[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 21]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 31235]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       TRIBUTE TO RONALD L. BOOK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CARRIE P. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 1999

  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Ronald L. Book, 
one of Florida's truly remarkable citizens. Without ever holding 
elective public office, Ron Book has had a tremendous and positive 
influence on our state and our community for over 25 years.
  Ron's tireless efforts and knowledge of both government and business 
has led to hundreds of millions of dollars in private and public 
investment in Miami-Dade County and throughout the State of Florida, 
resulting in the creation of thousands of new job opportunities, 
improving the quality of life for our citizens and greatly enhancing 
our position as a destination of choice for vacationers and sports 
enthusiasts from around the nation and the world.
  His efforts on behalf of the homeless and dozens of charitable 
organizations ranging from the Special Olympics to the Epilepsy 
Foundation to the Humane Society are not well-publicized, but they 
point out that, when it comes to community service, Ron Book is all 
business. In the highest traditions of public service, he is most 
generous with his time and attention in helping people who cannot 
themselves solve the problems that they face.
  I have known Ron Book since he was just a youngster, making a name 
for himself working on local campaigns. As is the case today, everyone 
who met him then was impressed with his intelligence, hard work, 
devotion to principle and leadership capabilities. No one was surprised 
that Ron served as Vice President of his High School Class, or served 
in the University of Florida's Student Senate, or that he started 
working for a Florida legislator before he even graduated from college.
  Because of his interest in government and desire to develop his own 
considerable capabilities, law school was a natural next step for Ron, 
as were his service as a Special Assistant to Governor Bob Graham; his 
employment in two of Florida's preeminent law firms; and the creation 
of his own law firm.
  On December 14, 1999, Ron Book's achievements will be recognized at a 
testimonial dinner sponsored by the American Association of Bikur 
Cholim Hospital, Jerusalem's first hospital and one of Israel's 
preeminent medical care facilities. Mr. Book will be presented Bikur 
Cholim's International Brotherhood Award in recognition of this 
outstanding contributions to both his profession and our community.
  Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleagues join with me in congratulating 
Ronald L. Book on this great honor.

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