Most people do not understand the sacrifices that local elected officials do when they accept an elected or appointed position in the city. For example, being a city commissioner ensures lack of privacy in your personal life, the time taken from family. All this and were compensated with very low wages. On top of that, there are guard dogs are always looking for breaches of the code of ethics. Seasoned politicians know the best general rule is to err on the side of caution. This means that the most innocent of actions will be scrutinized and more often interrupted in a negative way.
Case and point, someone actually brought to light in a story on June 5 Herald-Tribune in 2004, again in 2004, Sarasota City Commissioner Mary Anne Servian's along with her husband bought a new condo Downtown Sarasota. Now, was not buying the condominium that is in question. If someone requests Servian received special treatment because with 20 or 30 other buyers were able to get early to reserve one of the 134 condominiums. It is not unusual for developers to offer advance bookings for the projects.
Of course what has been said is there may be a conflict of interest because she voted to approve [along with all other Commissioners] of this condo development. And then was granted a reservation. How silly and petty as it is these allegations. Now, if you received a discount on the purchase price or say extra added amenities to its unity, one could have suspected, but the pay back was a reservation. I do not think so.
How can we expect good honest people to enter public service, when we see these little control over their actions? We expect that our government officials of the city to live, work, play and raise families within our city limits. Who would open their families until this minute control. No wonder fewer people running for public office.
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