Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/273295
lawsuit would go away if the shelter was approved," added Fuller. "Can you put a price on coercing a city commissioner?" 'A COTTAGE INDUSTRY' The lawsuit attempts to expand the scope of the Sunshine Laws, banning two or more members of the same commission or advisory board from attending a meeting of constit- uents. Since the suit was filed, the city has been posting notices for a large number of citizens meetings where two or more commis- sioners might appear. Staff even "noticed" the Veterans Day Parade because commissioners traditionally walk Main Street together. A number of people signed up to speak on the issue Monday. Most were current or past civic leaders. Gretchen Serrie, former chairwoman of the city's Charter Review Committee, told the commissioners, "Please give [Chapman] the support she deserves. This is politi- cally motivated." Patricia Varley lives in the Gardens of Ringling Park. "[Chapman] has the right to listen to constituents. [Chapman and Atwell] were there to listen. When we vote for someone, we hope they will listen to us, to hear our needs," Varley said. Lynn Robbins, a long-time Sarasota Realtor, told the board, "Two days after I testified in defense of Ms. Chapman, I received a request from a friend of Mr. [Michael] Barfield asking for my emails while I was on the [Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board]. I referred it to the city clerk, who printed them. They've never been picked up." Michael Barfield works for Mogensen's law firm. Former Mayor Kelly Kirschner testified as well. "You have a preponderance of evidence Suzanne Atwell settled the Sunshine lawsuit filed against her over a city meeting on homelessness. Photo by Norman Schimmel City Attorney Robert Fournier will have more information about Commissioner Susan Chapman's Sunshine lawsuit when the City Commission meets again in a few weeks, he says. Photo by Norman Schimmel Sarasota News Leader March 7, 2014 Page 39