[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 91 (Thursday, June 24, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1391]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JOHN R. JONES

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                          HON. JOE SCARBOROUGH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 24, 1999

  Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Mr. Speaker, the citizens of Escambia County and the 
State of Florida have been blessed with a man who has dedicated his 
career to the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of life. This 
gentleman distinguished himself as a community leader and the model of 
an honest and effective public servant. The man that I speak about is 
John R. Jones.
  Most of the residents of Northwest Florida remember John R. Jones for 
his over 40 years of public service, during which he served as an 
Escambia County Commissioner and as the Escambia County Property 
Appraiser. We are better because of his belief that the needs of each 
taxpayer are equally important, and his insistence that he wasn't just 
elected by the people of Escambia County, he was employed by them.
  However, what I admire most about Mr. Jones, is that he always went 
above and beyond the call of duty to help 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 equality within 
the community, the State of Florida, and the nation. During his 
distinguished career, John never forgot how important the little guy is 
to the American way of life.
  Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, June 29, an athletic park in Escambia County 
will be dedicated in Mr. Jones' honor. I can't think of a more fitting 
way to honor the life of a man who has been such an integral part of 
our community.
  As we celebrate the accomplishments of John R. Jones, 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. Mr. Jones' 
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.




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