In honor of Black History Month, Assemblyman Gordon Johnson (D-Bergen) led the General Assembly in honoring local civic leader Jack Drakeford’s public service contributions during a ceremony at the Statehouse on Thursday.
“When it comes to public service, Jack is an institution unto himself,” said Johnson. “Throughout his life, he has given unselfishly of his personal and professional time for the betterment of all those around him. Few people can rival his selfless and distinguished record of civic involvement and for that we salute him.”
Drakeford currently serves as a Councilman for the City of Englewood, a position he has held over the span of four decades, including four stints as Council President. Throughout his lengthy public service career, he has also served as Englewood City Clerk, City Manager, Acting Director of the Department of Public Works, Acting Public Safety Director, and as a member of the Englewood Housing Authority.
In addition to his professional contributions, he has served his community with distinction in a number of volunteer capacities, most notably as a member of the Board for Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County and as Board President of the Bergen County Technical School.
“Jack Drakeford has continually demonstrated an uncommon measure of public-spiritedness and established a standard of excellence in public service that serves as an inspiration for all of us to follow,” added Johnson. “It’s an honor to join with the General Assembly in paying tribute to his meritorious history of service, leadership, and commitment to the citizens of Englewood and of the Garden State.”
Johnson was joined by Bergen County Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle and members of the Legislative Black Caucus in presenting Drakeford with a ceremonial resolution honoring his achievements.