Gelber says good-bye
Dan Gelber provided the coda to his eight year House career this morning in humble fashion, using his farewell mostly to thank others and staying away (mostly) from the jokey and sometimes biting partisan rhetoric that made him a standout among Democrats.
"Around here everything is Democrat and Republican," the Miami Beach lawmaker said, his voice hoarse from illness. "Obviously these party line votes don't truly reflect our thoughts on things. Anytime you can be bi-partisan, any time you can be nonpartisan, you should strive for that."
"I loved the last eight years," he said. "I'm looking forward to going down the hall and helping you with your bills or killing them mercilessly."
When he finished, House Speaker Marco Rubio introduced HB 619, tougher child restraint requirements Gelber long sought. It passed 112-0, and now heads to the Senate, a chamber Gelber hopes to join next session. (Times photo | Scott Keeler)
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His story about Johnnie Byrd was classic.
Posted by: | May 02, 2008 at 02:14 PM
Dan Gelber is a very classy legislator. I don't think the Democrats know just how much they are going to miss his leadership.
Posted by: | May 03, 2008 at 12:35 AM
Rep. Gelber,
A job well done.
Thank you.
The Citizens of Florida
Posted by: | May 03, 2008 at 02:49 PM