LaMonica McIver

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Cynthia Brown, a beloved board chairwoman of the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, serving for 8 years as a dedicated leader in her community.

Cynthia was an advocate for civil rights in the New Jersey Muslim community. She made history as the first Muslim to serve in the role of East Orange municipal clerk in the State of New Jersey, and her 52 outstanding years of service highlight her loving commitment to civic duty.

Cynthia was also a highly respected leader at her local mosque in East Orange and was among her community whenever she could as a mentor, advocate, and friend.

Throughout her life, Cynthia stood for justice and service, while meeting her community with compassion and devotion. Her impact, work, and voice will be missed by the people of New Jersey.

I am praying for the Brown family, the people she has touched, and her faith family.

On behalf of New Jersey's 10th District, I call upon our community to carry her legacy by leading with service and heart.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Joanne Rajoppi, the longtime Union County clerk who dedicated more than five decades to public service and passed away on Thursday, July 16, at the age of 78.

Joanne made history as Springfield's first female mayor, later becoming the first and only woman to serve as chair of the Union County Board of Commissioners. She served as Union County Clerk for 30 years.

Throughout her career, Joanne worked to modernize county government by expanding access to public records, improving election information, and creating new resources for residents throughout the county.

Joanne cared about our democracy and did the work of keeping it. That work is sometimes hard and thankless, but it is also important. Joanne knew that.

A six-time recipient of the National Association of Counties Achievement Award, Joanne's leadership and innovation left a lasting impact on New Jersey.

On behalf of New Jersey's 10th Congressional District, I extend my deepest condolences to Joanne's family, friends, colleagues, all of those who loved her so much, and all those whose lives she touched throughout her extraordinary commitment to public service.

May she rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I was absent from floor proceedings. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 223 and YEA on Roll Call No. 224.