Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/215277
Sarasota News Leader November 22, 2013 Page 11 "We elect you to conduct the business of the city. One of your obligations to us is to protect each other. You must provide legal coverage for each other." Gretchen Serrie, a longtime neighborhood activist, said the Citizens for Sunshine suit is part of a larger problem. "There seems to be a proliferation of Sunshine cases in Florida. It's become a legal 'gotcha' industry," she added. "Has this spate of ambulance-chasing Sunshine suits led to a more transparent, responsive government? In fact, it's been the reverse," pointed out former Mayor Kelly Kirschner. "It's time to stand up to the schoolyard bully." The litany continued, with city advisory board members and neighborhood leaders urging the city commissioners to defend Chapman and not divide themselves. City Commissioner Susan Chapman's legal fee matter remains unsettled. Photo by Stan Zimmerman Mayor Shannon Snyder has been urging a settlement to the suit to keep legal costs down. He moved to cover Chapman's legal fees through the end of the month. "It gives her two weeks to decide how she wants to proceed with her problem, her situation," he said. Fournier told the board, "This is sort of a temporary solution. And we'll have to have the same discussion again." The commissioners voted 3-1 to approve the motion, with Chapman abstaining because she has a financial stake in the decision. The only one against the temporary pay plan was Vice Mayor Willie Shaw. City Attorney Robert Fournier reviews city documents. Photo by Norman Schimmel In the meantime, City Manager Tom Barwin will look into the city's errors and omissions insurance policy to determine if it can or will pay for Chapman's defense. "It is coverage we have bought and paid for," he said. %