[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25685]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING JOHN LONG

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM DAVIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 9, 2005

  Mr. DAVIS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of John Long, 
former Pasco County School Superintendent and former Florida House 
member whose sudden death last week is a terrible loss for our 
community and State.
  A Florida native, John earned his master's degree and doctorate in 
education at the University of South Florida. His impressive career 
with Pasco County Schools began in 1976, when he was hired to oversee 
employee relations, and culminated just one year ago when he retired 
after eight years of service as the Pasco County School Superintendent.
  During that time, John became known far and wide as an asset to 
Pasco's families and school children--a dedicated servant to the 
schools, a highly effective problem solver and a fair and principled 
leader with an open ear to all of the school system's employees. 
Whether he was listening and responding to the concerns of teachers, 
parents and students or lobbying for Penny for Pasco, a penny increase 
in the sales tax which voters approved in 2004 to benefit school 
construction and renovation efforts, John earned great respect for his 
tireless efforts. In 2000, the Florida Association of District School 
Superintendents acknowledged his work by naming him Florida's 
Superintendent of the Year.
  John also served Pasco County in the Florida House of Representatives 
from 1986 until 1994. During his tenure, John secured millions in State 
funds for his community and fought for fair funding for the State's 
public school system. John quickly became known for his integrity and 
his ability to bring his colleagues from both sides of the aisle 
together.
  In fact, John was on the verge of becoming Speaker of the House when 
he walked away from his successful legislative career in order to spend 
more time with his family. John's departure from the Florida 
Legislature was a major loss to the State. John was truly a 
representative for the entire State, especially in improving public 
education for all of Florida's schoolchildren.
  In addition to his enormous contributions to Florida and Pasco 
County's schools, John will probably be best remembered for his 
character. Always honest, always kind, John was beloved for his quick 
wit and his humble nature. I feel honored to have been among John's 
many friends. The vast community of those who loved John was deeply 
saddened by his loss.
  When John retired just last year, we were all happy to know that he 
would be able to spend his retirement with his greatest love--his wife 
and children. Their time together was rich and full, but all too short. 
Today, I extend my deepest sympathies to Marsha, Jennifer and Jessica. 
John Long's remarkable character and contributions will not be 
forgotten.

                          ____________________