[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 25 (Thursday, February 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MATT LANGLEY BELL III

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOE SCARBOROUGH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 11, 1999

  Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Mr. Speaker, on October 15, 1998, the citizens of 
Pensacola and the State of Florida lost a man who dedicated his career 
to the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of life. This gentleman 
distinguished himself as a community leader, a dedicated 
philanthropist, and the model of an honest and effective leader. The 
man that I speak about today is Matt Langley Bell III.
  It is natural to remember Matt Langley Bell III for his nearly 22 
years of tax collecting, during which he served on the Board of 
Directors of the Florida Tax Collectors Inc. and the National 
Association of County Treasurers. I could mention the countless awards 
he has received for effective leadership, especially the Meritorious 
Service Award that was presented to him by the President's Committee on 
Employment of the Handicapped. Or I could applaud his involvement with 
the March of Dimes and the United Way where he helped raise funds and 
increase awareness concerning the plight of handicapped citizens. But I 
am sure that if Matt was with us today he would say that those 
accomplishments were simply part of his job.
  However, in my opinion Mr. Speaker, Matt went above and beyond the 
call of duty by dedicating his life to helping others. At a time when 
our nation calls out for principled leadership from public officials, 
it is fitting that today we honor a professional who always went the 
extra mile to represent the under-represented and to promote awareness 
within the community, the State of Florida, and the nation. During his 
distinguished career, Matt Bell III came to know and respect our rights 
of justice and he never forgot how important that right is to the 
American way of life.
  Matt's overall attitude and dedication to public service has been a 
model in the lives of the public servants that he has trained, 
supervised, and encouraged. His legacy will be a constant reminder that 
one person can make an extraordinary difference in the lives of many.
  As we remember the life of Matt Langley Bell III, we can take pride 
in knowing that he has influenced so many people in a positive way. As 
a fellow elected official and as a friend, I appreciate the importance 
of dedication and devotion to public office. I can't think of a better 
way to be reminded of that fact than in honoring of life of the late 
Matt Langley Bell Ill.

                          ____________________