Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/215277
Sarasota News Leader November 22, 2013 Page 66 A short while later, Robinson told her col- discussions with Chamber of Commerce leagues, "I want to derail something before it members, realtors and the Argus Foundation gets off-track, if I may." to seek help in reforming the economic incentive grant program because of the weaknesses She had asked staff to research the identified in it. Enzymedica matter, she continued. "I have the actual contract in front of me; you all "Unfortunately, the discussion of how much have it," she added. That contract specifically [the program] improved doesn't make the stated the grant was for the creation of 47 full- newspapers," Robinson pointed out. time positions that would be new in Sarasota Commissioner Joe Barbetta expressed the County, Robinson explained. view that when people make public comments The company was "busting at the seams" during the board's meetings, they should "tell in Charlotte County, the truth." she continued, so it Vice Chairman was looking to move I am here to address the personal Charles Hines added t o a n o t h e r l o c a - attack that was made this morning as that speakers should tion in Florida, and well as the violation of free speech that I make it clear when it even researched witnessed. It is disingenuous for this they are voicing opina site in Wisconsin, County Commission to call a citizen a ions instead of facts. she believed, when liar, especially when it comes from a He continued, "Part S a r a s o t a C o u n t y commission that doesn't know how to tell of the procedure of offered the incentive the truth. 'Open to the Public' funds. is that you're commitLourdes Ramirez ting to stand up there President "So I want to make Sarasota County Council of and follow the rules sure the conversations Neighborhood Associations that are on the back of are based upon facts the speaker card." before we disparage a local company," Robinson added. Hines was referring to the card each person is asked to fill out, supplying name, address and "Thank you very much," Chairwoman Carolyn phone number as well as the topic the person Mason responded. wishes to discuss. The card also calls for the Then Commissioner Nora Patterson reminded person to observe civil decorum and requests her colleagues, "There was a period of time, a signature. when these incentives were first created, "We're not just getting your name and when we didn't do sufficient due diligence. … address," Hines pointed out. "You're commitBut that is not the way it is today." ting to follow those rules …" "That's a great point to make, Commissioner Hines added that, on occasion, "This comPatterson," Robinson told her. Robinson mission takes an extra moment in time to added that, in the beginning of 2012, she had explain the rules and the process … so people