[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 34 (Wednesday, March 17, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E392]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO LESTER L. GOLDSTEIN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 17, 2004

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay homage to one of 
Miami-Dade County's leaders, the late Lester L. Goldstein, who passed 
away on March 16, 2004. His passing has cast a veil of deep sadness 
over our community, and I would like to extend my condolences to his 
widow, Bella, his children, Jeff and Tina, and his grandchildren, Jason 
and Ian.
  Lester Goldstein was a partner in the Bilzen, Sumberg, Baena Price & 
Alexlrod law firm in Miami, but he was so much more. He was an 
extraordinary man of service, a quiet but tireless and effective leader 
who felt at ease with people throughout our diverse community, and he 
devoted his life to improving their lives by his service and his 
example.
  He served as the chairperson of the Greater Miami Service corps, the 
founder of the Alzheimer Care Committee of Douglas Gardens, a founder 
of the Miami Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged, and a founder of 
the Mt. Sinai Medical Center. These are but a few of the great 
initiatives his humanitarian spirit willed to come to fruition, and 
these programs now serve to improve the lives and lessen the burdens of 
countless residents of our community.
  He spearheaded civic fund-raising efforts to help the Miami-Dade 
County Public Schools, the Zoological Society of Florida, and he was a 
member of the American Arbitration Association, the Builders 
Association of South Florida, and local infrastructure and water 
management advisory groups.
  As a highly competent professional in real estate development, zoning 
and land use, administrative law and environmental compliance, he 
conscientiously advocated protection of our environment. His counsel 
was sought in matters ranging from developments of regional impact to 
the rezoning of local projects, including coordination of efforts among 
community groups, government agencies, scientists and environmental 
regulators. Our community feels the loss of a truly decent and caring 
man who made it his personal business to advocate for the well-being of 
our community.
  The numerous tributes and accolades with which government officials 
and various organizations have honored him during his lifetime are 
testimony to the utmost gratitude and respect he enjoyed from a 
grateful community. He truly personified the resilience and compassion 
of a people servant whose life exemplified what Martin Luther King, Jr. 
said that ``. . . everybody can be great because everybody can serve.''
  This is the legacy Mr. Lester L. Goldstein bequeathed to us. I am 
privileged to have been his friend, for his genuine advocacy on behalf 
of the less fortunate evoked a caring heart and a compassionate 
humanity.

                          ____________________