Sarasota City Commissioner Suzanne Atwell announced she will not seek a third term in office, terming herself out for reasons that make me reflect on the years of her service. The first time I met her was when she and Adam Tebrugge were running for office at the same time and both came to an event I attended. Perky and enthusiastic, she carried the same persona as a cheerleader would when trying to entice the spectators to stand up and cheer for the team. And the term “Cheerleader” was one I used quite often—not always in respect—when someone would ask what I thought of her as a commissioner. In fact, I would readily admit I was one of the first who was critical in a loud fashion about her efforts in City Hall. I went on the air quite often railing about her and her efforts. Knowing this, never once did she shy away from me or turn down an interview. Not once did she resort to challenging me in disrespectful ways.

She was a devoted listener to my radio program. When she first started telling me that, I used to think she was just trying to feed my ego and doing what politicians do—shoveling manure to make you think you are “really that important.” Then I thought she was just keeping an eye on me to make sure I was not disrespecting her on air. She would tell me the timing of my program was at the same time she was running on the Ringling Bridge. I would test her devotion to my program by talking directly to her on the air to see if she was telling the truth. Over time, I saw she was. She did hear my criticisms and she took it like an adult. I also realized over the years that it wasn’t about me that she tuned in all the time. It was her way to hear what my guests had to say about what was important to them. She was always listening. She was always learning. That was what she thought was the job of a commissioner.

I cut her no slack because she was a Democrat. Some of my closest friends took me to task for being too hard on her. And no, this is not where I backtrack and agree. I wasn’t. I was spot on. And I will be happy to continue the argument. But that’s not the point I want to make. Suzanne held her own. She did it with a dignity and grace others only wish to possess. For as much as I disagreed with her decisions, I saw someone through the years who was earnest about her role and her power. She was not using her position to promote her own interests. She was not using her seat as a stepping stone. Suzanne was just working hard at being a good commissioner for this city.

When she says “We are not elected to govern as delegates of often well-intentioned, but frequently single-issue activists, but as representatives expected to use our judgment on what is best for the entire city,” she is correct. For someone like myself who oft times fits that description, that knowledge is a little hard to swallow.

We expect to use our power and influence with people who know us well to get them to bend to our desires. It’s easy to forget your relationship with an elected official should not yield any more influence than other voters. Your argument, not your relationship, should be able to produce the desired result. It takes a person with a strong constitution to hold onto that philosophy.

When I read that someone like Suzanne has decided to not run for office again, I am truly disappointed. Yes, I confess that my ego will not let go of the idea that if I had just a little more time, I could convince her to vote the way I think she should vote. But the truth is, I hate to think that we have beaten down someone’s will and desire to serve this city. I would like to end by saying, Suzanne, in all honesty and humility, I thank you for your service. 

Susan Nilon of The Nilon Report.