Brevard County, FL, Commission Meeting

5 December 2023 | Keith Becher | 187 words

Thank you commissioners, staff and citizens of Brevard county for your commitment to upholding the principles and ideas of democracy and self-governance.

As the year draws to a close and we are ensconced in a multitude of celebrations and holidays here and around the globe, may we be mindful of the affect our actions and decisions in this room have on our community as a whole.

May we strive to better the lives and opportunities for all our fellow citizens.

Let us seek to build up not tear one another down, to understand and not dismiss.

To personify the best of our shared humanity, so we can leave a legacy that history may smile upon. To quote W.E.B. Dubois, “Now is the accepted time, not tomorrow, not some more convenient season. It is today that our best work can be done and not some future day or future year. It is today that we fit ourselves for the greater usefulness of tomorrow. Today is the seed time, now are the hours of work, and tomorrow comes the harvest and the playtime.”

Thank you all and happy holidays.

(Invocation provided by the Humanist Community of the Space Coast)

Brevard County, FL, Commission Meeting

20 Oct 2023 | Chase Hansel | 323 words

Thank you for having me. I come today to advocate for understanding of our fellow neighbors. When I say neighbor I’d like to propose that everyone in this room is a neighbor. Maybe not two doors down, but think of all the folks here as just a few short streets away.

Being a good neighbor doesn’t mean you have to be best friends with someone, or love everything they do. It does mean you are going to be with them for a long time, so you should get to know them a little and try to make common cause.

These days it feels like we are encouraged to think in terms of the “righteous us” and the stupid “evil them”. I think instead we are all just people trying to do right by our families and make a better place to live for our kids and improve our general situation. That probably describes all of us.

Mr Rogers once said "Listening is where love begins: listening to ourselves and then to our neighbors." When someone expresses a belief or point of view on an issue that you disagree with; respond with curiosity instead of contempt. Ask why, and you might find out that though you don’t agree with someone’s solution, you both see the same problem. Listen with a loving heart and understand that they have wants and desires and fears much like your own that they are trying to satisfy. That is at least a place to start.

Cynicism is easy and makes you sound wise and experienced. Compassion is hard and may sound naive. In the end we are all better off if we try to listen to one another instead of talking past one another. If we try to be a bit more neighborly we can make this home we call brevard a more friendly and better place to be. So I ask, won’t you be my neighbor?

Thank you.

(Invocation provided by the Humanist Community of the Space Coast)

Brevard County, FL, Commission Meeting

3 August 2023 | Keith Becher | 170 words

Today, as we gather together, let us take a moment to reflect on the beauty of human diversity and the power of shared experience. In this inclusive space, we celebrate the richness of our individual perspectives and the strength we find in coming together.

Let us recognize the importance of empathy and compassion as we navigate this complex world. May we extend a helping hand to those in need and seek understanding in the face of differences. May we embrace the values of respect, tolerance, and justice, fostering a society that uplifts and empowers every individual.

May we appreciate the wonders of knowledge and the pursuit of truth. Let us value critical thinking, open dialogue, and the freedom to question, knowing that it is through intellectual exploration that we can build a brighter future.

With this invocation, we set our intentions and create a space that honors a diversity of beliefs and values, unifying us in our shared humanity, guided by empathy, reason, and goodwill for one another.

Thank You

Lake County, FL, Commission Meeting

27 June 2023 | Jocelyn Williamson | 208 words

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

As we convene today, let us recognize and celebrate our shared values and aspirations.

Next week, our country gathers to celebrate and honor the founding of our great nation. And as we approach the upcoming holiday, a day that symbolizes the birth of a nation, let us reflect on the ideals that unite us as Americans.

It is a time to celebrate not only our freedom but also the rich tapestry of diversity that makes our community grow stronger.

In the words of James Madison, one of our esteemed founders, "The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty."

Let us embrace the pursuit of knowledge, reason, and critical thinking as guiding principles in our endeavors today.

As we navigate the matters before us, may we remember that collaboration and honest dialogue are essential for progress.

Let us seek common ground, respect differing viewpoints, and work together towards the betterment of our community.

In this chamber, let integrity, transparency, cooperation and compassion be our guiding lights.

