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Most people do not realize the sacrifices that local elected officials make when they accept an elected or appointed city position. For instance being a city commissioner guarantees lack of privacy in your personal life, time taken away from family. All this and you are compensated with very low pay. On top of this, there are watchdogs continually searching for breaches of the ethics code. Seasoned politicians know the best rule of thumb is to err on the side of caution. This means that the most innocent of actions will be scrutinized and most of the time interrupted in a negative manner.

Case and point, someone has actually brought to light in a June 5 Herald-Tribune story that in 2004, I repeat in 2004, Sarasota City Commissioner Mary Anne Servian's along with her husband purchased a new Downtown Sarasota condominium. Now it was not the purchase of the condo that is in question. Someone questions whether Servian received special treatment because she along with 20 or 30 other buyers managed to get early reservation for one of the 134 Condos. It is not unusual for developers to offer early reservations on projects.

Of course what has been said is there could be a conflict of interest because she voted approval [along with all other commissioners] of this condo development. And then was granted a reservation. How silly and how petty are these accusations. Now if she received a discount on the purchase price or say extra amenities added to her unit, one could get suspicious, but her pay back was a reservation. I don't think so.

How can we expect good decent people to come into public service when we see such petty scrutiny of their actions? We expect our City government officials to live, work, play and raise their families within our city limits. Who would want to open their family up to such petty scrutiny. It is no wonder less and less people run for public office.

About the Author

Tierney's Team at RE/MAX Gulfstream Realty are civic minded professionals who are active in the Sarasota/Bradenton, Forida communities.