Cities and Counties Take Civility Pledge.

News Editors/Legal Writers & City Desks

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 26, 2000

To ban anger, rudeness, ridicule, impatience and lack of respect and personal attacks which detract from the open exchange of ideas, the City, County and Local Government Section of the Florida Bar recently provided a special plaque and a formal resolution to all local governments in the state of Florida. Promoting a pledge of civility, the project seeks to create more cooperative working relationships. Approximately 67 counties and 430 cities have participated thus far.

The plaque to be placed in meeting areas reads:

We will be respectful of one another even when we disagree.

We will direct all comments to the issues.

We will avoid personal attacks,

Politeness cost so little -- Abraham Lincoln

"Politeness has been on a decline," said Mark Barnebey, immediate past chair of the committee. "Some think that, meetings are a spectator sport where people come to boo, hiss and cheer." Barnebey said that he has received very positive feedback from city officials.

As part of the resolution, cities or counties were not only asked to display the plaques but they were also asked to declare a civility month. Most of the cities and counties adopted the month of May as civility month.

"It is a good reminder for people in very rancorous public debate," said Susan Churuti Pinellas County attorney and member of committee. The committee has other plans in the future for promoting respect and professionalism. They are currently keeping this issue ongoing by issuing the civility plaque to school boards in the state.

The next project that the committee plans to prepare folders and pamphlets to educate people about the Sunshine Law. The materials will be distributed to lay people and citizens in neighborhoods so that citizens are made aware of what their rights are.

Sunshine Law allow the participation of all citizens in government meetings.