Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/281176
amended her written opinion to expunge the error, and the statewide publication following Sunshine issues ran a correction. Chapman has admitted nothing, claiming she did not violate the law. She is a practicing attorney, and she was a member of several official advisory boards in the past, covered by Florida's constellation of Government in the Sunshine Laws. She has been under great pressure to settle the suit and avoid more legal fees, with both Commissioner Paul Caragiulo and Mayor Snyder saying it would be fiscally responsible for her to do so. Chapman says she did not discuss the issue of homelessness, that she only listened to her constituents. Depositions so far support her. Andrea Mogensen, the attorney for the plaintiffs, argues that any meeting with two or more commissioners present must be offi- cially noticed, whether or not they participate in any discussion of public issues. Chapman says this is an unwarranted expan- sion of the law, not supported by statute, and that it would bar commissioners from attend- ing such constituent events as the monthly Coalition of City Neighborhood Association meetings or the Tiger Bay Club gatherings. City Attorney Bob Fournier told the com- missioners Monday that he agrees with her. "It has been my position consistently: Two commissioners ought to be able to attend a meeting on a topic that reasonably, foresee- ably could come back [to the commission], if they just listened," he told the board. "When is a public official entitled to legal representa- tion at public expense? If it arises from part of In spite of residents' protests, one art show will be allowed in the St. Armands Circle park at the height of season. Photo by Norman Schimmel Sarasota News Leader March 21, 2014 Page 42