Richard Tighe Receives Abbie Fair Good Government Award

On May 30, 2003, Abbie Fair, Director of ANJEC (Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions) and Julia Somers, Executive Director of Great Swamp Watershed Association, presented Richard Tighe of Morristown, with the 2003 Abbie Fair Good Government Award. According to Somers, the Abbie Fair Good Government Award is given to an elected official who has high ideals and puts "good government" into action. 

Abbie Fair presented the award to Dick Tighe and said, "In a time when politics often has a bad name, it's so important to recognize and applaud individuals who are committed to public service and good government. Dick has worked tirelessly and without fanfare to take action to protect the environment and support regional planning."

Julia Somers was quoted as saying, "We give this award in recognition of Abbie's multiple terms on the Chatham Township Committee and in recognition of her ability to work effectively and promote sound land use decisions and planning in Chatham Township. It is also in recognition of her efforts to protect the environment of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. 88% of Chatham Township is in the Great Swamp watershed. Wise and courageous leadership and support for the State Plan made Dick a natural to receive this award.

Dick Tighe is a Councilman in Morristown and was chair of the Morristown Planning Board. He guided Morristown to become the first Regional Center so designated in the State Development Plan. As Councilman, he has helped guide Morristown in its current resurgence and promoted the goals and policies of the State Plan."

Great Swamp Watershed Association was created in 1981 to protect the Great Swamp watershed basin. Celebrating more than 20 years as a non-profit organization, the Watershed Association relies solely on membership and contributions to help protect the continued health of our watershed's area. If you're not already a member, become one today. For more information and a listing of other events, visit the Watershed Association website at www.greatswamp.org.

Photo from left: Abbie Fair of Chatham Township, Dick Tighe 
of Morristown, and Julia Somers of Harding Township.

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