[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 138 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1831]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         A TRIBUTE TO GEORGIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE JOHN GODBEE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK KINGSTON

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Saturday, September 28, 1996

  Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, one of our leading State representatives 
will be retiring this year, Mr. John Godbee.
  I have known Laura and John Godbee for over 10 years. When I was 
first elected to the Georgia General Assembly, both stretched out an 
open arm of welcome to Libby and me. They helped us find our way not 
only around Atlanta but around the State government.
  As a leader from south Georgia, John was a strong advocate for 
agriculture, education, and commonsense government. He was a staunch 
supporter of Georgia Southern University, helping them to obtain 
university status and leading the way toward their explosive period of 
growth. Georgia Southern, today, has truly benefited and become 
nationally known because of leaders like John Godbee.
  John also stood up for primary education. As a former school 
principal, he helped other representatives understand the inner 
workings of our educational process. He was a strong advocate for 
teachers and a true champion for the children of Georgia. During his 
tenure in the legislature, we passed the Quality Basic Education Act, 
which was the most comprehensive reform of Georgia's education system 
in history. Once this important piece of legislation was passed, 
however, John did not forget education. He kept working on it and each 
year tried to fine tune and expand the better portions of the program.
  As a member from a rural area, he was a strong voice for Georgia's 
farmers. As a member of the agriculture committee, John helped pass the 
law designating Vidalia onion counties. As a result, the Vidalia onion 
is now known nationally and internationally as one of the best, sweet 
onion products in the world. It has truly put our part of Georgia in 
the international marketplace. John also worked hard for boll weevil 
eradication, forestry, and commonsense environmental laws.
  Members like John Godbee have made Georgia the great State that it 
is, John and Laura Godbee have been typical of Georgia's great leaders. 
They have strong Christian ethics and family values. Their children are 
all productive members of society and will be carrying on the torch for 
the next generation. But in addition to their immediate family, their 
extended family--the citizens of Georgia, have been true beneficiaries 
of their many personal sacrifices.
  I congratulate John on 16 years of successful leadership, and I join 
others in wishing Laura and him the best.

                          ____________________