[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23329]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF SENATOR KENNETH MYERS

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 3, 2007

  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker on behalf of Representatives 
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Alcee Hastings, Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Mario Diaz-
Balart, Robert Wexler, Ron Klein and myself, I rise to honor the life 
and memory of former Senator Kenneth Myers.
  A tireless advocate for the rights of others, Senator Myers served 
with distinction in the Florida Legislature for 16 years; 4 years in 
the House of Representatives, followed by 12 years in the Senate. 
Senator Myers was truly an outstanding leader in the State of Florida. 
He honorably served as chair of the Dade Delegation and sponsored more 
than 200 pieces of legislation and many ground-breaking laws. 
Throughout his life, Senator Myers was a compassionate and dedicated 
man who provided consummate service to the community.
  Born in Miami in 1933, Senator Myers graduated from Miami High School 
in 1950. He attended the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 
where he earned his bachelor's degree, and went on to earn his law 
degree at the University of Florida's School of Law.
  Coming from a family of compassionate leaders, Senator Myers grew up 
with a strong sense of commitment and dedication to the community. His 
father, Stanley Myers, founded the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. His 
sister, Judy Gilbert-Gould currently serves as the Director of the 
Jewish Community Relations Council at the Federation. Senator Myers' 
nephew Robert Gilbert serves as an officer on the Federation's Board, 
and his nephew Mark Gilbert is active in youth programs at Temple Beth 
Am in Miami. Senator Myers' niece Carolyn and other family members are 
following in his footsteps by dedicating their time, talents and 
service to the community, as well.
  Though Senator Myers will be remembered by his former colleagues as 
an eloquent speaker and fervent debater, his lasting legacy to the 
people of the State of Florida will be his championing of legislation 
on behalf of women's rights, the administration of Jackson Memorial 
Hospital, and his assistance for alcoholics and the mentally ill.
  The Jewish prayer for mourning never speaks of death, but often 
speaks of peace. My colleagues and I extend these words of peace as 
well as our heartfelt sympathy to the friends and family of Senator 
Kenneth Myers and to the entire south Florida community during this 
difficult time.

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