Joseph Kyrillos is the New Jersey State Republican Chairperson and was a delegate to the 2004 Republican Presidential Nominating Convention in New York. With respect to the heavy security and the (alleged) restrictions on free speech during the convention he is quoted as commenting that, "New York City is a fortress, and I love it. We need to thank the New York police for all the protection." Whether he meant it as an authoritarian style comment or was simply complimenting the security for a post 9-11 convention is unclear.
Senator Kyrillos currently sits on both the Senate Judiciary and Economic Growth Committees. He was Majority Conference Leader from 1997-2002. Senator Kyrillos also served as Chairman of the Republican State Committee from 2001-2004.
Some of Senator Kyrillos' major legislative accomplishments during his tenure in the Legislature include sponsorship of the Business Employment Incentive Program to stimulate job creation and cover the costs for businesses moving to the Garden State. Utility reform to help keep costs down for businesses and individuals by increasing competition. Lawsuit , or tort, reform to curb frivolous and wasteful lawsuits that tie up the courts and waste taxpayer money. On the environmental front, Senator Kyrillos sponsored the Green Acres Bond Act of 1995 for open space and clean lakes, including for the first time Blue Acres funding for coastal land preservation, beach access and storm protection. Additionally, he is the primary senate sponsor of the Environmental Infrastructure Trust, legislation promoting eco-tourism in New Jersey, and has fought for a stable source of shore protection funding as well as closing CAFRA loopholes permitting inappropriate coastal development. Senator Kyrillos was a major force behind the College Savings Plan that will help thousands of New Jersey families afford college for their children by offering tax incentives, investment alternatives and tax exempt trusts. Senator Kyrillos also helped establish the School Report Card to enhance accountability in our schools and the High School Proficiency Test to ensure that students graduate with basic skills and knowledge.
In addition to his legislative duties, Senator Kyrillos is employed as Director of GVA Williams Real Estate, a commercial real estate services firm based in Parsippany. His past professional experiences include serving as a Special Assistant to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Donald Hodel and with Vice President George Bush's staff for the 1984 Reagan-Bush campaign.
External source
Randal C. Archibold. "Protesters' Encounters With Delegates on the Town Turn Ugly." August 31, 2004. The New York Times.
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