[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 92 (Thursday, June 20, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1139-E1140]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO STEPHEN P. CLARK

                                 ______


                           HON. PETER DEUTSCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 20, 1996

  Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Stephen P. 
Clark, a man who dedicated his life to serving the public for more than 
four decades. He served as mayor of the city of Miami from 1967 to 1970 
and again from 1993 to 1996. In between he served as mayor of 
metropolitan Dade County.
  In 1970, he resigned as mayor of Miami to win the office of mayor of 
Dade County. With the exception of 2 years, he held that post until 
1993. Once in office he helped transform Dade County from a sleepy 
tourist oriented county into the growing metropolis it is today. Under 
his guidance Dade County has become an initial center for banking, 
business, and the arts in the United States.
  As mayor of Dade County, Mr. Clark spurred county improvement 
projects such as a modern transit system, a cultural center, and a main 
library. He was instrumental in establishing community wide, public-
private efforts, to create jobs and economic assistance. He initiated 
the Housing Finance Authority, which provides low-cost mortgages for 
new homeowners. Furthermore, he constantly worked to improve living 
conditions, create job-training programs for the youth, and facilitate 
effective community relations amongst Miami's depressed areas.
  In 1993, 23 years after resigning from office, Stephen Clark was 
again elected to serve Miami as their mayor. He initiated measures to 
save the city millions of dollars while improving and expanding public 
services such as the fire and police. He worked to improve 
communication and enhance ties with the community. Under his direction, 
the city joined forces with Fannie Mae to create an affordable housing 
plan which provides nearly 70,000 Miami-Dade families with housing 
opportunities. In 1994, he hosted the Pan American Summit of 
Hemispheric Presidents, which was attended by 34 heads of state from 
democratic countries of the Western Hemisphere.
  In a time when cities across this Nation have seen shrinking budgets 
while ever increasing challenges mounted, Stephen Clark

[[Page E1140]]

was there for metropolitan Dade County. In meeting those challenges 
head on and conquering them, he touched and improved the lives of 
millions of Florida residents. Mr. Speaker, Stephen Clark is an example 
for us all as to what an elected official should strive to become. I 
thank and praise him for his lifetime of service and dedication.

                          ____________________