Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/110922
Sarasota News Leader February 22, 2013 Page 11 consider they don���t have a unified database. They have a bunch of little databases, and they are distributed; every department has its own database. So it���s sort of an anachronism of systems ��� using different software in different departments. But as far as the auditor and clerk, I���d say she���s a worthy successor to Mr. [Billy] Robinson [the previous auditor and clerk]. ��������� Your preference: city manager or elected mayor with management responsibilities? Dorfman: My preference would be an elected mayor with five commissioners and a city manager to assist him. That���s five single-district commissioners. Lumpkin: I would definitely lean towards an elected mayor. Having said that, I do believe that our present form of government can be effective if we have commissioners who are committed to working for the people and working together. Pete Theisen/Photo by Stan Zimmerman Please, go ahead. Lumpkin: If a commissioner goes to a meeting and has already decided what they are going to do before a public hearing, I don���t think that���s good. I think you should hear everything. Obviously, you can come in with some preconceived ideas, but I think our reI don���t have a problem with people disagree- sponsibilities are to be flexible enough to hear everybody out and be slow to judgment. ing with me. I do have a problem with people being disrespectful. I���m not thinking of any If you can���t process it fast enough ��� some particular instance, but as long as we can go people can think fast on their feet ��� but if in with a mind to serve people and not be con- you can���t, you can say, ���Let���s decide this next descending to other people���s views. Some of month.��� It���s better to do that than make a hasty decision. If I can���t think fast on my feet the tone I hear I don���t like. But I think we can on a particular issue, I say we postpone it. work together. I don���t think we need to belittle It���s better to get it right than be forced into a others��� views with sarcasm or a sarcastic tone. decision, even by your own supporters. Your But it could work if we got the right blend of supporters will get you there, but you have commissioners who are selfless and willing to to serve your non-supporters once you get in there. listen. Stop me if I���m going on too far.