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Sarasota News Leader June 21, 2013 Page 27 "I agree," Mason added of the language. "It necessitates a competitive bidding process beshould be left in." cause the county is co-tenant of the property. While he did not want to influence them, De- Mason, Hines and Barbetta agreed they wantMarsh told the county commissioners, "My ed the equal partners language to be in the guess is that it's really important to [the North latest revision. Port board]." At one point during the June 19 discussion, "I think it's a deal-breaker, honestly," Robin- Patterson pointed out, "The truth is that electson added. ed bodies do change in composition. … It's unfortunate what we've gotten into on this. "Why?" Hines asked. "We are partners in this But [the North Port commissioners] do have deal. Either we work it out together or we the right to change that position. … While I split up. It's as simple as that." disagree with the approach that they've taken DeMarsh responded that his understanding … I also believe that … the three who have was the North Port commissioners felt the essentially put us into a problematic disagreeequal partners clause had not been voted on ment are doing the best from their perspective during a joint meeting of the boards, so it did of what's right for the city." not belong in the interlocal agreement. His Patterson added, "I think that we should do as legal advice, DeMarsh continued, is that "we little as possible to back them into a position believe they have much more limited rights as of really being upset with us. … I feel like we tenants in common than they may think." ought to try not to wave a red flag in front of Earlier this month, the County Commission them." rebuked the North Port Commission over a "If anybody's been waving a red flag, they vote the latter took on May 28 to unilateralhave," Mason told Patterson. ly try to negotiate a short-term agreement to keep Warm Mineral Springs open. The County "I feel like we're waving a white flag right Commission again pointed out that state law now," Barbetta said. % Old school journalism. 21st century delivery. For Advertising Info Sales@SarasotaNewsLeader.com (941) 227-1080