Suzanne Atwell proves mayoral worth

Last May, when Mayor Suzanne Atwell was selected as the mayor of the city of Sarasota, there was some concern she hadn’t engaged in enough public debates with fellow commissioners to handle the job. What a difference a year makes.

At the Sarasota City Commission’s May 11 statutory meeting, Atwell was nominated for and accepted a second one-year term as mayor.

Commissioner Paul Caragiulo nominated Atwell, who received the votes of Caragiulo, Atwell and Commissioner Shannon Snyder.

“The challenges we face require a guard and a sense of optimism I believe you possess,” Caragiulo said. “This city is not for sale, and I truly believe we need your leadership for another year.”

During her first two years in office, Atwell never engaged in public debates with her fellow commissioners.
But a reluctance to publicly bicker with colleagues or constituents, she said last year, doesn’t mean she doesn’t have a passion for her beliefs.

Atwell said she has a determination to do what she thinks is best for the city. She doesn’t surrender easily but said she has learned how to manage meetings and move on when a decision is made, even when she doesn’t agree with it.

“This is a platform for me to maintain the collegiate and civil momentum this commission has developed during challenging times,” Atwell said.

Atwell points to the decision to remove the paid parking meter program as an example.

“I was, and still am, a supporter of the paid parking meter program,” Atwell said. “But, what went down there was the process … to be able to move on and continue to have a relationship with the commissioners even though we disagree is the key.”

Atwell said she believes she gained the confidence of the majority of the commission to keep her mayoral position because she’s not a micro-manager when running meetings.

“I observed when I first became a commissioner and continue to observe my colleagues on the dais,” Atwell said. “I ask for motions when the time is right and invite them to speak about their concerns and issues. Commissioners have to feel comfortable, and I believe they do.”

Atwell said she believes she can bring a balanced approach to upcoming budget hearings this summer.

“We will be evaluating modifications to the pension funds and reviewing millage options,” Atwell said.

Atwell also stressed she is determined to keep Sarasota designated as a city, despite recent discussions that continued shortfalls and rising unfunded pension liability might make that impossible in future years.

“I want to exist as a city,” Atwell said. “I’m a strong proponent of maintaining this city, and it takes optimism and making tough decisions to see how we can make it work.”

In her city address, Atwell said, “The city is not broken, but the facts are undeniable … we are heading down a precarious road and need to adapt and change to a new environment.”

Looking ahead, Atwell lists the budget, future utilization of Payne Park and North Trail revitalization as major commission goals.

Atwell also said there’s much momentum with the crime-depressed area of Newtown, especially with the addition of the Robert L. Taylor Center, which she frequents at least three times a week.

Looking back, Atwell recalls that becoming the city’s mayor was something she strived for since she first ran for office.

“I love being a city commissioner,” she said. “I’m very pleased and honored to have this next year to hone my skills.”

Click here to View Mayor Atwell's State of the City.