Civility Month in Lake Worth

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PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the open exchange of public discourse is essential to the democratic system of government; and

WHEREAS, as a cornerstone of democracy Americans have observed certain rules of behavior generally known as civility; and

WHEREAS, civility, derived from the Latin words “civitas” meaning city and “civis” meaning citizen, is behavior worthy of citizens living in a community or in common with others; and

WHEREAS, displays of anger, rudeness, ridicule, impatience, and a lack of respect and personal attacks detract from the open exchange of ideas, prevent fair discussion of the issues, and can discourage individuals from participation in government; and

WHEREAS, civility can assist in reaching consensus on diverse issues and allow for mutually respectful ongoing relationships; and

WHEREAS, civility can uplift our daily life and make it more pleasant to live in an organized society; and

WHEREAS, the City, County and Local Government Law Section of The Florida Bar urges the adoption of a pledge of civility by all citizens in the State of Florida.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, PAM TRIOLO, Mayor of the City of Lake Worth, Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me, do hereby proclaim MAY as CIVILITY MONTH

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Lake Worth, Florida, to be affixed this 15th day of May, 2012.

Pam Triolo, Mayor

Why not make it Civility Year? Why not use your gavel and Point of Order more often? Why not just make a resolution to this effect? Why not ask some of these rude people to stop talking in the chamber while others are presenting or discussing particularly some in the back row? Why not kick a few out the door? Are we all to take special caution in the month of May to be respectful when we speak from the dais or the lectern? What happens during the other eleven months of the year? "Business" as usual?

Civility is an action word.