[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6742]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           MAYOR LYNDA BELL OF THE CITY OF HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 9, 2009

  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor a remarkable woman and friend from Florida's 25th District, Mayor 
Lynda Bell of the City of Homestead. She was elected Mayor in November 
2007 and serves as Homestead's first woman mayor in the city's 94-year 
history. Prior to this accomplishment, she served four years on the 
city council from 2003-2007 and was Vice Mayor for two years.
  Born in Hollywood, Florida, Mayor Bell was raised in South Florida 
and attended Miami-Dade College. She has been a resident of Homestead 
since 1979 and understands the needs of the diverse community she 
represents. She has a strong personal belief in volunteerism and 
service, and is completely dedicated to our community. What most stands 
out about Mayor Bell is the energy she puts into her work. Her positive 
attitude is what enables her to get things done and encourages others 
to join her in working towards achieving the goals she has laid out for 
the City of Homestead.
  In 2004, Mayor Bell was chosen as the recipient of the Athena Award 
from the Greater Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce and was a 
finalist for the Florida League of Cities' Councilperson of the Year 
Award in 2007.
  In addition to putting the needs of our community first, Mayor Bell 
also makes life at a home a priority as a dedicated wife to husband 
Mark, and loving mother and grandmother to three children and seven 
grandchildren.
  Mayor Lynda Bell exemplifies the true meaning of public service and 
does so by always prioritizing the needs of others first. As we 
celebrate Women's History Month, I ask you to join me in congratulating 
Mayor Bell for her invaluable service and contributions to our 
community.

                          ____________________