[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 177 (Thursday, November 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2315]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         THE LOSS OF LES HIRSCH

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                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2008

  Ms. CASTOR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the death of Les 
Hirsch. Mr. Hirsch made an indelible mark on my community in Tampa Bay.
  Over the 50 year period that Mr. Hirsch lived in Tampa, he took on a 
few different roles. In 1960 he became a stockbroker. Many of the 
brokers still practicing in my community got their start when Mr. 
Hirsch hired them. Former employees describe him as ``upbeat, with a 
very sharp mind'' and ``a mentor, inspiration and a role model.'' And 
through his love of politics, he inspired one of them to seek public 
office. Mr. Hirsch helped on his successful campaign for City Council 
in 1991.
  In the late 1970s, Mr. Hirsch was appointed to the Tampa Port 
Authority and then to the Tampa Sports Authority. When Tampa hosted its 
first Super Bowl in 1984, Mr. Hirsch contributed to the effort to 
secure our city as the location. As we ready our city to welcome Super 
Bowl fans again this season, I regret that we won't have his expertise 
this time around.
  Madam Speaker, Mr. Hirsch's death on October 31st marked a great loss 
to his wife Gail, his sons, Rabbi David Hirsch and his wife, Margot, 
and Andrew Hirsch and his wife, Tricia, his daughter, Beth Hirsch, and 
his six grandchildren, as well as the entire Tampa Bay area.

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