May our actions reflect a commitment to the well-being of all the residents of Lake County.

Thank you.

Volusia County, FL, Council Meeting

6 June 2023 | Angelo Parra | 222 words

Good morning, and thank you, Chairman Brower, Council Members, County Manager, and county administration and staff for this opportunity.

As a relatively new resident of DeLand and citizen of Volusia County, it’s a true honor to appear here today representing the Central Florida Freethought Community.

We are grateful to you for your long hours and for the often-underappreciated time, effort, and personal sacrifice that comes with your dedication to your constituents.

With that in mind, consider the words of physician, philosopher, and humanitarian Albert Schweitzer, who said: "The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others."

As you serve and help others, we ask that you persevere in working together to find solutions for the challenges facing our county.

We encourage you turn to away from the prevailing preoccupation with our differences, and focus instead on the similarities shared by the richly diverse citizenry of Volusia.

We hope the mutual love of friends and family and our collective hopes and dreams will continue to inspire you to deliberate selflessly.

It is through your generous commitment of time, energy, and creativity that you make a better future for Volusia.

I’ll close with one more quote from cultural anthropologist Margaret Meade, who famously said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”

Thank you.

Eustis, FL, City Commission Meeting

1 June 2023 | Gordon Brown | 186 words

Mayor Holland, commissioners and staff, thank you for this opportunity and your kind attention.

This evening we begin with a moment of gratitude and reflection; we live in a free society where myriad voices and beliefs are respected and even celebrated and we recognize the accomplishments of this body in concert with the citizens of Eustis.

Nevertheless, we find ourselves in uncertain times, therefore we look to all of our elected and appointed public servants to provide informed leadership, peaceful resolution, and fair directives.

May the deliberations you engage in now, and in the future, include a few guiding principles:

Decisions made with evidence and veracity,

Acceptance of those who grow-up, live, and love, differently,

Support of both bodily and introspective autonomy,

Abiding regard for the diversity and dignity of those who are served,

And keeping to the practices of logic, compassion, and justice.

Many of our brothers and sisters face their daily challenges with optimism, while many others remain in despair. So, we remember these few words from Albert Camus, “Where there is no hope, it is incumbent upon us to invent it.”

Thank you.

Casselberry, FL, City Commission Meeting

15 May 2023 | Gordon Brown | 212 words

Thank you, Mayor Henson, Commissioners, and staff. May we begin with a moment of reflection and gratitude, in that, we live in a society where myriad voices and beliefs are respected and even celebrated.

Faced with challenges daily, many overcome them while others are left in despair, but we all look to our elected and appointed public servants to provide leadership and viable solutions.

We all acknowledge the accomplishments of this body in concert with the citizens of this wonderful city. Tonight, may these deliberations remain optimistic and engage a few guiding values:

Decisions made with evidence and veracity,

Acceptance of those who grow-up, live, and love, differently,

Support of both bodily and introspective autonomy,

Abiding regard for the diversity and dignity of those who are served,

And keeping to the practices of logic, compassion, and justice.

Again, thank you for allowing us to participate in this way and for your kind attention.

Let me conclude with these words from Clarence Darrow: “I am pleading for the future; I am pleading for a time when hatred and cruelty will not control the hearts of men. When we can learn by, reason and judgment and understanding and faith that all life is worth saving, and that mercy is the highest attribute of man.”

Orange County, FL, Commission Meeting

2 May 2023 | David Williamson | 169 words

As we assemble today, let us remember that when we share with those around us that which is most important to us,

Listening begins.

When we acknowledge the concerns of others and when we say those concerns matter to us all,

Compassion begins.

When we stand united on issues where our values overlap, regardless of our differences,

Courage begins.

When we experience the full presence of one other, because of our shared humanity and in spite of our disagreements,

Understanding begins.

Today, may we grow in understanding of our OWN motives as we replace ignorance with knowledge and fear with compassion.

As we begin these proceedings, let us be patient and charitable in our dialogue.

May we be open to others’ ideas and respectful of our differences, and to truly value one another as fellow travelers on the same road.

The way forward is ALWAYS the one that brings us closer together. Because it is only by working TOGETHER that we bring everyone with us and leave none behind.

