CLEARWATER, FL- Friday, May 19, 2006 - Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court, Ken Burke was honored with the Liberty Bell Award from the Clearwater Bar Association at the Bar's 45th Law Day Luncheon and Annual Meeting at the Harborview Center in downtown Clearwater today.
The Liberty Bell Award is presented to a non-lawyer for outstanding service in encouraging a greater respect for law and courts; and contributing to the effective functioning of our institution of government, according to Judge Nelly Khouzam of the 6th Circuit Court who presented the award.
Noting Burke's excellent work in the community and as Clerk, Judge Khouzam said, "Ken has made a point of making the Clerk's office more user friendly to the citizens of our community and he is working with the lawyers and judges in our Circuit to strengthen our working relationship and to make the process of administering justice run more efficiently and smoothly."
Judge Khouzam also highlighted Burke's long history of civic involvement noting his current service as President of Catholic Charities Housing Corporation, and his past service as president of the: Suncoast Tiger Bay Club, the Kiwanis Club of Seminole and the St. Petersburg College Alumni Association; and his past service as vice-president of governmental affairs for the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce and government chairman for All Children's Hospital Development Council.
"The Clearwater Bar Association's activities help nurture a positive relationship between the legal community and the courts, the judiciary and the citizens. I am proud to be an effective part of the mission to promote professionalism and respect in the administration of justice," said Burke.