Florida House Honors the Late Rep. Jack Tobin

When the House met on Wednesday afternoon, the session began with a moment of silence for former Rep. Jack Tobin who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 69. Tobin served in the House from 1982 until 1998.

Rep. Jim Waldman, D-Coconut Creek, took to the House floor to offer a tribute to Tobin.

Jack started in city government as a commissioner, and then mayor of Margate, said Waldman. He first ran for the Legislature in 1982 when the state went to single-member districts. Jack had a great sense of humor and was one of the `class clowns, always ready to participate in, or plan, practical jokes.But when you put a gavel in his hand, his other persona took over. He ran an organized, timely meeting, keeping everyone on point, and did it with respect for all who participated in the meeting.

As chair of a committee, he believed every piece of legislation that was referred to his committee deserved to be heard by the committee members and voted for or against on its own merit, not on the decision of the chair. As a result, he was highly respected by members on both sides of the aisle, added Waldman.
Two pieces of legislation he will be remembered for are the Living Will (with then-Rep. Jim King) and a Mandatory Medicare Assignment in case of emergency (with then Reps. Steve Geller and John Rayson).

Jack also formed the Southeast Florida Democratic Caucus, made up of legislators from Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Their mission was to address issues affecting the Southeast portion of the state, but I think it was just an excuse for a group of members to have dinner at Lucy Hos every Tuesday, continued Waldman. Jack chose to leave the Legislature in 1998 and started lobbying in 2000. He will be sorely missed by those of us fortunate enough to know and work with him.