Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/140592
Sarasota News Leader June 28, 2013 WHO IS ADVISING WHOM? Page 38 Commissioner Susan Chapman asked that the item be placed on the City Commission agenThe final item on the agenda Monday re- da, because it appears to her the decision on flects a rare role reversal. Normally, advisory the donation of the statue is being unduly acboards provide advice to the City Commis- celerated. sion. But Monday, the commission will be providing advice to its Public Art Committee. In an email to staff, Chapman asked, "Why is a special meeting of The arts group has the public art advisoscheduled a special Why is a special meeting of the ry committee being set meeting on July 3 to public art advisory committee being set on July 3, the day beconsider the donation on July 3, the day before a national fore a national holiday, of a statue commem- holiday, just to consider the Iwo Jima just to consider the orating the capture statue? Iwo Jima statue? This by the U.S. Marines is hardly fair to the Susan Chapman of Iwo Jima during general public which Commissioner World War II. It is an needs adequate notice City of Sarasota iconic statue, wideand the opportunity to ly recognized. Other consider this at a time copies are at Arlington National Cemetery when all can be present and appear. This type and the gates of the Marine Corps base at of fast-tracking of controversial items is a recQuantico, VA. ipe for another public embarrassment." % The City Commission sits in session on June 17. Photo by Norman Schimmel