[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY FREEHOLDER BLANQUITA B. VALENTI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 18, 2019

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
Honorable Blanquita B. Valenti on her retirement as a Middlesex County 
Freeholder. As a freeholder, city council member and educator, 
Freeholder Valenti has distinguished herself as a dedicated public 
servant whose contributions and achievements are truly deserving of 
this body's recognition.
  A long-time resident of New Brunswick, New Jersey, Freeholder Valenti 
devoted many years to representing her community as a council member 
and freeholder. She is well-respected by her colleagues as well as the 
residents she serves. Her professionalism and vision for the community 
earned her elections to leadership positions on the City Council and 
Board of Chosen Freeholders, including council vice president, council 
president and freeholder deputy director.
  Although retiring from elected office, Freeholder Valenti remains an 
active community leader and advocate for individuals and families in 
Middlesex County. She has served on numerous boards of social services 
agencies, educational organizations and others, including the Middlesex 
County Board of Social Services, PRAB, Middlesex County Hispanic 
Affairs Commission, ASPIRA New Jersey and the Middlesex County College 
Foundation. She is also a founding board member of Coming Home of 
Middlesex County, Inc., a non-profit aimed at ending homelessness in 
the county, which is honoring Freeholder Valenti at their Fall Gala on 
October 19, 2019.
  In addition to serving in elected office, Freeholder Valenti taught 
at Trenton State College (currently The College of New Jersey) and 
Rutgers University as well as high schools throughout Middlesex County. 
She earned her Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education from 
Seton Hall University and her master's degree in Spanish and Latin 
American Literature from Rutgers University, and holds her 
undergraduate degree from Rosemont College in Pennsylvania.
  Madam Speaker, once again, it is my great honor to pay tribute to 
Freeholder Blanquita B. Valenti as she retires as a Freeholder this 
year. I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in thanking her 
for her commitment to public service and the betterment of our 
communities.

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