For three years more than 20 years ago, a young Chris Christie and a wizened Jack O’Keeffe were unlikely allies on the Morris County freeholder board.

They ran together in 1994, fought many battles together (winning some) and lost reelection together in 1997.

But what was surprising about the relationship was that it was genuine, not merely one of political convenience.

Notwithstanding an age difference of more than 30 years and changing fortunes – Christie became governor and O’Keeffe’s health began to fail – they remained friends. I once heard then-Gov. Christie at a press conference in Morris County mentioned something O’Keeffe had told him.

Now in the strange way that the political wheel turns, both Christie and O’Keeffe are going to have public places named after them.

The Morris County freeholders just dedicated in Christie’s name an access road to a county park on the old grounds of Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital in Parsippany.

And officials in O’Keeffe’s hometown of Denville plan to dedicate a plaza in front of township hall to him on Oct. 5.

In addition to his freeholder stint, O’Keeffe was a long-time elected official in Denville. He had many accomplishments, including helping develop the old municipal building and town library. He also helped modernize the township’s form of government.

Efforts to reach Christie were unsuccessful, but he is expected to attend the ceremony.