Letter to the Editor From Candidate Suzanne Atwell

Monday, April 15, 2013

Voters in the City of Sarasota are being asked to make a very important decision about the City’s future with the upcoming May 14 run-off election for two at-large seats. It has been my honor to serve the City I love for the past four years and I hope voters will give me a chance to serve them for another four years.

In addition to myself, there are two candidates vying for this privilege. I want to remind all voters that the decision before them is to judge the candidates on individual merit and only voters can decide for themselves which combination of two at-large commissioners will most effectively work to deliver sound solutions and policies for the majority of City residents and businesses.

I have made it a hallmark of my political career to cultivate a culture at City Hall rooted in fairness and civil discourse. In all instances, I’ve made it a priority to foster a collaborative spirit. Only by working together can we make Sarasota stronger today and better tomorrow. Differences of opinion and perspective add value and should be valued. I intend to continue to govern in this manner as I believe it best serves the people and the process.

This is not a Sarasota version of “Survivor.” I have not endorsed, nor would I ever endorse one of my opponents over another. I firmly believe that both candidates are running because each believes s/he has the best ideas at the right time to help the City recover from the economic recession and move forward in a strong, healthy and positive direction. Only the voters can decide which pair of the three remaining candidates is best qualified to work with three other very different commissioners to help Sarasota be the best it can be.

I am running a campaign based solely on the issues and my own vision for this city's future. I respect BOTH of the other candidates in this race and know that I could work well with either of them on the commission.  My prevailing interest is to represent what I believe to be the best interests of my City and I will happily do so with any/all commissioners I am privileged to serve alongside.

Respectfully,

Suzanne Atwell