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Sarasota News Leader July 19, 2013 Page 39 THE RULES FOR SEEKING RECOGNITION Child, a partnership between the local school Government can be more than just a problem-solving entity. Sometimes government — acting for everybody — recognizes people and organizations that make a difference. Guide dog trainers, literacy coaches, record-setting athletes and people who improve the community are often recognized by the reading of a proclamation of the City Commission. system and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The denials spurred Chapman to question the entire procedure. "In the past, some have been mailed and were not part of the agenda," she said. "Apparently, proclamations have been regularly granted. But now they have to be requested by the mayor or a commissioner. If But who qualifies? Dolly Parton came to per- one asks for it, who presents it?" form at the Van Wezel, and then-Mayor Su- "I started this," replied Mayor Shannon Snyzanne Atwell gave her the key to the city. But der, who put the issue on the agenda. "I saw the next performer did not get one. When the in other communities things were arbitrarily current mayor asked staff to develop some done." guidelines, the process stopped cold, and the local branch of the Literacy Council was "I think I took proclamations and keys to the denied a proclamation — as was Any Given city to a new level in this community," said (From left) Vice Mayor Willie Shaw, Mayor Shannon Snyder and Commissioner Susan Chapman listen to a presentation. Photo by Norman Schimmel