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.

Casselberry, FL, City Commission Meeting

13 December 2021 | David Williamson | 255 words

Thank you, Mayor and commission members, for this opportunity to offer today’s invocation.

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 body when 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 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 Casselberry.

Thank you.

Fernandina Beach, FL, Commission Meeting

7 December 2021 | Sam Rogic | 317 words

Mayor, commissioners, staff, citizens, and guests, first let me thank you for including me in today’s proceedings.

The word “invocation” originates from the Latin invocare, meaning “to call upon” - an infinitive which generates a question. “To whom or to what do we call upon?”

Historically, and even today, we generally seek wisdom and guidance from god or muse, but today, at the threshold of this new year, I invite you to call upon one one another.

Let us invoke our fellow Homo sapiens, who have learned that working together as a whole enhances and benefits the individual immensely. What we lack or strive for in ourselves, let us offer and find in others who share our passion for service.

In the words of the poet John Donne, “No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.”

As a long term resident of Nassau county, a former employee of the City of Fernandina Planning & Conservation Department, and a member of the Florida Humanist Association, I champion this notion.

As one of our Constitutional Framers, Thomas Paine said, “Whatever is my right as a man is also the right of another; and it becomes my duty to guarantee as well to possess.”

So, let us fulfill this duty, this obligation to represent and manifest the will of the governed; our fellow citizens.

Let our shared experience color us and others’ unique experimentation enlighten us all. Let us pursue truth and toil, each day, for a better way to serve our peers, by extension, ourselves, and to foster maximal well-being for all.

Again, the words of Thomas Paine: “Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must undergo the fatigue of supporting it.”

You have our sincere gratitude for setting the example of service we should all follow.

Thank you and Happy Holidays to all.

Maitland, FL, Commission Meeting

25 October 2021 | Mary Crisman | 193 words

Thank you, Mayor Lowndes and council members, for this opportunity to offer an invocation. The city thanks you and all city employees for the hard work and effort you bring.

Tonight, as we gather to do the essential work, let us put away any distractions that may take us from this meeting.

Let us recognize the opportunity this meeting brings to come together as a community, to embrace all of our differences and to create something stronger – for each and every one of us here tonight love the city of Maitland.

We are one, a diverse group, here not by coincidence but because we choose to work and volunteer together. We are active and proactive.

May we recognize all voices at this meeting, providing ample space for any questions.

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

May we use reason and impartiality to reflect.

The great Robert Ingersoll reminded us that we rise by lifting others. Tonight, as we conduct the business of the City, may we take the time to lift everyone in the City the way others have lifted us.

Thank you.

Clermont, FL, Commission Meeting

12 October 2021 | Rocky Guffey | 208 words

Good evening and thank you for having me.

Thank you, Mayor Murray and commission members, for the opportunity to offer an invocation this evening.

And on behalf of ALL city residents, thanks to you, the city employees, contract staff, and volunteers for the hard work and effort you bring each and every day.

William James said, “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”

This evening, let us not be distracted by all the other things in our lives. Let’s place them on pause for the evening and focus only on the task at hand--the business of the City. As we do, we ask that all voices be heard with a mindset of inclusivity.

And may we work towards the shared mission we have of making our community better and better each time we meet.

Let tonight’s meeting reflect our shared values of trust, fellowship, and ethics, and may we place ‘Service’ above ‘Self’ in our endeavors here and each day to come.

And may you deliberate with wisdom, insight, and impartiality.

The great Robert Ingersoll reminded us that we rise by lifting others. Tonight, as we conduct the business of the City, may we take the time to lift everyone in the City the way others have lifted us.

Thank you.

Polk County FL, Commission Meeting

5 October 2021 | David Williamson | 199 words

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Commissioners, and staff.

And thanks for ALL the work you do EVERY day on our behalf.

PAUSE

As we assemble this morning, I want to encourage each of us to pause and reflect on why we’re here…together.

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

May we work through today’s agenda with an open heart and with compassion towards one another as we conduct the business of the County.

May we deliberate with wisdom, insight, and impartiality.

May we take the time to listen and focus on lifting others as others have lifted us.

