[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 7, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E279-E280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING MALI GARDNER IN HONOR OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 7, 2017

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Women's History 
Month, I rise today to honor Mali Gardner, a remarkable individual and 
public servant in Florida.
   Ms. Gardner was first elected to the Clewiston City Commission in 
October of 1999 and was reelected in 2003, 2008, and 2012. Ms. 
Gardner's work extends far beyond her important role on the Clewiston 
City Commission. In 2001, Ms. Gardner was appointed Mayor of Clewiston, 
where she served until 2010, and was elected Mayor once again in 
December 2016. Her tireless efforts on behalf of the public led her to 
become part of Governor Rick Scott's Economic Development Transition 
Team, where she worked to extend economic opportunities to Floridians 
across the state.
   Ms. Gardner's public service extends beyond her work on the 
Clewiston City Commission or her mayoral activities. Ms. Gardner is a 
Paul Harrison Fellow in the Clewiston Rotary Club. As a graduate of 
Clewiston High School, her commitment to the Clewiston community runs 
deep. Whether it is fighting for better schools or more economic 
opportunities for residents of Clewiston, it's a safe bet that Ms. 
Gardner is standing up for her constituents and neighbors.
   I have been privileged to work with Mali in her capacity as mayor, 
and been impressed time and again with her work ethic and devotion to 
her community.
   Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to know Ms. Gardner and I greatly 
admire her service to the community. I have known Mali for many years, 
and she has consistently been among the most active, positive, and fore 
thinking individuals I have been privileged to work with.

[[Page E280]]

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing her and her achievements.

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