Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/207831
CITY SETTLES … AGAIN The City Commission listens to public comments at a recent meeting. Photo by Norman Schimmel THE CITY COMMISSION VOTES 3-1 — WITH SUSAN CHAPMAN ABSTAINING — TO RESOLVE ITS LATEST PROBLEM WITH THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SUNSHINE LAWS By Stan Zimmerman City Editor By a 3-1 margin, with one legal abstention, the Sarasota City Commission agreed to make an offer Thursday, Nov. 7, to settle a lawsuit claiming a violation of Florida's Government in the Sunshine laws. Vi c e M a y o r Wi l l i e Shaw voted against the motion, and Commissioner Susan Chapman abstained because the outcome could affect her financially. She and Commissioner Suzanne Atwell were named personally in the suit after they met with downtown merchants to hear concerns about homelessness and vagrancy. I was hung out to dry by my political opponents. It is a decision that disregards people's constitutional rights to assemble and petition for redress of grievances. Susan Chapman Commissioner City of Sarasota Mayor Shannon Snyder passed the gavel to make a motion to offer the settlement, and Commissioner Paul Caragiulo seconded the motion by telephone from the Appalachian Trail, where he was vacationing.