Jack Sinagra

Jack G. Sinagra
Born	(1950-03-18) 18 March 1950 Queens, New York City, U.S.
Died	26 August 2013(2013-08-26) (aged 63)
Occupation(s)	Politician, Business executive
Years active	1987–2001 (politics)
Known for	Mayor of East Brunswick, New Jersey; New Jersey State Senator; Chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

Jack G. Sinagra (March 18, 1950 – August 26, 2013) was a Republican political figure in the United States who held the office of mayor in East Brunswick, New Jersey, and served as a New Jersey State Senator representing the 18th Legislative District from 1992 until 2001.

Biography

A native of Queens, New York City, Sinagra completed his secondary education at Bayside High School and obtained a degree in accounting from the College of Emporia in 1972. His professional career included roles as Senior Vice President and subsequently President at Turtle and Hughes. Entering public service, he was elected to the East Brunswick Township Council in 1987 and held the mayoral position from 1989 through 1991.

Under his leadership as mayor, East Brunswick became the pioneering municipality in New Jersey to prohibit cigarette vending machines beginning January 1991, despite resistance from distributors who intended to pursue legal action.

In the 1991 election for State Senate, Sinagra secured victory with 53.5% of the vote and was re-elected in both 1993 and 1997 with growing support. Within the Senate, he chaired the Health Committee and was a member of the Commerce Committee.

He introduced legislation aimed at eliminating "double dipping," which refers to holding more than one elected office simultaneously, and championed a law mandating playground safety improvements across the state. These enhancements included installing shock-absorbing surfaces and replacing wooden or metal swing seats with plastic alternatives.

Following the resignation of Lewis M. Eisenberg as Chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in September 2001, Sinagra was appointed commissioner by Acting Governor Donald DiFrancesco and subsequently confirmed. He resigned from his Senate position on October 23, 2001, and was elected Chairman of the Port Authority in December of that year.

Sinagra lived in New York City until his passing on August 26, 2013, at the age of 63.