State Sen. Linda Greenstein Monroe Township Council Vice President Miller on his induction into the New Elected Officials Hall of Fame. MONROE — Township Councilman Henry Miller has become the third sitting elected official on the local governing body to make the Hall of Fame.
Miller was recently inducted with the 2011 class of the New Jersey Elected Officials Hall of Fame. The honor, administered by the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, comes two years after Monroe Mayor Richard Pucci and Councilman Irwin Nalitt were inducted.
Miller has served more than two decades on the Township Council, at times holding the title of president and vice president.
“It took me 20 years to get this,” he said while being honored during the June 8 council meeting. “Thank you for the privilege.”
Miller was first elected in November 1989 and is serving his fifth term on council.
“It’s a wonderful town. Not a better town can be found in the county or in the state of New Jersey,” he said
Miller was an educator for many years and held school administrative positions before retiring and running for council. He currently serves as the council representative to the Historic Preservation Commission, chairman of the Affordable Housing Board, and commissioner on the Municipal Utilities Authority. He formerly served as a member of the township Planning Board and chairman of the Middlesex County Planning Board.
State Sen. Linda Greenstein (D-Middlesex) was at the meeting to present Miller with the honor.
Greenstein said Miller is one of the most knowledgeable people that she has worked with, and is extremely dedicated to Monroe.
“I don’t think there can be anyone more dedicated,” she told Miller. “It shows in everything you do.”
Greenstein, who spoke of Miller’s commitment to the citizens of Monroe over the years, presented him with a certificate from the Senate.
Mayor Pucci and other members of the council described Miller’s service with humor and gratitude. Pucci recalled that when he was first elected mayor, he called upon Miller to be chairman of the Planning Board, and now, over 20 years later, they still work very closely together. He described Miller as having a “truly outstanding record” of service.
“Your work has not gone unnoticed. …
This award exemplifies your service,” he said .
Nalitt said he has enjoyed Miller’s company and wisdom. He told the story of how
Miller was invited to run with Pucci in 1987, but Miller tripped on a garden hose and smashed his ankle.
“Not only was he unable to run, but he couldn’t even walk,” Nalitt said, adding that hewas second choice to run and has been on the council ever since.
“I owemy entire political career to Hank
Miller,” Nalitt said.
Councilwoman Leslie Koppel thanked
Miller for becoming a mentor to her. She said Miller motivated her to go back to school and obtain a master’s degree. “Thank you for the inspiration,” she said. Council President Gerald Tamburro congratulated Miller and remarked on their parallel political careers. “I feel like I have followed him my whole life,” he said, referring to the fact that they have both served as council president recognizes and vice president, members of the Middlesex Hank County Planning Board, and commissioners Jersey of theMunicipal UtilitiesAuthority.
Also, they both attended Seton Hall University.
“I amsick and tired of following you,” he said, jokingly but adding, “I have enjoyed my time serving with you.”
Contact Christina Haberstroh at [email protected].