Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/215277
Sarasota News Leader November 22, 2013 Page 10 Sunshine pursued their case against Chapman, Retired Judge Frank Brenner was blunt. "If they quietly settled with Atwell and the city. the bully succeeds today, he'll try again tomorrow. A time comes when enough is enough," "The offer that Commissioner Atwell took Brenner said. has never been offered to me," said Chapman. Her line has been consistent throughout the County Commissioner Nora Patterson — case. "I strongly disagree with any assump- a former Sarasota mayor — reminded the tion I violated the Sunshine Law," she told her City Commission she had been in the same fellow commissioners at the Monday meeting. position and was treated much differently in a Citizens for Sunshine suit over baseball. The agenda item prompting her comment was "This same issue came before the county. what to do about her legal fees. City Attorney Commissioners [Shannon] Staub, [Joe] Bob Fournier told the commission, "Under Barbetta and myself were sued personally state law, if Ms. Chapman prevails, you must along with the county. I elected to be covered pay the fees. If she settles without admission by the County Attorney's Office. Staub and of a violation, you have to pay. Under other Barbetta took private attorneys. Both fees circumstances, I believe the city charter fully were covered without a question. authorizes you to pay the fees, or within your discretionary authority, not to pay." "How difficult is it to do your job? How many hours? How much stress? Would other qualThe floor was then opened for public comity candidates be willing to serve if they were ments on the issue. Fourteen people stepped placed in great financial jeopardy?" asked up to the microphone, including three former Patterson. mayors. They all expressed concern both about the way the city had caved in to Citizens "You may be the next to be targeted," said for Sunshine and the future implications. another former mayor, Mollie Cardamone. The City Commission listens to a presentation. Photo by Norman Schimmel