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their official duties and while serving a pub- lic purpose." Fournier spoke along these lines for almost half an hour. When he finished, the first question came from Caragiulo: "Any cost projections?" "The fees to date are just shy of $85,000," replied Fournier. "And they are running about $15,000 to $20,000 a month." A GALE OF WORDS Two weeks ago, several people spoke in sup- port of the city's continuing to pay Chapman's legal fees, but Snyder ruled they could only address the topic before the commission once. Two new speak- ers were recognized Monday. Pat Kolodgy is the treasurer of CCNA, the neighbor- hood coalition, and Mollie Cardamone is a former city mayor. "I believe this com- mission should join in solidarity, show some guts and stand behind Ms. Chapman," asserted Kolodgy. "[The plain- tiffs] are extortionists and bullies, and they may come for you one day. I know she would stand up for you." Cardamone reflected on her career of public service and said, "I would have to say I don't know a former commissioner who would have ever sat at this table if they didn't believe they had full legal coverage. If you think peo- ple will continue to serve our city in such an important way and know they are at such great risk, that's wrong-headed thinking." Both statements were punctuated with cheers and applause from audience members. Snyder made no attempt to calm the attendees. Caragiulo asked if Chapman had ever received an offer to settle. She said she did not receive any offer when Atwell received hers. Later, she filed a counterclaim and she offered to drop that after the plaintiffs made the same offer afforded to Atwell, but there was no agreement. Vice Mayor Willie Shaw twice moved to extend coverage of Chapman's legal fees, and both times he failed to get a second. Caragiulo then moved to extend payment for 14 days "to facilitate some type of settlement." Atwell seconded the motion "for discussion." In that discussion, Caragiulo said, "It's all well and good to fly the flag that this is some encumbrance on your freedom of speech. You have to put your office in front of yourself." Chapman responded, "This is not about me individually. When can a commissioner attend a meeting of constituents? This is about peo- ple trying to shut down public debate on important issues. This is exactly what I was doing, listening to my constituents." Atwell, who benefitted from city payment of her expenses, offered this rationale for her vote: "I defend to the death your ability to defend yourself, but I cannot support the city supporting an individual's quest for justice." I defend to the death your ability to defend yourself, but I cannot support the city supporting an individual's quest for justice. Suzanne Atwell Commissioner City of Sarasota Sarasota News Leader March 21, 2014 Page 43