And may this body approach the issues collaboratively, guided by integrity, and anchored by their commitment as public servants to the well-being of their fellow citizens.

This morning, and at every meeting in this sacred yet secular chamber, let’s find as many ways as possible to make all feel welcome, ensure all are heard, and encourage all to be engaged in the process of self governance.

And finally, let’s have the foresight to consider the future generations whose lives will be affected by today’s decisions for decades to come.

Thank you.

Sanford, FL, Commission Meeting

9 August 2021 | Jocelyn Williamson | 222 words

Thank you, Mayor Woodruff and commission members, for this opportunity to offer an invocation. The city thanks you and all city employees for the hard work and effort you bring.

Tonight, as we gather to do the essential work, let us put away any distractions that may take us from this meeting.

Let us recognize the opportunity this meeting brings to come together as a community, to embrace all of our differences and to create something stronger – for each and every one of us here tonight love the city of Sanford.

We are one, a diverse group, here not by coincidence but because we choose to work and volunteer together. We are active and proactive.

May we recognize all voices at this meeting, providing ample space for any questions.

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

May we use reason and impartiality to reflect.

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.

And as a community, may we feel our strength together and use it for good as best we can.

Tonight, may we come to very best solutions for the city.

Thank you.

Maitland, FL, Commission Meeting

26 July 2021 | Randa Black | 188 words

Thank you, Mayor Lowndes and council members, for this opportunity to offer an invocation. The city thanks you and all city employees for the hard work and effort you bring for our fair city.

It’s a pleasure to be invited back again to give an invocation. I so appreciate that we’re an inclusive community.

The motto of this great country is E PLURIBUS UNUM, "Out of many, one." For the greater good, we are better united.

No matter the pigmentation of our skin, our ethnic heritage, our diverse religions and non-religious views, our economic status or political ideology that sometimes brings division. We are one community – united.

Tonight, may everyone approach the meeting with an open heart and with compassion as they do the business of the city.

May you deliberate with wisdom, insight, and impartiality.

And may this council approach the tasks before them collaboratively, guided by integrity and anchored by their commitment as public servants to the wellbeing of others.

Thank you for hearing from ALL citizens. We truly appreciate your efforts as you listen, debate, and choose the best path forward for Maitland.

Thank you.

Brevard County FL, Commission Meeting

20 July 2021 | Keith Becher | 256 words

Good Morning and thank you for having me.

Thank you commissioners and staff for your commitment to governance. And thank you to all in attendance for participating as well.

To paraphrase Albert Einstein: “One knows that one exists for other people, upon whose smiles and well-being our own happiness depends, and for the many unknown to us whose destinies we are bound by the ties of sympathy. Every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life are based on the labors of others both living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give as much as I have received and am still receiving...”

As we begin today’s meeting let us embrace these words, for the things we accomplish and decide in this room will have a direct effect on all the people in this county and many more.

May we focus on the community at large and may we resist the temptation to make decisions through a zero -sum lens .

May we use our shared values of integrity, reason, and empathy as we search for equitable solutions to benefit all in our community.

May our actions here lift one another up and motivate all of us to step forward with kindness, and compassion not fear and hatred. For a community is only as strong as the disadvantaged among them.

May we remember this and let that guide us as we conduct the business of government in these chambers. And represent them in our daily lives as well.

Thank you

Deland, FL, Commission Meeting

6 June 2021 | Jocelyn Williamson | 191 words

Thank you, Mayor Apgar, commission members and city staff for the tireless effort you put in.

Last weekend we celebrated the 245th - anniversary of our independence. And as we gather together this evening, unified in our support for the city, We The People put democracy in action. As once said by Eleanor Roosevelt, “With freedom comes responsibility.”

Tonight, we are public officials, government employees, citizens, and guests united with a common goal; the continued prosperity of our beautiful city and all who call it home.

May everyone here this evening be patient with one other as we strive towards common goals.

May we all approach the tasks tonight collaboratively, guided by our integrity and anchored in our commitment to the wellbeing of our fellow citizens and constituents.

May we take the time to listen and remain focused on lifting up others as others have lifted us.

May we deliberate with wisdom, insight, and impartiality.

And may we, learn from our history, recognize the challenges of today and use reason to plan for tomorrow.

