By Berit Ollestad
Mayor Tim Dougherty was honored with a “Heroes Award” this month. But he was quick to acknowledge the man who nominated him as the real deal.
“I’m not the hero. Billy is,” the Mayor told members of The Arc of New Jersey, at its 10th Annual Spring Into Action Statewide Self-Advocacy (SSA) Luncheon.
Dougherty was referring to Morristown’s own Bill Byrne, a champion for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities.
Byrne was born with phenylketonuria, an amino acid disorder that can cause intellectual deficits. He has campaigned tirelessly to remove the hurtful “R word” — as in, “retarded” — from official state documents, from public discourse, and even from the “ARC” name.
He also is a regular at town council meetings, advocating for safer pedestrian crosswalks and other quality of life issues.
Byrne nominated Dougherty for the annual Hero Award, which recognizes someone “who embodies the characteristics of an everyday hero, a person who exhibits compassion, humility and strength.”
The Mayor said he felt humbled by the recognition.
“I didn’t expect it and I don’t do things to get awards. I knew Billy long before I was mayor. It’s no different than me working with any other resident in town that have certain issues that they would like addressed. Billy will always have the full support of myself and the council,” Dougherty said at The Imperia in Somerset.
Byrne, 61, said his concerns extend beyond people struggling with mental challenges.
“I care about everyone,” he said. “We all eventually will be old someday and will need to cross the street and that is why it’s so important that crosswalks have curb-cuts. I also feel bad for moms with strollers when they struggle to get up curbs without them. I’m just doing my best to make sure all curbs have them, and not only that it’s the law.”
Robert Hage, president of the ARC of New Jersey, said Byrne is a great asset to the organization.
“Self advocates are so impactful and make such a difference in advocacy groups. Bill is so passionate about what he does. It gives an issue a live face, not just a number. Advocacy groups long to have a live person advocating for their cause,” Hage said.
Byrne took great pride in introducing Dougherty.
“Tim is the example of what a true politician is,” he said. “He shows up at events and lends his support to things that are important to me.”
Here is the nomination submitted by Byrne:
I am nominating Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty for The Hero’s Award. In my opinion, Mayor Dougherty embodies the characteristics of a hero in the following manner:
He’s Compassionate; When the Mayor and his wife attended the SAA Conference last year, Tim met with the ARC President, Tom Bufutte, and other self advocates, I knew he was really feeling it. Other Politicians don’t feel it but I know Tim does. When he spoke with advocates, he really listened and tried to understand their concerns, he had conversation with them and cared about what they were saying and their needs.
In Morristown, he is getting things done to address pedestrian safety. When I bring issues to his attention or at the Council meetings, Tim takes the time to listen to me then explains that although things might take time, they are in the works.
Mayor Dougherty is the first Mayor of Morristown to share an interest in Pedestrian Safety, not only with me but community wide.
Mayor Dougherty also gave me an award for my self-advocacy work, he named Aug. 16, 2014, as Billy Byrne Day and has given me the Key to the City. He encourages me to continue to work towards a better community.
Mayor Dougherty inspires others; he is understanding, doesn’t just act real big, he’s a mellow person, helps others stay in balance as an example, when he gave me my award he told me “Now Billy, don’t let this go to your head.” He inspired me to continue my work and encourages me so that I can do anything.
Tim is a responsible person, shows up when he says he will and he is a man of his word.
I’ve had the honor to get to know Bill over the last few years. So, when I was asked ‘if I could represent MG (Morristowngreen) & cover the event where Bill was honoring our Mayor, I didn’t hesitate.
But, what I forgot to include is Bill’s affection for Mary Dougherty. I’ve seen on many occasions how the Mayor & his wife Mary have embraced Bill & told him that if he needs anything, then just give either one of them a call.
In closing, I’m pretty sure Bill has already addressed the committee to see if next year the award could be presented to a team. ‘Team Dougherty’ is my guess for his submission next year.