Dear Editor:
An era ended in the history of Hudson County government with the passing of former Hudson County Executive Edward F. Clark, Jr. on December 3, 2011. Mr. Clark served as the first county executive from 1978 to 1988, upon the vote of the people to enact the County Executive Form of Government in 1978. He retired after serving with integrity and honesty in 1988.
Mr. Clark served the people of the county in various elected capacities from the 1960’s as a Freeholder and Freeholder Director and took over the reins of government after the difficulties encountered by the “Hudson Eight” and others in the early 1970’s.
This writer had the distinct honor and pleasure of serving under County Executive Clark both on a governmental and political basis working on his political campaigns. It is to be noted that Ed Clark always put the people first and ensured that all county services were rendered and he did so with a distinct regard of the burden of the taxpayers.
The County of Hudson was certainly left in better condition than when Ed Clark found it upon taking office. Our prayers to his fine family and may he rest in peace.
Respectfully,
Robert B. Knapp