Ocoee, FL, City Commission Meeting
3 May 2022
David Williamson (224 words)

Thank you, Mayor and commission members, for the opportunity to solemnize this evening’s proceedings.

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

Citizens, employees, contract staff, elected officials, and guests; we are collectively known in this sacred yet secular space as; “We, the people.”

Tonight, 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.

And let us recognize the opportunity we have to come together as one community, to embrace all of our differences, and to create something stronger for each and every stakeholder in the City.

We are one body whenever we act together; a diverse group, 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 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.

Again, thank you, and good evening.