[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 140 (Thursday, October 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2002]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO NORFOLK COMMISSIONER OF THE REVENUE SAM T. BARFIELD

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                          HON. OWEN B. PICKETT

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 9, 1997

  Mr. PICKETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Honorable Sam 
T. Barfield, who is retiring this year after serving as commissioner of 
the revenue of the city of Norfolk for the past 28 years.
  Sam was born in Charleston, SC in 1917. He enlisted in the U.S. 
Marine Corps in 1941 and was discharged 5 years later with honors and 
the rank of major. He entered private business in Norfolk, VA following 
his service in the Marine Corps and has continued to live there until 
the present.
  He began his public service work early in his business career by 
serving on the board of directors for the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce 
from 1949 until 1968. He also sought public office and was elected to 
the Norfolk City Council, where he served from 1959 to 1969. During the 
difficult period following the Supreme Court decision in 1954 
abolishing segregation in public schools, Sam took a public stand in 
favor of integrating the Norfolk city schools in order to keep them 
open.
  He has been instrumental in the planning and construction of many 
downtown Norfolk landmarks, including Scope, Chrysler Hall, and the 
City Hall Complex.
  He was elected to the office of commissioner of the revenue in 1969. 
One of his first innovations was the introduction and use of paper 
decals on windshields in place of metal city plates which resulted in a 
considerable cost savings to the taxpayers.
  As commissioner, Sam worked cooperatively with the State's Governors, 
general assembly, and congressional delegation to effect tax reform, 
obtain payments in-lie of taxes for federally-owned property, and 
protect the role of the commissioners of revenue under the Virginia 
Constitution. He also served as president of the commissioners of the 
Revenue Association and the Virginia Association of Locally Elected 
Constitutional Officers.
  Sam was outspoken and colorful politician who enjoyed people and took 
great pride in his community and his work. I know that his many friends 
and admirers join me in saluting him for his long, dedicated, and loyal 
public service.

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