey]. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from New Jersey?

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention Emma P. Urquhart, deaconess of Calvary Baptist Church in Paterson, NJ. A faithful, dedicated, and active member of Calvary Baptist Church, Emma is president of the Senior Missionary Society. As a member of the Progressive Women of Calvary, she supports the Christian ministries in both these organizations. She is also one of the devotion leaders for the Golden Keys senior group. Emma is very active in Calvary's bereavement endeavors, whether helping in the kitchen, serving the congregation, or attending to the families spiritual needs during their time of sorrow. Emma is an encourager to the youth, the sick and shut-in, the entire congregation of Calvary Baptist Church, and the community. She calls upon delinquent and past members, and invites them back to the church. As part of her missionary duties, Emma visits the sick and shut-in at home, hospitals, and nursing homes. Beyond merely visiting, Emma and her group clean the homes and fix meals for the members who are unable to do so for themselves. Emma volunteers as a teacher in the Saturday Outreach Program and Vacation Bible School. She supports these groups by preparing and serving refreshments for use during group activities. Emma is also a member of the Music Ministry Committee and is a supporter of the current youth leaders of the group. Emma has served many years on the Board of Christian Education and on the Calvary Baptist Scholarship Committee. Her belief in the future of our children has led her to faithfully make a regular individual donation to the Calvary Baptist Scholarship Fund. Emma provides a support role as a current and past member of Calvary's Trustee Group. She is a loyal and dedicated member of the Chancellor choir and actively supports all the programs and events the church sponsors each year, including Women's Day. Emma religiously dedicates her time in prayer to the growth of Calvary Baptist Church and its programs. This time is not only given at Wednesday prayer service or Saturday morning prayer service but faithfully and regularly at home for the church, its people and its mission as well. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, Emma's family and friends, and the congregation of Calvary Baptist Church in recognizing Deaconess Emma P. Urquhart's outstanding and invaluable service to the community.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, this is a critical issue. This is a rider based on whim and certainly not science. In fact, the National Academy of Sciences has endorsed sampling as an accurate and effective way of doing the census. The census spent $35 million in 1995 in 3 communities in the United States to carry out this sampling. This is not guess, this is not whim, this is science. We have the state-of-the-art. We cannot count heads by counting noses. We have done it in the 1970, 1980 and the 1990 census. Follow the science like it's always being talked about. We have the facts; let us use it, Mr. Speaker. This is not doing it by whim or guessing.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 1525.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention Msgr. John Edward Morris on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his ordination into the priesthood. Monsignor Morris was born on July 13, 1921 in Brooklyn, New York, the first child of John E. and Mary Cassion Morris. His parents moved to Lincoln Park, NJ several years later, where he, his three brothers and one sister grew up. He attended St. John's High School in Paterson and began studies for the priesthood at Seton Hall College, South Orange in 1939. He completed those studies at Immaculate Conception Seminary in Darlington, NJ and Catholic University in Washington, DC in 1947. Monsignor Morris was ordained into the priesthood for the Diocese of Paterson on May 31, 1947. He was ordained by Archbishop Thomas J. Walsh of the Archdiocese of Newark at the Sacred Heart Cathedral because Paterson's Bishop McLaughlin had died 2 months previously and a successor had not yet been chosen. Monsignor Morris was assigned as associate pastor to Holy Trinity Church (Heilige Dreifaltigkeits Kirche) in Passaic, NJ on June 10, 1947, where he ministered to youth and elderly alike. He attended classes and became proficient in the German language so as to better serve the German-speaking immigrants from Europe. At the same time, he taught at Pope Pius XII High School in Passaic. Monsignor Morris continued until 1961, when Bishop McNulty called upon him to further his studies at the Catholic University in Washington, DC. There he attained a doctorate in educational administration. He returned to the Paterson Diocese in 1964 and became its third superintendent of schools, overseeing all the grammar and high schools of the diocese. He remained in this position until 1971. During these years he began an association with the Little Sisters of the Poor, residing at their Dey Street home in Paterson and serving as their chaplain to the sisters and residents. In 1971, Monsignor Morris returned to Holy Trinity Parish, where he has served as co-pastor and pastor ever since. He was honored by Pope John Paul II and given the title ``Monsignor'' in 1981. Monsignor Morris has nobly and generously served both the church and the community. His devoted service is indeed admirable. