Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/88739
Sarasota News Leader October 19, 2012 "Voters put it in place, and then the County Commission – at the urging of the [Greater Sarasota] Chamber of Commerce – proposed the question again, and with poorly worded ballot language, it passed," said attorney Dan Lobeck. "I urge you to put this to a public hearing." Former county Commissioner David Mills ran in that one-time election from a single-mem- ber district, and he upset the incumbent in the Republican primary by a 70/30 margin. "I've run in a single-member district, and I've run countywide," said the three-term county commissioner. "If you asked me to chose to- night, it is so much better with a single-mem- ber district." Charter Board member Steven Fields made a motion to move the single-member district idea to a full public hearing, the next step in the tortuous process. The motion – and the idea – died for lack of a second. SEVEN DISTRICTS PROPOSED Sometimes an idea has merit, but it runs up against reality. John Minder found that brick wall when he proposed splitting the county into seven single-member districts. He made the proposal during the "new business" por- tion of the meeting, when anybody has three minutes to make a pitch. He was shot down quickly by the Charter Board's attorney, Deputy County Attorney Kathleen Schneider. "The charter cannot conflict with state law," she said. "Section 124.01 requires five [county commission] districts. The state constitution allows seven commissioners." The Sarasota County Seal. Photo by Norman Schimmel Minder apologized for his lack of information, and he stepped away from the microphone. However, under the Charter Board's rules, cit- izens could still comment on the idea – even if it was illegal. Lobeck rose to support it. "I ask you to refer this to a special committee for study," he said. "It needs work, but more people at the table makes for better government." Waechter opposed it. "If you want to move forward, get a proposal that is constitutional and legal," he said. "I suggest you do not send this to [the special] committee." Minder's proposal died for lack of a motion; it will not move forward unless he comes back to make it again. Page 40