[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 6 (Wednesday, February 4, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E98]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING DAVID SAMSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 1998

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, on December 18, 1997, I had the pleasure of 
honoring David Samson at a meeting of the Concerned Citizens of 
Northeast Dade. Below is the text of my speech:

                        Tribute to David Samson

       Today I rise to honor a man who has proven himself to be a 
     true leader in one of the most civic and politically involved 
     communities in these United States. I am speaking of The 
     Honorable David Samson, Mayor of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. 
     When Mr. Samson moved to Florida 25 years ago, he planned to 
     retire after a successful business career in Chicago. But for 
     a man like Dave Samson, retirement didn't come easily. He got 
     involved in his community, became the president of his 
     condominium, and has held that office for the past 23 years. 
     I believe he is the longest standing condominium president in 
     Florida's history. Dave also has been Chairman of the 
     Citizens Advisory Committee for the Metro-Dade Police 
     Department Station 6 for the past eight years. To his credit, 
     he has raised thousand of dollars to assist the police 
     department and the families of fallen police officers.
       For the past 13 years, Dave has been President of one of 
     the most active and influential civic groups in all of Miami-
     Dade County, Concerned Citizens of Northeast Dade. During his 
     tenure, Dave has improved the quality of life for residents, 
     most of who are in their golden years. He created the Vial of 
     Life Program for seniors in emergency situations, created 
     programs to educate residents on hurricane preparedness, 
     improved police protection, street lighting, and urged the 
     formation of a much needed fire rescue unit on the beach. 
     Under Dave's leadership, this group has also been responsible 
     for tremendous support in ``getting out the vote'' 
     initiatives for important issues and candidates they felt 
     were worthy of their support. I have been a beneficiary of 
     this support and feel that we have an excellent partnership 
     working on issues that greatly affect this community such as 
     beach renourishment and seniors' right related to adult-only 
     condominiums. This outstanding organization is honoring Dave 
     at a most-deserved affair to pay tribute to him as the 
     outgoing president. I am proud to be a part of this tribute.
       Ladies and Gentlemen, there's still more. At the ripe young 
     age of 80, Dave Samson led the fight to incorporate his 
     beautiful area of Sunny Isles Beach and befittingly became 
     its first mayor. This doesn't surprise those of us who know 
     Dave personally. He is truly a dynamo and a man filled with 
     heart. Perhaps the person who knows best is Dave's beautiful 
     wife of 58 years, Marion. They say behind every great man is 
     a strong woman. To have endured a lifetime with a man whose 
     career that just won't quit, I believe Marion deserves a 
     medal.
       On behalf of Emilie and myself, I congratulate Dave on his 
     many years of dedicated service to Concerned Citizens of 
     Northeast Dade and to the entire community who has benefited 
     from all his tireless efforts on their behalf.

     

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