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