Let everyone here tonight aim to give their very best to the City of Deland.

Thank you.

Lake County, FL, Commission Meeting

11 May 2021 | Jocelyn Williamson | 200 words

Thank you, Chairman Parks, commission members and county staff. The community appreciates your hard work on behalf of the county.

Let us take notice of those here this afternoon to help move the county forward.

And let’s make the most of the sharing of ideas and the good will that comes from our gathering together.

Let’s also think of those not here today but who will be affected by the choices being made.

Finally, let’s think of the future generations, whose lives will be affected by today’s decisions for years to come.

May those assembled here embody the shared mission in making our community better.

May we embrace constructive dialogue and critical thinking to craft solutions for the challenges facing the county.

And may we reflect on our shared values of trust, fellowship and ethics, and may we place Service above Self in our daily endeavors.

As Woodrow Wilson said, “You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world.”

May Wilson’s words inspire you. Let us all aim to give our very best to Lake County.

Thank you.

Casselberry, FL, City Commission Meeting

10 May 2021 | Jocelyn Williamson | 216 words

Thank you, Mayor, commission members and city staff. The community appreciates your hard work on behalf of the city.

Let us take notice of those here this evening to help move the city forward.

And let’s make the most of the sharing of ideas and the good will that comes from our gathering together.

Let’s also think of those not here tonight but who will be affected by the choices being made.

Finally, let’s think of the future generations, whose lives will be affected by tonight’s decisions for years to come.

May those assembled here today embody the shared mission in making our community better.

May we embrace constructive dialogue and critical thinking to craft solutions for the challenges facing the city.

And may we reflect on our shared values of trust, fellowship and ethics, and may we place Service above Self in our daily endeavors.

Finally, regarding the three proclamations on the agenda honoring civil service, let us remember the words of Margaret Chase Smith, the first woman to serve in both houses of Congress when she said “Public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people….”

Let us all aim to give our very best to the city of Casselberry.

Thank you.

Tavares, FL, City Council Meeting

5 May 2021 | Jocelyn Williamson | 193 words

Thank you, Mayor, council members and city staff. The community appreciates your hard work on behalf of the city.

Today let us think of the people who are in this chamber and make the most of the sharing of ideas and the good will that comes from this.

Then, let us think of the people who are in our community and impacted, by the choices we are making today.

Finally, let us think of the future generations, whose lives are guided by our decisions.

May those assembled here today embody the shared mission in making our community better.

May we embrace dialogue and critical thinking to build solutions.

And May we reflect on our established values of trust, fellowship and ethics, and may we place Service above Self in our daily endeavors.

Let us remember the words of Margaret Chase Smith, the first woman to serve in both houses of the US Congress when she said “Public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people….”

Let us all aim to give our very best to the city of Tavares.

Thank you.

Ocoee, FL, City Commission Meeting

4 May 2021 | Jocelyn Williamson | 231 words

Good evening and thank you, Mayor Johnson and commission members, for this opportunity to offer an invocation. On behalf of the residents of the city, I thank you and all city employees for the hard work and effort you bring each and every day.

At times, it can seem as if everyone is hurrying, and constantly distracted. Right now, let us put our phones on silent, breathe deep and be in the moment so everyone can focus on the task at hand.

Let us pause and reflect on how far we have come in the past 14 months and what we can do for the future. May we remember the incredible citizens who have come together during this time to support each other. AND let us embrace the hope this represents for the future.

In honor of tonight’s upcoming proclamation of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month – may we embrace the words of the first Asian American woman to serve Congress, Patsy Takemoto Mink when she said “We have to build things that we want to see accomplished, in life and in our country…”

With that in mind, let us be open to conversation and discussion to make the best decisions.

Let us use reason to evaluate the impact of the choices offered.

And let us use compassion with each other as we listen and share our opinions.

Thank you.

Polk County (FL) Board of County Commissioners

4 May 2021 | Sarah Ray | 240 words (2:30)

Thank you Commissioners, County Staff. Good morning.

We come here to do the business of county government – a deliberative body close to the people. As we gather, we are reminded that in our differences there is great strength. We do not all think the same way or believe the same things. Yet we are linked by our common humanity and our shared origin. When we work together to move our community forward in a spirit of mutual respect and common decency, we showcase what is best about our County.