Casselberry, FL, City Commission Meeting

27 March 2023 | Sue Jenik | 170 words

Thank you, Mayor, Commissioners, and staff, for the opportunity this evening.

As we begin this meeting, let’s take time to be mindful of the trust that has been placed in us by fellow citizens.

May we remember that we are here to serve the people of Casselberry, and to do so with care, integrity, and diligence.

Floridian Zora Neale Hurston wrote, "There are years that ask questions and years that answer." As we move forward, let us remember the importance of both questioning and answering.

May we approach this work with an open mind, willing to consider new perspectives and ideas.

May we also ask necessary questions, and seek answers grounded in reason and evidence.

At the same time, let us be grateful for the progress we have made, and the many accomplishments that surely lie ahead.

In closing, let us remember this work is a reflection of a commitment to the City, and that these efforts will have a lasting impact on the lives of those served.

Thank you.

Sanford, FL, Council Meeting

13 February 2023 | Randa Black | 199 words

Thank you, Mayor Woodruff, Commissioners and city staff. The community appreciates your hard work on behalf of the City.

In honor of black history month, let us consider the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr..

He once wrote, "We must walk in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future."

With that in mind, let us think of those who are here in this chamber today, and make the most of the sharing of ideas and the goodwill that comes from their collaboration.

Let us think of the people in our community who are impacted, by the choices being made.

Finally, let us think of future generations, whose lives will be guided by the decisions reached today.

Dr. King also said that "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?'"

With that, may we consider today an opportunity to work together and build an even stronger city.

• Let us lift everyone in the way others have lifted us.

• Let us use reason to guide our decisions.

• Let us be thankful for what we can accomplish together.

May we aim to give our very best to the city of Sanford.

Thank you.

Winter Park, FL, Council Meeting

8 February 2023 | Jocelyn Williamson | 200 words

Thank you, Mayor Anderson, Commissioners and city staff. The community appreciates your hard work on behalf of the City.

In honor of black history month, let us consider the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr..

He once wrote, "We must walk in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future."

With that in mind, let us think of those who are here in this chamber today, and make the most of the sharing of ideas and the goodwill that comes from their collaboration.

Let us think of the people in our community who are impacted, by the choices being made.

Finally, let us think of future generations, whose lives will be guided by the decisions reached today.

Dr. King also said that "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?'"

With that, may we consider today an opportunity to work together and build an even stronger city.

• Let us lift everyone in the way others have lifted us.

• Let us use reason to guide our decisions.

• Let us be thankful for what we can accomplish together.

May we aim to give our very best to the city of Winter Park.

Thank you.

Volusia County, FL, Council Meeting

17 January 2023 | Jocelyn Williamson | 195 words

Thank you, Chairman Brower, Commissioners and city staff. The community appreciates your hard work on behalf of the County.

This week the country honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr..

He once wrote, "We must walk in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future."

With that in mind, let us think of those who are here in this chamber today, and make the most of the sharing of ideas and the goodwill that comes from their collaboration.

Let us think of the people in our community who are impacted, by the choices being made.

Finally, let us think of future generations, whose lives will be guided by the decisions reached today.

Dr. King also said that "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?'"

With that, may we consider today an opportunity to work together and build an even stronger county.

• Let us lift everyone in the way others have lifted us.
• Let us use reason to guide our decisions.
• Let us be thankful for what we can accomplish together.

May we aim to give our very best to Volusia County.

Thank you.

Seminole County, FL, City Commission Meeting

10 January 2023 | Jocelyn Williamson | 198 words

Thank you, Chairwoman Lockhart, Commissioners and city staff. The community appreciates your hard work on behalf of the County.

This morning, let us think of the people who are in this chamber and make the most of the sharing of ideas and the goodwill that comes from this.

Let us think of the people who are in our community and impacted, by the choices being made.

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

Next week the country honors the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.. He once wrote "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"

With that in mind, consider that January offers a new slate and this morning we begin to write upon it.

Let us write compassion.

Let us write reason.

Let us write equality.

Let us write thankfulness for what we accomplish together.

Let us aim to give our very best to Seminole County.

As the new year begins, let this new year be a year of greater possibilities and may we take the time to lift everyone in the same way others have lifted us.

Thank you.