Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer recently joined with members of the Town Board, community members and various local officials for the dedication of “Owen Johnson Way” on Millard Avenue in West Babylon. The street dedication is in recognition of retired State Senator Owen Johnson, who represented the Town of Babylon from 1973 to 2013. Numerous elected officials from across Long Island were in attendance for the event to thank Senator Johnson for his service. Representing the Town of Babylon were Supervisor Schaffer, Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez, Councilwoman Jacqueline Gordon, Councilman Tom Donnelly, Councilman Lindsay Henry, Town Clerk Carol Quirk and Receiver of Taxes Corinne DiSomma. Also recognized were Senator Johnson's wife Christel, son Owen, daughter Chirsten Tyman, son-in-law Dan Tyman and granddaughters Eliza and Scarlet Tyman.
A resident of the Town of Babylon, Owen Johnson attended West Babylon Grade School and Babylon High School before joining the United States Marine Corps and attending Hofstra College. First elected in 1972, Senator Johnson served as a strong advocate for the Town of Babylon during his forty year tenure. Senator Johnson served in a variety of influential positions as a member of the State Senate, including Senior Assistant Majority Leader, Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, and member of various other committees, including Economic Development and Small Business, Environmental Conservation, and Labor.
Town of Babylon officials are pictured in front of the new street sign for “Owen Johnson Way,” alongside other local representatives, community leaders and family members of Senator Johnson.