We embrace many traditions. We are Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, humanists, atheists, agnostics, unaffiliated, uncertain, and so many other things. We are straight, gay, and transgender. We are young, old and everything in between. We represent dozens of ethnicities and nationalities. We run the gamut from conservative to liberal, many a blend of both. I would be remiss to mention on this, Star Wars Day – May the 4th be with you – that many would argue strongly instead for Star Trek.

To be sure, we do not agree about everything. And we often feel fiercely protective of what we do believe. There is great passion in our beliefs—and rightly so. But there is one thing on which we all agree: We share the goal of making Polk County – OUR County – the best place it can be. We unite here today around that noble aim and common purpose.

Thank you

Oviedo, FL, City Council Meeting

3 May 2021 | David Williamson | 197 words

Thank you, Mr. Vice Mayor, and thanks to all of you and your staff for the work you do every day on our behalf.

As we prepare and assemble for this evening’s meeting, I want to encourage each of us to pause and reflect on why we’re together.

We’re here to do the people’s work.

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

Thomas Jefferson wrote “that government is the strongest, of which everyone feels themselves a part."

Because it is easy to forget, especially in the business of life and work; and so many personal and professional obligations; let’s remember that we are here to serve in the best interests of all citizens of the city, not just for those like us; not just for those with whom we agree.

This evening, and at every meeting in this sacred yet secular chamber, let’s find as many ways as possible to make all feel welcome, ensure all are heard, encourage all to be engaged.

And may we remember that “we, the people” hasn’t always included those of us who think, look, love, and believe differently.

Thank you.

Seminole, FL, City Council Meeting

27 April 2021 | Jocelyn Williamson | 220 words

Thank you, Chairman Constantine and commision members, for this opportunity to offer an invocation.

On behalf of the residents of the county, I thank you and all county employees for the hard work and effort you bring each and every day.

As we prepare for this morning’s meeting, let us pause and reflect on how far we have come and what we can do for the future.

May we be inspired by the incredible citizens who have come together to support each other during this past year.

As Thurgood Marshall once said, "The measure of a country's greatness is its ability to retain compassion in times of crisis."

Because we all forget from time to time, especially in the noisy-ness of modern life, may we remember that we are here to serve the common good of all.

Today, the council will make decisions that guide the growth of the county for generations to come.

Martin Luther King famously said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”

With that in mind, let every person here be open to conversation and discussion to make the best decisions.

Let us use reason to evaluate the impact of the choices offered.

And let us use compassion with each other as we listen and share our opinions.

Thank you.

Maitland, FL, City Council Meeting

26 April 2021 | Jocelyn Williamson | 216 words

Thank you, Vice Mayor Wilde and council members, for this opportunity to offer an invocation. I thank you and all city employees for the hard work and effort you bring each and every day.

Public service is not for the faint of heart and often requires personal sacrifice to be effective. Your presence here today is testimony to your resilience and your fortitude as you face the challenges that will come before this governing body. Decisions made today impact all of us as well as future generations.

Through your collective decisions and vision, through your spirit of hope and through your cooperation with others, the city of Maitland and all who live here will benefit.

As Woodrow Wilson famously said, “You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world.”

May Wilson’s words inspire you.

As you work together toward solutions that address challenges facing the city, may you have the fortitude to make difficult choices while holding the needs of the diverse public at the forefront of your decisions.

May your leadership be guided by integrity and reason.

And may you be patient and charitable in your dialogue to uplift all people.

Thank you.

Clermont, FL, City Council Meeting

13 April 2021 | Jocelyn Williamson | 219 words

Thank you, Mayor Murray and council members, for this opportunity to offer an invocation. On behalf of the residents of the city, I thank you and all city employees for the hard work and effort you bring each and every day.

As we prepare for tonight’s meeting, let us pause and reflect on how far we have come and what we can do for the future. May we be inspired by the incredible citizens who have come together to support each other during this past year.

As Thurgood Marshall once said, "The measure of a country's greatness is its ability to retain compassion in times of crisis."

