Groveland, FL, Commission Meeting
20 December 2021
David Williamson (253 words)

Thank you, Mayor and Councilmembers, for this opportunity.

On behalf of all of us here, thanks to you and city staff for the important work you do.

Citizens, employees, contract staff, elected officials, and guests; we are collectively known in these settings as; “We, the people.”

This evening, as we gather to do the essential work of the City, let us put away the distractions that may take our focus from this meeting.

Let us recognize the opportunity this meeting brings for us to come together as a community, to embrace all of our differences, and to create something stronger – for each and every one of the stakeholders in the City .

We are one when we act together, a diverse body, each here not by coincidence or chance, but because we each choose to work together.

May we recognize all voices at this meeting, in particular, those with whom we disagree.

May we be patient and understanding as we listen, creating space for kindness and dignity.

May we use reason and impartiality as we deliberate.

We each know that none of us alone can hold all that must be held or do all that must be done.

But may each of us rise up to do that work which is ours to do.

As a community, this evening, may we feel our strength, together; and may we use that strength for good.

With these things in mind, may we come to the very best solutions for the City of Groveland.

Thank you.