[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 118 (Tuesday, September 9, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9026-S9027]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JUDGE ALAN GOLD

 Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I am honored to welcome Judge Alan 
Gold to the Federal bench in the Southern District of Florida. For more 
than 25 years, Alan Gold has served the State of Florida with honor and 
distinction. I have no doubt that his outstanding service will continue 
in his new assignment. On September 15, Judge Gold will be sworn in, 
along with Mr. Donald Middlebrooks, in ceremonies in Miami, FL.
  Much of my confidence in Judge Alan Gold comes from his lifelong 
commitment to the people of our State. He began his career more than 25 
years ago, when he represented Dade County in both State and Federal 
courts.
  In 1975, Alan Gold moved into private practice, where he developed 
wide recognition and respect as a leader in land use and environmental 
law.
  In 1984, when I was Governor, I appointed Judge Gold to Florida's 
Land Management Study Committee, a vital post given our State's long 
period of rapid population growth. In addition, Judge Gold served 
Florida for 6 years as general counsel to the Florida High Speed Rail 
Transportation Commission, an entity created by the State legislature 
in 1984 to develop a high-speed rail transportation and magnetic 
levitation demonstration project.
  Mr. President, in addition to his substantial professional 
experience, Judge Gold will bring respected academic credentials to the 
Federal bench. In 1989, nearly 25 years after completing a masters in 
law at the University of Miami School of Law, Judge Gold was invited to 
join his alma mater's faculty as an adjunct professor. It was a wise 
invitation to an outstanding role model for future generations of legal 
professionals.
  As a result of his distinguished efforts in the public interest and 
in private practice, Alan Gold was appointed

[[Page S9027]]

to Florida's Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court, where he has served with 
integrity and competence. His peers and colleagues have overwhelmingly 
endorsed his abilities. In a 1994 survey of regional attorneys by the 
Dade County Bar, 92.8 percent of respondents rated Judge Gold's 
performance as qualified or exceptionally qualified.
  As a circuit court judge, Alan Gold served both in the family and 
criminal divisions, where he presided over felony jury cases. Despite 
the demands of a heavy caseload, Judge Gold continued his efforts to 
improve the legal system for Florida communities, families, and 
individuals. He was appointed to the Florida Supreme Court's Family 
Court Steering Committee and has recently chaired an effort to develop 
a model family court.
  During the confirmation process, Judge Gold's support transcended 
partisanship. In addition to the support from Senator Connie Mack and 
myself, he earned strong endorsements from U.S. Representatives Lincoln 
Diaz-Balart of Miami and E. Clay Shaw of Fort Lauderdale.
  Mr. President, Judge Alan Gold has long provided an example of 
academic diligence, legal acumen, judicial excellence, and 
determination to serve Floridians. I am pleased that he will join the 
Federal bench, and extend my congratulations to him, his family, and 
the Senate for its prompt review and confirmation of this worthy 
nominee.

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