January 10, 2007        

Thank you Senator Bob Littell 

   The first time I met Senator Bob Littell was when he personally knocked on my back door to speak with my son, Sean, to give him a Christmas gift.  I had heard of Bob Littell (he was my neighbor), but I had never met him.  Sean was his paperboy.  That was 10 years ago. 

   Senator Littell wasn't at my house seeking support for an important state issue.  He was there to say thank you and to speak for a few minutes to an 11 year old boy about the
importance of hard work and getting good grades in school.  He was being a good mentor.  I remember him talking to Sean for about 20 minutes that day. During his tenure as his paperboy Sean enjoyed many conversations with Senator Littell at his front door. 

   Obviously, Sean was too young to vote, but the good Senator was more interested in helping a young man succeed.  Sean is now 21, doing extremely well and is ready to graduate in May with a civil engineering degree.  I am sure the wise, sage advice of our neighbor, and now friend and mentor, was a very positive influence.
   Since that time I have had the opportunity to know Bob myself, and as a Franklin Borough Councilman and a Sussex County Freeholder I have witnessed his willingness to help wherever and whenever he could.  He was never interested in a lot of fanfare -- he was just interested in helping.
    When I think of Senator Littell words that come to mind are: reputation, respect, relationships, resolve, resources and relevance.
    I think of his excellent reputation for honesty, fairness, and level-headed thinking Senator Littell established through his years as our representative, and how his reputation has been an institutional asset for the 24th District and the towns of Sussex, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. 
   I have heard the Senator say on a number of occasions, and he has a plaque in his office to remind people: "there is no right way to do a wrong thing".
   As I travel throughout the 24th District and in Trenton I talk with many of the Senator's former colleagues, and I am in awe of the level of respect he has earned through his hard work, wisdom, skill and decency in how he handled the duties of his office.
   As an elected official, I have witnessed the resolve, steadfastness, determination and perseverance he has for getting the job done, and how his hard work translated into his ability to secure many resources for the benefit of his constituents.
   Many people have told me about the big shoes I have to fill.  They are absolutely right!  However, I feel comfortable knowing my neighbor, our statesman, Senator Robert Littell will be there, as always, to help.
   Senator, thank you for all your years of leadership, guidance and selfless service.  You  have made a difference, and your legacy always will be remembered!

Senator Steve Oroho

(24^th Dist. NJ)