Because we all forget from time to time, especially in the noisy-ness of modern life, may we remember that we are here to serve the common good of all.

Tonight, the council will make decisions that guide the growth of the city for generations to come. Martin Luther King famously said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”

With that in mind, let every person here be open to conversation and discussion to make the best decisions.

Let us use reason to evaluate the impact of the choices offered.

And let us use compassion with each other as we listen and share our opinions.

Thank you.

Groveland, FL, City Council Meeting

5 April 2021 | Jocelyn Williamson | 286 words

Thank you, Mayor Wilson and council members, for this opportunity to offer an invocation. On behalf of the residents of the city, I thank you and all city employees for the hard work and effort you bring each and every day. Balancing the needs of diverse residents, while being mindful of a budget and managing a response to the past year is a challenge that no one wanted to face.

As we prepare for tonight’s meeting, let us pause and reflect on how far we have come and what we can do for the future. Let us remember the incredible citizens who have come together to support each other during this past year. Let us embrace the hope this represents for the future.

At times, it seems as if everyone is hurrying, and is only engaged with their phones. Right now is the time to put the phones on silent, breathe deep and be in the moment so everyone can focus on the task at hand.

Tonight, the council is making decisions that will guide the growth of the city for generations to come. With that in mind, let us be open to conversation and discussion to make the best decisions. Let us use reason to evaluate the impact of the choices offered. And let us use compassion with each other as we listen and share our opinions.

Finally, may we keep in mind what Mr. Rogers once said: “If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.”

Thank you.

Tallahassee, FL, Commission Meeting

27 January 2021 | Devon Graham | 282 words

Mayor Dailey, council members, thank you for this opportunity. I should note that today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, and on this solemn occasion I hope that we can live in a world that will never have to experience anything like that again.

This is one of those rare invocations where you won’t get in trouble if you don’t close your eyes and bow your head, and I’m actually going to encourage you not to.

Look around the room, and around the Zoom screen, at those that are present today. We’re surrounded by people, both in-person and virtually, who come from very different backgrounds and belief systems, with very different ideas of when and how things should be done. Despite these differences, we are united by our humanity and by our desire to do what’s best for our community. Let’s not forget that. And while no major injuries have been reported following today’s storms yet, I’ve no doubt that we would work together--as a Tallahassee community--to help those in need and those without a strong voice at the table.

We’re living in a polarizing time, and it seems like we’re entering a new era where the ground rules change on a daily basis. If the comments on social media and news outlet sites are any indication, it can’t be easy to govern in times like this. So with that, I encourage you as commissioners and city leaders to make decisions that best meet the needs of the people of Tallahassee, to recognize and appreciate the perspective of those with perhaps the minority viewpoint…to make the best decisions for our community and to remain on the right side of history.

Thank you.

Brevard County, FL, Commission Meeting

26 January 2021 | David Williamson | 337 words

Good morning. Thank you for the opportunity to be with you today and for the honor of solemnizing your meeting on behalf of the citizens of the County. I want to thank you and your staff for their hard work during this challenging period. There is only so much time available to us in life and the fact that you have invested so much of yours in service to your community is remarkable. It’s inspiring to those of us who don’t make it to these meetings very often.

—

Thomas Jefferson wrote “that government is the strongest of which everyone feels themselves a part." As we begin the day in service alongside one another, we remember the solemn responsibility we have to our shared community. With that in mind, we remember all those who live in or visit the community and who will be affected by decisions made here today--possibly for generations to come. Whether visiting the Space Coast for just a day as a visitor to a local beach or business or for an entire career of public service; while we are sometimes participants in it, we are always benefactors of our democracy and the important work of bodies such as this.

Knowing that our words, our decisions, and our actions directly impact so many others, we strive to make compassion the foundation for our important work here today and that we serve with integrity and kindness towards one another and to all those you serve as our representatives in local government.

Together, let’s embody the words of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. when he said “The good neighbor looks beyond the external accidents and discerns those inner qualities that make all of us [human] and, therefore, [family].”

May we strive for balance between listening and reflecting; between speaking and acting.

Finally let us incline our ears toward reason, apply our heart to understanding, and seek knowledge we can use to find common ground among the citizens for the betterment of the County.

Thank you.