[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 96 (Friday, July 17, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1342]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO LUTHER H. BATTISTE, III

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                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 17, 1998

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my good 
friend Luther H. Battiste, III, as he retires from the City Council of 
Columbia, South Carolina.
  In 1983 he was elected to represent the newly created City Council 
District One. During his 15 years on the Council, he was re-elected 
three times and served two terms as Mayor Pro Tempore. Mr. Battiste is 
one of the first two African Americans to serve on the Columbia City 
Council.
  During his tenure, he spearheaded the effort to acquire and renovate 
Eau Claire Town Hall, strongly supported the annexation of the 
Greenview, Fairwold and Belvedere communities, and initiated the idea 
for the establishment of public housing on Arsenal Hill, that project 
has become a national model for quality and innovation. He developed 
the concept of utilizing the park system for music concerts, chaired 
the committee that produced the implementation of the Congaree Vista 
Zoning Overlay, and devised the policy banning City of Columbia 
investments in South Africa. He also co-sponsored the establishment of 
the first City of Columbia Minority Business Enterprise Program, 
strongly opposed the proliferation of community care homes and cellular 
towers and strongly advocated the preservation of city neighborhoods 
and the establishment of programs to stimulate middle income housing.
  He has been praised by many in his community, and described as ``one 
of the most articulate and thoughtful members of [the] Council.'' He 
leaves behind a legacy in city neighborhoods, housing, cultural 
enhancement, downtown revitalization, and equal access and 
opportunities.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join with me in wishing my very good friend 
Luther J. Battiste, III, well, as he leaves the Columbia city council.

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