Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Nan H. Rich
Department: County Commission
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution No. 2021-019 recognizing the importance of civility in the public square. (Commissioner Rich)
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Why Action is Necessary
Board approval is required for Resolutions endorsing statements of principle.
What Action Accomplishes
Adopts a Resolution proposed by our former Florida Legislators, endorsing "Civility in the Public Square."
Is this Action Goal Related
No
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
Winston W. "Bud" Gardner, Jr., wrote on behalf of a group of former Florida Legislators:
“Our Group Page defines our underlying purpose as ‘a group of former Florida Legislators who had the honor and pleasure of serving at a time of civility and a willingness to work across party and philosophical lines for the benefit not only of our constituency but for Florida.’
The preamble to our adopted principles adds, ‘We are realists. We understand that the country is divided in many ways and on many issues, and all of us are imperfect. But we believe the country can come together, work together, and make a better future for our children.’ Over the past several months our group has discussed numerous issues and ideas, but I believe we all agree that civility among colleagues is necessary for good government solutions that benefit ‘not only of our constituency but Florida.’
To that end our group has adopted two forms of a Resolution endorsing Civility in the Public Square; one for consideration by the Florida Legislature and the other for consideration by city and county governing authorities. I’m sure all of [this] group of Former Florida Legislators have current contacts on their respective city councils or county commissions. In fact, some currently serve or recently served as county commissioners, city council members or mayors. We are asking that our Former Florida Legislator members ask their contacts to consider sponsoring the local government Civility Resolution for action by their respective boards.”
The proposed Resolution, if adopted, attempts to address a cultural shift in the nature of our political and governmental dialogue, which has not only coarsened over the last decade, but has made it increasingly difficult for well-intentioned public servants to find good faith attempts at compromise in addressing issues of public concern. The sponsor hopes that the adoption of this Resolution provides the first steps in reclaiming some of the norms and standards that have been eroded in recent years, as this country takes the first steps in healing our cultural divide.
Source of Additional Information
Harrison Grandwilliams, Chief of Staff, District 1, (954) 357-7001
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
None.