Representative Paul A. Bell View All Years

PAUL A. BELL

PAUL A. BELL was born On October 3, 1950 in in Algona, Iowa.

After graduating from the University of Northern Iowa he and Niki moved to Newton. Paul served for 31 years as a member of the Newton Police Department. During that time Bell served as the first D.A.R.E. officer in the state and also started the first Neighborhood Watch program in Newton. Representative Bell’s first election to the legislature came in 1992.

A large part of Paul’s personal life consisted of fishing and time spent outdoors with family and friends. Paul used his lifetime of outdoors experiences to become a very effective Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee. Working as the natural resources leader in the House, Paul was an unyielding supporter of the Water and Land Legacy Amendment to the Iowa Constitution. He led the measure to passage in two successive General Assemblies which allowed the amendment to be put to a vote of the people in the fall of 2010. Seventy-six percent of Iowans agreed with Paul and the measure is now a part of the Iowa Constitution.

Another of Paul’s passions was serving as a member of trade delegations visiting other countries. This interest led him to become a member of the General Assembly’s International Relations Committee where he quickly became an expert on diplomatic protocol. When Paul formally introduced foreign dignitaries on the House floor, his natural friendliness and diplomatic tact always imparted dignity and made guests feel welcome. The attendance at his memorial service by dignitaries from several other countries was a testament to this generous and special part of Paul’s personality.

Paul’s friendly manner, easy camaraderie and willingness to share resulted in his membership, often as leader, of a long list of formal and sometimes not-so-formal groups, including: the Lutheran Church, RSVP, YMCA, Kiwanis, PTA, Special Olympics, Salvation Army, League of Women Voters, Cub Scouts, Little League, Red Ribbon Campaign, Jaycees, and, last and certainly not least, his morning coffee group, Wednesday night poker group, the afternoon card group, and his Capitol lunch group.

During his illness Paul inspired others with his courage and his positive outlook on life. He was present in the House Chamber for every day of the 2010 session, even while undergoing difficult treatments in the battle for his health. Paul Bell served nine terms in the Iowa House of Representatives.

Paul Bell passed away on June 7, 2010 at the age of 59.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved By The House Of Representatives Of The Eighty-Fourth General Assembly Of Iowa, That in the passing of the Honorable Paul Bell, the State has lost an honored citizen and a faithful and useful public servant, and the House by this Resolution would express its appreciation of his service.

Be It Further Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the Journal of the House, and that the Chief Clerk be directed to forward an enrolled copy to the family of the deceased.

DAN KELLEY

JAMES VAN ENGLENHOVEN

Committee