[Passed Both Houses]

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION No. 24

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

INTRODUCED MARCH 18, 1996

By Senator McGREEVEY, Assemblyman Wisniewski, Assemblywoman J.Smith, Assemblyman Barnes, Assemblywomen Buono and Friscia

A Joint Resolution designating that portion of State Highway Route 440 located in the city of Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, as the "Edward J. Patten Memorial Highway."

Whereas, The Honorable Edward J. Patten who passed away on September 19, 1994, at the age of 89, was a well-beloved person with a long and productive career of dedicated service in federal, State and local government; and

Whereas, Mr. Patten served as mayor of Perth Amboy from 1934 to 1940, the city's youngest-ever mayor, and as Middlesex County Clerk from 1940 to 1954; and

Whereas, He served as campaign manager to former Governor Robert B. Meyner in 1953 and 1957 and was appointed to serve as New Jersey Secretary of State in 1954 and was reappointed in 1958, serving until 1962; and

Whereas, Mr. Patten was elected to Congress in 1962, from the 15th District in Middlesex County and was re-elected eight times, serving until 1981 during which time he devoted himself to the service of his constituents; and

Whereas, During his tenure in Congress, Mr. Patten served on the House Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on Labor, Health, Education and Welfare and the House Science, Space and Aeronautics Committee and was instrumental in providing millions of dollars in federal grants to Middlesex County and its communities for education, scientific research, hospitals and the handicapped, and also sponsored several laws which benefit many Americans, including students, senior citizens and the disabled; and

Whereas, In 1980, Mr. Patten was bestowed the Rutgers University Award, its highest honor, for his service and leadership as one of the greatest supporters of higher education in the United States and as a strong and consistent advocate of federal support of student aid programs and university research activities; and

Whereas, Congressman Patten took a leadership role in a wide range of civic, fraternal and charitable programs in Perth Amboy, Middlesex County and this State, including service as president of the Perth Amboy and Middlesex County Bar Associations, and as director of the State League of Municipalities, and received many civic, cultural, and other awards; and

Whereas, It is most fitting and proper that the portion of State Highway Route 440 located in Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, be designated in memory of the Honorable Edward J. Patten, in recognition of his life of devoted public service to the people of Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, this State and this nation; now, therefore,

    Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

    1. The Commissioner of Transportation shall designate that portion of State Highway Route 440 in the city of Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, as the "Edward J. Patten Memorial Highway."

    2. The Commissioner of Transportation is authorized to erect appropriate signs bearing that name.

    3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

    This joint resolution designates that portion of State Highway Route 440 in Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, as the "Edward J. Patten Memorial Highway," in memory of Congressman Edward J. Patten and his long and productive career of dedicated service in federal, State and local government.

Designates portion of State Highway Route 440 located in city of Perth Amboy as "Edward J. Patten Memorial Highway."