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, Monsignor Morris' family and friends, the congregation of Holy Trinity Church and the city of Passaic in recognition of the momentous occasion of the 50th anniversary of Msgr. John Edward Morris' ordination into the priesthood.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention the momentous occasion of Jason Scott Stele's and Michelle Faye Lawrence's wedding on Saturday, May 31, 1997. The wedding took place in Carmel, IN at the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation. Jason was born on October 1, 1974, in Livingston, NJ to Kenneth and Sharon Stele of West Orange. He was educated at West Orange High School and attended Purdue University where he received his bachelor of arts in psychology. A graduate student, Jason received his master of science degree in psychology from George Mason University. Jason managed to garner numerous awards and distinctions throughout his collegiate career. Among his top honors are membership in Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society, Golden Key National Honor Society, and Psi Chi National Psychology. Included with this impressive list of accolades is Jason's graduating with distinction--within the upper 5 percent of his class--and making the dean's list. Michelle was born on December 30, 1973, in Carmel, IN, to Herman and Diane Lawrence. She was educated at Carmel High School and also attended Purdue University, earning her bachelor of science degree in mathematics education. Michelle also managed to garner numerous awards and distinctions, among them being membership in the Golden Key National Honor Society, Kappa Delta Pi National Education Honor Society, and the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics. Included with this list of impressive accolades is Michelle's membership in the Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity and making the dean's list. Jason and Michelle met while both were attending Purdue University. Jason was set up on a blind date with Michelle by Kristen Cooper, a friend of theirs in the Purdue Marching Band. The two were soon engaged, and were wed on May 31, 1997. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, and Jason and Michelle's family and friends, in recognizing the momentous occasion of Jason Scott Stele's and Michelle Faye Lawrence's wedding.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to you attention the Honorable Lester F. Jerrschaft, Councilman for the City of Clifton, New Jersey who is being honored by Knights of Columbus Council 3769 as their ``Man of the Year.'' Councilman Herrschaft was born and raised in the City of Clifton. He is a graduate of Clifton Elementary School No. 6 and Clifton High School. He entered the service upon graduation from high school and served with the Army (infantry) in Europe during World War II. He is a member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Clifton Chapter No. 1, the American Legion Post No. 8 and the Athenia Veterans Post, Military Order of the Purple Heart. Councilman Herrschaft is a principal and chief financial officer of Albert A. Stier Inc., and affiliated Realty Corporations of Clifton and manager of Styertowne Shopping Center. While successful professionally, Councilman Herrschaft has never forgotten about his community. His involvements are numerous. Councilman Herrschaft has served for 15 years on the Clifton Board of Education, and for seven of those years, served as president. He is a former trustee of both the Clifton Boys Club and the Passaic-Clifton Boys Club and the Passaic-Clifton YMCA, has served as Special Gifts Chairman of the Passaic Valley United Way, and serves on the board of the Clifton Adult Opportunity Center. Councilman Herrschaft further served on the Board of Governors of Passaic General Hospital. He serves on the Advisory Board of the Valley National Bank and was appointed by the Supreme Court to serve on the Passaic County Legal Free Arbitration Committee. He is a member and past president of the Clifton Rotary Club. He is a member of Clifton Lodge No. 203 and president of the Clifton Masonic Temple Association. Councilman Herrschaft was the recipient of the Joseph J. Kolodziej Humanitarian Award in February 1993 and the Clifton Optimist Man of the Year in 1995. Councilman Herrschaft was elected to his third term of the Clifton Municipal Council in July 1994. He contributes to many charitable endeavors. Councilman Herrschaft is a member of the Salaam Temple of the Shrine and is actively involved in the support of the Shrine Crippled Childrens Hospital and Burn Center. Councilman Herrschaft is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University where he was awarded his Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in management. He and his wife, Dorothy, reside in Clifton and have two sons, Skip and Peter and three grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, Councilman Herrschaft's family and friends and the City of Clifton in recognizing the outstanding and invaluable service to the community of the Honorable Lester F. Herrschaft, Councilman for the City of Clifton.