Frank Brenner, Sarasota, responding to the "Family Haven Offers Hope on Challenging Issue" article in the Sept. 30 edition of SRQ Daily

Michael Barfield’s intimidation of city government continues unabated.  His mere presence as a passive, looming threat is enough to unnerve those who operate the levers of power. The latest example of his pernicious effect on the body politic was reported by SRQ Daily. 

Let me explain.  On Sept. 29, “leaders,” including three county commissioners, two North Port commissioners and five Venice city council members, gathered for Harvest House’s launch of North County Emergency Family Haven, a short-term housing facility for homeless families. Four of our city commissioners were not among the “leaders.”  Why was that?  The four commissioners “cit[ed] Sunshine Law concerns relating to pending litigation” (the Barfield suit against Commissioner Susan Chapman).

So, once again, out of fear of a potential Barfield stickup, a fear engendered by the City Attorney’s litigation aversion, the commissioners forsook an opportunity to engage with their constituents regarding the city’s hottest issue – homelessness. Why is that?  I submit it is because, despite the fact that the City Attorney has described Barfield’s suit against Commissioner Chapman to be based on an “incorrect interpretation of the law” and being “somewhat ludicrous” (why “somewhat?”), he has opined that city commissioners would be "taking a risk” by attending such public events.

I ask, “If the Chapman suit is ‘ludicrous,’ what is the risk”—that Barfield will launch a baseless lawsuit doomed to failure?  Some risk!

Of course, the commissioners cannot be faulted for their apprehension.  After all, if their legal advisor is risk averse, how can they be expected to ignore his equivocation?  They cannot.  What is required when Barfield is simply perceived as likely to commence a questionable lawsuit is determination by the city’s legal eagle to have the courage of his convictions and recommend contesting it—no holds barred.  Otherwise the city will remain forever vulnerable to paralysis and legal extortion.

Frank Brenner, Sarasota, responding to the "Family Haven Offers Hope on Challenging Issue" article in the Sept. 30 edition of SRQ Daily