[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 32 (Tuesday, February 24, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E312]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO HOWARD V. GARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 24, 2009

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life 
and legacy of the late Mr. Howard V. Gary, a beloved community leader 
in my district often credited with helping re-shape downtown Miami, who 
recently passed away after a five year battle with cancer.
  Born on January 13, 1947, in Harlem Hospital in New York, Mr. Gary's 
mother moved her two sons to Miami where her family lived early in his 
life. He graduated from Miami Northwestern Senior High School. He 
continued his education by earning a bachelor's degree in political 
science and business administration from Morehouse College before 
earning a master's degree in public policy from the University of 
Michigan.
  One of the most influential figures in Mr. Gary's life was his uncle 
Mr. Charles Hadley. Not only did Mr. Hadley help to take care of his 
family, but he was also a force in Miami politics who politicians 
relied on to get out the black vote.
  Mr. Gary was budget director in Newark, New Jersey, before relocating 
to South Florida in 1976 as Miami's budget and management director. He 
made history in the City of Miami when he was hired as the first 
African-American to serve as City Manager. Just 35 years old when 
appointed, Mr. Gary was praised for his effective management, guiding 
the city through the completion of MetroRail and the construction of 
the downtown people mover. Bayside Marketplace was conceived under his 
leadership as a way to revitalize downtown Miami and the declining 
bayfront area.
  After leaving public office, Mr. Gary dedicated his life to becoming 
a successful bond dealer. Howard Gary and Co., the firm he owned, had 
been involved in 123 bond deals around the country since 1992.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my distinguished colleagues join me in 
recognizing Mr. Gary's extraordinary life and many accomplishments 
within the South Florida community. I appreciate this opportunity to 
pay tribute to him before the United States House of Representatives. 
Moreover, Mr. Howard V. Gary was blessed with a loving family who took 
pleasure in every aspect of his professional career and his personal 
interests.

                          ____________________