Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/180498
Sarasota News Leader September 27, 2013 Page 51 Robinson then presented the proposed amendment she had prepared for the contract, specifying the 12 South County meetings during the 2014 fiscal year. "I think it's verging on micromanaging," Patterson said. "I don't find it unreasonable," Robinson responded. "I understand it's well-intended," Patterson told her, "but honestly, if we don't trust these people to appropriately administer these grants, then we ought to find another group to do it." "I would agree with that," Shirley said. County Commissioner Christine Robinson. Photo by Norman Schimmel "I don't want to be micromanaging," Robinson said. "I tried to be as gentle as possible [last frankly, spending one day a month in South year] to prevent getting to this point. But it County, I think, is not too much to ask for hasn't worked." when it serves half of our population." Patterson also pointed out that the arts grants Still, Robinson continued, if the majority of are not designed to make it more convenient the commissioners felt that request was unfor people to stay closer to their homes to at- reasonable, she would abide by their decision. tend productions. "I'd be comfortable if you want to demon"There are people who drive from other coun- strate that these conversations have occurred" ties, not just from South County, to go to a between the Alliance staff and South County performance at the Van Wezel, which, by the groups, Patterson said. way," Patterson told Robinson, "is the Van 'Way-zel,'" correcting Robinson's earlier pro- After Robinson made her motion to amend the contract with the language calling for 12 nunciation. South County visits, Hines said, "Frankly, I "These organizations aren't about conve- think this is a sad conversation. I thought the nience," Robinson replied of the South County Civil War ended in 1865. … The process has groups she had referenced. She had verified to be fair." that, she added. "They are developing proHe added to Shirley, "For us to tell you you grams specifically for tourism." must do this 12 times — well, guess what: When Mason asked Robinson why she had You'll do it 12 times and you won't do it settled on 12 visits, Robinson replied, "Quite anymore."